Quick decision
When to visit Sri Lanka?
🌞 Best time overall
February
🌡️ Optimal temperature
72°F–84°F in February
🌧 Least rain
45% rainy days in February
🌧 Wettest month
April (58%)
📅 Best score
7.8/10
By trip type
Best time by type of trip
Temples & HeritageDecember–March — Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy and Cultural Triangle.
Highland TrainJanuary–April — Ella, tea plantations and spectacular scenery.
Yala SafariFebruary–July — leopards, elephants and birds at the national park.
BeachesDecember–March (south/west) or May–September (east) — Mirissa, Unawatuna, Arugam Bay.
FamilyJanuary–March — south coast, turtles and scenic train.
Monthly climate data
Sri Lanka weather month by month
| Month | Min °F | Max °F | Rainy days (%) | Precip. in/d | Sun h/d | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🌤️ January | 70°F | 82°F | 56% | 0.2in | 10.1h | 7.5/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 72°F | 84°F | 45% | 0.1in | 10.8h | 7.8/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 72°F | 88°F | 43% | 0.1in | 11.1h | 7.5/10 |
| 🌤️ April | 75°F | 91°F | 58% | 0.2in | 11.0h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌤️ May | 77°F | 90°F | 50% | 0.2in | 10.9h | 7.2/10 |
| 🌤️ June | 77°F | 90°F | 26% | 0.0in | 11.0h | 7.8/10 |
| 🌤️ July | 77°F | 90°F | 33% | 0.0in | 11.0h | 7.6/10 |
| 🌤️ August | 75°F | 90°F | 39% | 0.1in | 11.0h | 7.5/10 |
| 🌤️ September | 75°F | 90°F | 49% | 0.1in | 11.0h | 7.3/10 |
| ⛅ October | 73°F | 86°F | 74% | 0.3in | 9.8h | 7.0/10 |
| 🌦️ November | 72°F | 84°F | 84% | 0.5in | 8.0h | 7.0/10 |
| ⛅ December | 72°F | 82°F | 72% | 0.3in | 9.6h | 7.2/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
🌴 Tropical destination — heavy rain months benefit from an algorithmic adjustment: tropical showers are intense but brief and usually don't ruin a trip.
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time
Average 32°F, 50% rainy days, 11.0h sunshine/day. Score: 7.2/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Good time
Average 32°F, 33% rainy days, 11.0h sunshine/day. Score: 7.6/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time
Average 30°F, 69% rainy days, 9.6h sunshine/day. Score: 7.1/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 28°F, 58% rainy days, 10.2h sunshine/day. Score: 7.5/10.
Accommodation
Find a place to stay in Sri Lanka
Check availability during the recommended period
Tip : off-peak months (April, May) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
Search on Hotels.comActivities & tours
Activities and tours in Sri Lanka
Guided tours, skip-the-line tickets and local experiences.
Browse activities on GetYourGuide
Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
February is ideal with 45% rainy days and 29°F. The months of February & June offer comparable conditions.
April is the wettest month with 58% rainy days.
Yes, February is the best month with an average of 29°F.
In winter, the average score is 7.5/10. Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.
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