Avoid the Rain – Understanding Sri Lanka’s Climate

Sri Lanka’s weather can be tricky to predict. Despite being a small island, it’s affected by two separate monsoon seasons, which ensures that some part of the island always has good weather.

Southwest Monsoon (Yala)

Affects: West & Southwest coasts, Hill Country
Months: April / May – September
Wettest: April to June
Avoid these regions during this time
Best time: December – March

Northeast Monsoon (Maha)

Affects: East Coast
Months: November – March
Wettest: November to December
Avoid the east coast
Best time: April – September

Inter-Monsoonal Period

Months: October – November
Weather: Unpredictable showers & thunderstorms

Best Travel Times by Region

Region	Best Months	Avoid Months
West & South Coasts	Dec – Mar	May – Sep
Hill Country	Dec – Mar	May – Sep
East Coast	Apr – Sep	Nov – Dec

Temperature & Climate

26–30°CCoastal

18–22°CKandy

14–17°CNuwara Eliya

60–90%Humidity

Smart Travel Tip

Follow the sun:

Dec–Mar: West, South, Hill Country

Apr–Sep: East and North Coasts

Select Language

Avoid the Rain – Understanding Sri Lanka’s Climate