Weather
Sri Lanka does not have one travel season
Two monsoons run in opposite directions. The south-west monsoon (roughly May to September) wets the south and west coasts while the east stays dry; the north-east monsoon (roughly October to January) reverses it. Pick a region and a month to see what you would actually get.
Cultural Triangle in November
Mixed conditionsDrier January–April; hot March–May
Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa on the hot plains. Low rainfall most of the year, but temperatures from March to May regularly make climbing uncomfortable by mid-morning.
- Typical conditions
- Showers continuing
- Rain
- High
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C day, 22–25 °C night
- Good for
- Cave temples
- Travel consideration
- Green landscape, fewer visitors
| Month | Conditions | Rain | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Dry, warm, clear | Low | 26–32 °C day, 21–24 °C night |
| February | Dry, excellent | Low | 27–33 °C day, 21–25 °C night |
| March | Dry and getting hot | Low | 29–35 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| April | Hottest period, dry | Low–moderate | 29–36 °C day, 23–27 °C night |
| May | First showers, still hot | Moderate | 28–33 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| June | Afternoon showers | Moderate | 27–32 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| July | Afternoon showers | Moderate | 27–31 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| August | Showers easing | Moderate | 27–32 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| September | Inter-monsoon showers | Moderate | 27–32 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| October | Wetter period | High | 26–31 °C day, 23–26 °C night |
| November | Showers continuing | High | 26–30 °C day, 22–25 °C night |
| December | Drying out, warm | Moderate | 26–31 °C day, 21–25 °C night |
Last verified 24 September 2026 · reviewed every 180 days
How to read this
Figures are typical conditions drawn from published climate patterns for each region, not a forecast. Rain in the hill country usually arrives in the afternoon; on the coasts it tends to come in longer spells. Always check the Department of Meteorology forecast for the days you are travelling.
Verification
Regional weather guidance is reviewed every 180 days against the Department of Meteorology and Sri Lanka Tourism sources. This page is indicative planning information — conditions vary year to year.