There are not many places on our planet where the weather remains approximately the same throughout the year. That is why tourists are always interested in what the weather will be like in a particular place during their vacation. Almost all tourists are wondering when is the best time to go on vacation to Sri Lanka if they are really going to this island. It is impossible to answer this question correctly if you do not take into account all the nuances. The fact is that it is important to take into account such details as the place of the intended vacation in Sri Lanka, the purpose of the vacation (beach vacation, trips to National parks, sightseeing, surfing, whale watching, etc.), planned expenses and more.
In this article we will try to briefly talk about when is the best time to go on holiday to Sri Lanka, taking into account all important nuances. After reading this article to the end, you will understand when you should go to this island and when not. We also advise you to additionally read the article about the weather in Sri Lanka by month. In addition, on our website you will find review articles about the weather in Sri Lanka in every month of the year. So on our website you will get the most full information about the weather in Sri Lanka.

Climate in Sri Lanka

The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and influenced by the monsoons from the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. High temperatures Around 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, accompanied by a soft sea breeze, determine the climate in Sri Lanka. Depending on the dominance of a particular monsoon, the large island in the Indian Ocean is dominated by different weather. When southwest Sri Lanka experiences the southwest monsoon, these regions often experience rain and strong wind. At the same time, the sun often shines in the northeast. This happens from mid-May to the end of September, when the rainy season lasts in the southwest of Sri Lanka. Moisture from the Indian Ocean is carried to the island by southwesterly winds, resulting in heavy rainfall. From October to November, you can also expect periodic showers and strong winds in this region.
Between December and March, the situation looks very different: the northeast monsoon transports moisture from the Bay of Bengal, causing heavy rainfall in northeast Sri Lanka. In the opposite part of Sri Lanka at this time of year it is warm, sunny and almost without rain. March to mid-May experiences the wettest weather on the entire island. So we can say that the best time to travel to Sri Lanka in general (not to any specific area) is during the transition period between the monsoons. During such periods, the weather in Sri Lanka is not the rainiest, but not the sunniest either. If you want to relax in a specific place, you must remember that in this case one season here will be better than the other.

Yala and Maha monsoons in Sri Lanka

Due to its location near the equator, Sri Lanka has a tropical monsoon climate. He is influenced mountain ranges inside the island and the monsoon wind, changing every six months. The southwest monsoon, "Yala", blows from mid-May to late September from the southwest, but due to the presence of mountains in the center of the island, it does not reach the east and northeast of the island. These mountains stop rich in moisture air masses, and this leads to loss large quantity precipitation in the west and south. At the beginning of the southwest monsoon period, the west and south of Sri Lanka receives a lot of rainfall, although rainfall becomes less and less as the summer progresses. In September and October, rainfall increases again strongly, and in November the rains gradually stop. Although the Yala monsoon often sees sunny weather with no precipitation, this time of year almost always sees high waves on most beaches. That is why, if you are going to the western or southern coast of Sri Lanka and want to swim in the ocean, it is important to choose a suitable beach for this, where the waves are not very high. Such a beach, for example, could be Unawatuna. You can also pay attention to other beaches on the southern coast, located in bays. There are practically no such beaches on the west coast.
From October to mid-April, the northeast monsoon "Maha" blows from exactly the opposite direction, from the northeast. This weather phenomenon is caused by the location of the area of ​​lowest air pressure moving around the equator. Perfect weather swimming on the northeast coast is observed during the period from April to September inclusive, but in the period from October to mid-April it is better not to go to the east coast. The amount of precipitation in this region during this period is quite high, noticeably more than in the west.

Air temperature in Sri Lanka

In general, the air temperature throughout Sri Lanka is approximately the same, only in the mountainous areas it is noticeably lower than the temperature on the rest of the island. Although the lowland areas of Sri Lanka have relatively the same temperatures, you will feel slightly cooler on the coast due to the sea breeze. But as soon as you move at least 1 km from the ocean shore, you will begin to feel all the delights of tropical weather. In general, temperatures in Sri Lanka fluctuate between 28-32°C during the day, depending on the coast. average temperature The air temperature in the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is 29°C, and the difference between the coldest and warmest months is only 3 degrees. This makes Sri Lanka an ideal year-round holiday destination.
January is the coldest month of the year in Sri Lanka, April and May are the coldest warm months. High in the mountains, especially in the Ella and Nuwara Eliya regions, the weather can be completely frosty in December and January.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

As you already understand, there is no common rainy season for the whole of Sri Lanka, so in each region of the island the rainy season occurs in different time of the year. In the west and south of Sri Lanka, the rainy season lasts from May to mid-November, while in the north and east of the island it lasts from October to mid-April.
The Yala and Mahu monsoons bring a lot of rainfall (an average of 2365 mm of rainfall, but in specific places it can be less or more). The driest period in Sri Lanka is January-February, and the rainiest month of the year on the island is May.
The lowlands to the north and east and the eastern central highlands form a dry zone where the northeast monsoon brings abundant rain, and the southwest monsoon from May to July often experiences a dry season during which rain is highly welcome. In general, this region receives less than 1000 mm of rainfall throughout the year, which is less than all other regions of Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to fly to Sri Lanka?

Now is the time to briefly talk about the main periods of the year and see how they are suitable for holidays. Although it is customary to distinguish two main periods in Sri Lanka (the Yala and Mahu monsoon periods), we still divided the whole year into a larger number of periods, since the weather and recreation conditions during the same period are not always very similar.

January March

The months from January to March are the best time to travel to Sri Lanka not only for beach holiday, but also for traveling around the island itself. Most of Sri Lanka experiences mostly sunny and relatively dry weather during this period. The air temperature during this period is not the highest. The weather in the area of ​​the beaches of the south and west from January to March is dry, warm and sunny. So it’s not surprising that most experts advise flying to the island at this time of year.

April

April is considered quite dry and the hottest month of the year in Sri Lanka. The hot season begins in April, especially in the interior of the island. It is not recommended to tour Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle this month, as daytime temperatures often reach 35°C in the Triangle area.
If you decide to go to Sri Lanka specifically for a beach holiday on the west or south coast, then April with its cloudless skies and long on sunny days perfect for this. However, you should avoid the hottest hours of the day (11am to 3pm) for sightseeing in Sri Lanka.

May June

The southwest monsoon hits Sri Lanka in May and June, but as the name suggests, it only affects the southwest from Colombo to Hambathota. The southwest monsoon, however, is the milder of the two monsoons that dominate Sri Lanka. Basically, this monsoon is characterized by short but heavy rains, which, however, pass quickly. This distinguishes it from the northeast monsoon, which brings long periods of rain to the east and north of Sri Lanka. From May to July it is better to go to the east of Sri Lanka.

July August

During this period, which is also called the "inter-monsoon season", the chance of rain is low. The weather is good on most of the island. Temperatures are constant, averaging around 29°C. In general, this period is considered one of the best periods to travel to Sri Lanka, regardless of which coast you plan to travel to, although the east is drier.

September-November

In September and October, rainfall increases noticeably in the west of Sri Lanka, and in October and November there is a rapid increase in rainfall in the east of the island. After all, the period from October to November is the beginning of the northeast monsoon. This is the most powerful monsoon in Sri Lanka. Although the name of the monsoon suggests that it dominates the north-eastern region of Sri Lanka, it actually affects the entire island. Although the west and south suffer less from this monsoon than the north and east.
If you are still planning to travel to Sri Lanka between September and November, you should be aware of the main pattern, which is that from the beginning of this period, the amount of precipitation in the west gradually decreases, and in the east it gradually increases. Therefore, it would be correct to go to the east coast in September, and to the west coast in November. As for October, there is a high chance of rain this month on both the west and east coasts of Sri Lanka.

December

This month, the monsoon wind in western Sri Lanka subsides. December is one of best months for a trip around Sri Lanka, exploring the sights and visiting national parks. Dry and pleasant climate prevails throughout the country. warm weather. However, in last years Monsoon rain continued until December.

Best time to holiday on the southwest coast

Are you looking for a pleasant holiday on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka? Then the best time for this is from November to March. For those who can bear hot weather with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, April is also have a good month for relax. The peak season on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka runs from January to March, when the driest climate prevails. During these months, tours to Sri Lanka are the most expensive, because hotels are filled to capacity. During the southwest monsoon, which lasts from mid-May to October, holidays on the southwest coast are not recommended. During this period, landslides and floods often occur, as in May 2017, when the monsoons were particularly raging in Sri Lanka. The most suitable areas of Sri Lanka for these months are the east and north of the island.

Best time to holiday on the northeast coast

Best time for holidays in the north and east of Sri Lanka - the period from March to November. Although the northeast experiences warm tropical weather with high humidity all year round, it is only during the Mahu monsoon that there is a huge amount of rainfall. The rainy season in the northeast of Sri Lanka is characterized by more rainfall than the rainy season in the southwest of the island, but the waves in the northeast are not as high.

We will tell you by month what season is best to vacation in Sri Lanka in order not to get caught in the pouring rain. Read before your trip.

Eternal summer with warm ocean and consistently hot days await those who decide to choose Sri Lanka for a beach holiday. All year round in this tropical country, lying near the equator, the water temperature stays at +27+29 degrees, and the air temperature is daytime does not fall below +28.

The island is divided by a mountain range, and the weather in the eastern part is somewhat different from the weather in the south. In general, there are two periods in Sri Lanka: wet (May-September) and dry (October-March). Tourists dreaming of a paradise vacation try to plan a trip in the autumn and winter months so that the rains do not interfere with swimming and serene sunbathing. The peak of tourist flow occurs from to.

You can go to Ceylon during the wet season, since the rains mainly fall at night, allowing you to calmly explore the sights during the day, of which there are many on the island. One has only to take into account that in summer the sun is almost invisible behind a dense veil of clouds, and the humidity is at high level– not everyone feels comfortable in the humid stuffiness.


Comfortable season in Sri Lanka

November

At the beginning of the month, squally winds and thunderstorms are still common, with especially heavy rainfall in Galle and Colombo. High waves are raging on the ocean, preventing tourists from swimming. The monsoons move from the southwestern provinces to the northeastern ones, changing the weather there to more humid ones. In the north-central province it rains for half the month.

In the south, at the end of the month it becomes noticeably drier, the air temperature is +29, the water temperature is one degree higher. By evening the heat drops to a comfortable +25 degrees. In the mountainous areas it can be quite cool: the temperature during the day varies from +20 to +11, at night tourists even have to turn on the heating devices.

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December

In Colombo, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Wadduwa, Galle and Weligama it rains up to 10 times a month. Warm and short-lived, they do not interfere with excursions and relaxation on the beach. The sun shines 10 hours a day, heating the air to +30+31 degrees, by night the thermometer drops to +24.

In Kalutara and Beruwella the temperature is the same, but there is more rainfall. In Negombo the nights are cooler - about 22 degrees Celsius. In the central regions of Sri Lanka there are 13-15 rainy days in December, and in the northeastern regions - 16-20.

The bulk of beach tourists come in December to the southern and western resorts, where there is a lot of sun, little rain and storms at sea, and the water near the shore is warmed up to +28 degrees. Surfers choose Negombo and Kalutara for suitable waves.

January

Due to the northeast monsoon, conditions on the island of Jaffna and Trincomalee are not the best for relaxation: the humidity is high, it rains quite often, and the sky is cloudy. Slightly less rainfall occurs in the central mountainous region, and in Nuwara Eliya the number of rainy days is reduced to 8 per month.

In the southwestern and southern resorts of Sri Lanka, precipitation occurs approximately once a week, the weather is sunny and hot, with daytime temperatures of +29+30. IN dark time days the air cools to +22. The sea is relatively calm, the waves are small. You can devote time to sunbathing, go on excursions or try Ayurvedic health treatments.

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February

The south of the country is still excellent for a beach holiday: the sun shines for 7-9 hours a day, providing daytime temperatures of up to +30+31 degrees. Humidity here in winter stays at 57%.

In Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, clear days are rare, the sun is mostly hidden behind the clouds, although it rains 8 times a month. In the northeast, the air temperature is high, but at the same time it is pouring downpours, causing occasional flooding in populated areas. Yet winter thunderstorms in Sri Lanka are not comparable to summer season rains, when streams of water fall from the sky.

For surfing in winter, you can go to Hikkaduwa, Kalutara, Negombo, Weligama. Calmer seas await holidaymakers on the beaches of Unawatuna and Dalawella, as well as in Wadduwa.

March

In March, Sri Lanka becomes drier and hotter. The northeastern trade winds are losing ground - it rains on the ground 3 to 6 times per month. Considering that the duration of showers does not exceed half an hour, and they usually occur in the dark, you can not pay attention to them at all.

In the southern and southwestern provinces during the day the air warms up to +30+31, by the evening the thermometer drops to +24 degrees. Colombo has a real “sauna”: +32 degrees during the day and high humidity. In the east and northeast of the island, air temperatures vary from +30 during the day to +23 at night. You can take a break from the coolness in Nuwara Eliya, where during the day the temperature is only 23 degrees Celsius, and in the evening +10.

March counts perfect month for excursions, since you can move around the country without fear of getting caught in thunderstorms and hurricanes. A beach holiday will also be excellent, because the water is warmed up to +28, and there are no high waves.

April

Before the southwest monsoon begins to dominate Sri Lanka, bringing storms and heavy tropical downpours to the south and west of the island, you can have time to soak up the bright April sun. Even if it is increasingly hidden behind the clouds, it nevertheless provides an even tan.

Sri Lanka is a country in South Asia, on the island of the same name off the southeastern coast of Hindustan. From the time of the Portuguese invasion until independence, the country was called Ceylon in European languages. The island of Sri Lanka is characterized by a tropical climate, characterized by warm and humid weather. The temperature here stays around 30⁰ and remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. The climate on the island varies in terms of precipitation, so there are two seasons - the dry season and the rainy season.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka in the southwest usually begins in May and ends in November, and in the northeast it lasts from October to January. During these months, about 95% of the annual precipitation falls. But this fact does not mean that Sri Lanka is not interesting for tourists during the rainy season.

The rainy season in Sri Lanka consists of torrential, but short-term rains, which occur in most cases at night and do not overshadow the rest of tourists during the day. The only negative is the dirty and choppy sea. But this is not an obstacle to seeing the sights, going on exciting excursions or just sunbathing on the beach.

In addition, during the rainy season, Sri Lanka is attractive for its prices; most hotels provide vacationers with significant discounts; airlines and tour operators reduce the cost of services provided. And this fact simply cannot but please tourists.

There are also a number of pitfalls when vacationing on the island during the dry season. It is generally accepted that during this season there are no heavy rains in Sri Lanka, but there is a possibility of zenithal rains, which occur in equatorial countries. Moreover, on different coasts of the island the seasons begin at different times of the year.

So when is the best time to go to Sri Lanka? In order for your holiday in Sri Lanka to be memorable and full of positive impressions, you should go to the southwest of the island in winter, and to the north and east in summer. Have a nice holiday!

Sri Lanka hosts more than one airport on its territory. The distance between Moscow and Sri Lanka is 6573 km. A direct flight from Moscow to Sri Lanka will last about 9 hours and can be reached non-stop by charter flight. The flight with transfers will take from 10 to 23 hours depending on the airline.

The local currency is the Lankan Rupee. Sri Lanka is a very unique country, where many cultures and religions are mixed, located on the world map in the Indian Ocean.

Tourists buy tours to the island all year round because the prices are quite attractive; in 2019, tours with flights can be purchased inexpensively from a large number of tour operators.

What you need to know about Sri Lanka

Where is the island of Sri Lanka? Sri Lanka is a country located in South Asia, 100 km from India. Previously called Ceylon. The total area of ​​Sri Lanka is 65,610 km 2. Official language Sri Lanka speaks Sinhala and Tamil, English is recognized as an interethnic language.

Tourism plays an important role in the state’s economy, namely resort towns, beaches, attractions, etc. To visit the island state of Sri Lanka, citizens from Russia require a visa, which must be obtained in advance on the official ETA website. It is also worth considering taking out a health insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip.

Prices for food and excursions depend on the season. In Sri Lanka, food prices are average. Milk 1 liter costs 1.2 dollars, bread costs 50 cents, 1 bottle of wine costs 9 dollars. Sri Lanka has a huge selection of products. There is tea, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, etc. on sale.

Climate

The island of Sri Lanka has a tropical climate and a rainy season. Sri Lanka in summer means rain, since it is during this period that about 95% of all precipitation falls, so the period from November to May is the most favorable time to visit this country.

All year round, the air temperature ranges from +28 to +30 o C. The exception is mountainous areas, where in winter the temperature drops to +10 o C, and the water is heated all year round to an average of +26 o C.

The suitable season for a holiday by month depends on the destination:

January Day Night
+30 o C +23 o C
February +30 o C +23 o C
March +31 o C +24 o C
April +34 o C +23 o C
May +30 o C +26 o C
June +31 o C +26 o C
July +28 o C +25 o C
August +28 o C +26 o C
September +29 o C +26 o C
October +30 o C +26 o C
November +29 o C +25 o C
December +29 o C +21 o C

Entertainment and attractions


You need to plan your vacation based on your preferences:

  • Beach. Warm sea, warm sand, soft drinks, etc.;
  • Active holidays on the island of Sri Lanka. There is water skiing, surfing, yachting, scuba diving, paragliding, deep sea fishing, golf and hiking;
  • Excursions around Sri Lanka, historical monuments and interesting places. Prices for excursions in Sri Lanka from $50 and above;
  • Festivals and holidays, the country is replete with them.

Most of the attractions in Ceylon are natural, as are most of the entertainment. The attractions located in Sri Lanka will be of interest to ordinary tourists and people interested in world culture and history.

List of visited places:

  1. Colombo is an important city in the country, the financial and cultural center of Ceylon. Here you can eat, go shopping, visit nightclubs, architectural sites, museums and temples;
  2. Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. Sri Lanka is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists from all over the world, built to preserve a great shrine;
  3. Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya. On an area of ​​60 hectares, there are about 5,000 plant species. By taking pictures here, you will bring back gorgeous photos from Sri Lanka;
  4. The Sigiriya fortress on the island of Sri Lanka is a single rock 170 m high and the Matale fortress built on it. There's a lot to see here. The island has a mirror wall, ancient wall paintings, terraces, pools and gardens;
  5. Golden and Cave Temples of Dambulla - a rock temple founded in the 1st century BC, where a 30-meter statue of Buddha sits at the entrance;
  6. Adam's Peak is a beautiful mountain with a peak at a dizzying height of 2200 meters above sea level, offering a wonderful view;
  7. The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was created to protect orphaned elephants. On this moment the nursery has about 80 elephants and baby elephants born;
  8. Yala National Park is the oldest park on the island and is home to 44 species of mammals, 46 species of reptiles and 215 species of birds;
  9. Dondra Lighthouse is the most southern point islands 49 meters high;
  10. The Sinharaja Rain Forest is a UNESCO heritage site. It contains majestic ferns, tight vines and overgrown horsetails;
  11. The city of Trincomalee is one of the famous resorts, located in a cozy bay. The city attracts with beach holidays, architectural attractions and hot springs;
  12. Turtle farm in Kosgoda. Holidays in Sri Lanka with a child best place Can't find one for a tour.

Popular resorts in Sri Lanka

Where is the best place to go on holiday in Sri Lanka?

The best resorts in Sri Lanka are ready to host holidaymakers at any time:

  • Beach resort in Colombo. Beach holidays are popular - swimming, scuba diving, surfing and fishing. Fans of more extreme leisure activities can go to the water park;
  • Traveling with children will be able to visit children's pools, a children's play area and dancing with animators. There is an opportunity to see monasteries and churches. Here you can stay in both expensive and budget hotels;
  • The Unawatuna resort near the city of Galle is good for a beach holiday. Season is all year round, but the best time to visit is from December to April. The main advantage is the absence of waves, since the coast is protected by a coral reef;
  • The resort area of ​​Kalutara in the southwestern part of the island of Sri Lanka is famous sports clubs. It will be problematic to relax here with children, since the entry into the sea is steep and the waves rise in windy weather. The most famous local landmark is the Gangatilaka Vihara stupa, which is hollow inside;
  • Traveling Sri Lanka in Induruwa is quiet family holiday. Excursions are predominantly water related, namely river safaris and boat trips;
  • It is better for tourists on the island of Sri Lanka to go to the resort of Wadduwa from October to April, since it rarely rains at this time. You can visit the fishing town, temples and Richmond Castle;
  • Beruwela is a resort town washed by Indian Ocean. Here you can relax on the beach, windsurf, water ski or snorkel.

The best beaches in Sri Lanka

The beaches in Ceylon are kilometers of coastline with the most delicate, sandy ocean shore and palm trees. The island will satisfy the needs of tourists who want to splash in the waves, and will also interest vacationers with children to see ancient temples and cities and ancient monuments. Here wonderful place for photographers, surfing and diving enthusiasts.

Beach holidays are the most common on the island, so tourists have long identified best beaches Sri Lanka:

  1. Negombo Beach, located near the airport;
  2. Unawatuna Beach, located in a small lagoon bay and protected from the waves;
  3. Bentota Beach, about 3 km long, you can sunbathe and stroll;
  4. Hikkaduwa - central beach;
  5. Ahungalla Beach with unique tropical and sea views;
  6. Mount Lavinia Beach, Mirissa, Dickwella and others.

Popular hotels in Sri Lanka

On the island of Sri Lanka, hotels are located along the entire coast of the Indian Ocean.

Mostly lists of popular hotels in Sri Lanka include 4-star hotels or the best all-inclusive hotels:

  • Club Palm Bay 4 stars.

Services:

  • All inclusive meals;
  • Restaurant;
  • Bars;
  • Swimming pool with children's section;
  • Conference hall;
  • Laundry.

Room configuration:

  • Air conditioner;
  • Telephone;
  • A television;
  • Safe;
  • Bathroom with hygiene products.

Leisure:

  • Golf;
  • Tennis;
  • Volleyball;
  • Billiards;
  • Disco;
  • Water sports.

A double room for 7 nights in the province of Marawila at the Club Palm hotel will cost from $74 per night.

  • Crescent Resort Hotel. Free bicycle rentals and visits are provided here. outdoor swimming pool, there is a playground for children;
  • Hotel complex Weligama Bay Resort 4 stars with free wake-up service.

Leisure:

  • Pool;
  • Massage;
  • Spa treatments;
  • Water sports.

Infrastructure:

  • Parking;
  • Bath;
  • B-B-Q;
  • Beach;
  • Souvenir shop;
  • Garden and much more.

Types of tours

Thanks to the climate, you can relax on the island all year round. Conventionally, we can distinguish excursion tours, wellness tours, beach tours, spa tours, holidays with children, diving and proprietary shopping tours.

  1. Excursion tours. The Ceylon Islands are ideal for educational tourism. Tour operators offer a good choice: Pearl of Ceylon, Gem of Sri Lanka, Gem of a Dream.
  2. Cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, Island of Paradise. The price of the tour will vary depending on the number of days and the tourist route.
  3. Medical tours. For those who want to relax and receive treatment, there are hotels with an Ayurvedic focus. Beach tours that can be visited regardless of the time of year. You can plan a vacation to popular beaches. In any case, you will get an unforgettable experience. More active tourists can try diving or surfing, go to sea ​​cruise or go fishing.
  4. Spa tours Perfectly combined with excursions. The range of activities includes massage and acupuncture, beauty treatments, aromatherapy and water aerobics. Many resorts offer professional babysitting services to ensure you fully enjoy your treatments.
  5. Vacation with children. Top hotels The islands of Sri Lanka will be comfortable for families, as they offer spacious rooms and cots (on request). At the resorts, the menu includes dishes similar to Russian cuisine, which is familiar to children. There are specialized schools for young surfers here. Diving tours provide an opportunity to get acquainted with underwater world, watch the life of whales and dolphins. There will be no problems with checking in; there is a wide choice here, from one-star to five-star hotels.
  6. Shop toursgood view holiday for those who love to travel and shop at the same time. The country offers a wide range of goods. These include tea, spices, clothing and jewelry.
  7. Author's tours. You can choose a more original tour that will surprise and captivate. This is a flower festival, a trip with a yoga or drawing master class and more. Taking into account your wishes, the tour operator will help you plan your individual trip.

Tours to Sri Lanka in March 2019 from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg and other cities can be purchased from 41,180 rubles for 18 days, and air tickets from 26,900 rubles.

How to choose a last minute tour to Sri Lanka

The cost of a last minute trip to the island of Sri Lanka may be cheaper if the flight is from Moscow or St. Petersburg, so consider this option and try to buy a tour to Sri Lanka departing from the airport of a large city.

Prices for last-minute tours to the island of Sri Lanka can vary significantly, depending on the month and part of the island. For example, tours to Sri Lanka in February 2019 to the southwestern part of the island will cost more than to the north or east. Following this principle, you can save money at any time of the year.

Prices for flights from Russia directly depend on public holidays, so it is more profitable to purchase tickets to Sri Lanka for dates after the holidays.

Video reviews from tourists about holidays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka weather by months, seasons winter/summer

The climate in Sri Lanka, like the weather, varies significantly depending on the region of the country in question. This is due geographical location islands in the subequatorial monsoon climate zone, as well as different altitudes of the country's surface. In Sri Lanka, three main climatic zones: coastal lowlands, plains and central highlands.

Coastal lowlands and plains will differ mainly in average annual precipitation, while temperature fluctuations will be minimal throughout the year (staying at +28 C during the day and +24 at night). However, they have significant differences from the central regions of the country in the average monthly temperatures. This difference is expressed in the fact that at night in winter in the Central Highlands area temperatures are so low compared to the rest of Sri Lanka that frosts can occur and the vegetation can become covered with frost.

In winter, in December, there is a season of winds in the south, which makes hot weather easier to bear and the heat subsides. At the same time, the ocean calms down and calm sets in. High season months for the south of Sri Lanka are December, January, February. For the east of the island, the high season is June, July, and August.

Average annual air and water temperatures in Sri Lanka

Due to its proximity to the equator, the change of seasons on the island is not very pronounced and differs mainly in the amount of precipitation, while the temperature difference in the maximum and minimum values ​​differs, usually within 4C. In this regard, it is possible to talk specifically about the average annual temperatures of air and water in Sri Lanka.

The average annual water temperature in the ocean is +27 - +29 C. The average annual air temperature at resorts on the coast of Sri Lanka in the daytime ranges from +28C - +32C, at night - in the range +24C - +26 C. At the same time time at central regions countries, the average annual temperatures are significantly lower: during the day about +18C - +20C, at night +10C - +14C.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

The period of periodic heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka is called the “monsoon season” or “rainy season”. The island is influenced by two monsoons: from the Arabian Sea and from the Bay of Bengal. Literally does not happen in Sri Lanka bad weather, since the climatic seasonality present on the island, the so-called monsoon period, varies along the coasts depending on the time of year.

Thus, at the time when the rainy season begins on the West Coast (late April - early May), high temperatures are just opening on the East Coast. tourist season. And vice versa: at the time when the rains begin in the east (October), the dry season begins on the West Coast.

Tourist season along the coasts of Sri Lanka (by month)

  • Dry season on the northeast coast: May to October;
  • Dry season on the southwest coast: October to May.
  • The dry season in Kandy is January - March, July - September.
  • Dry season in the highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Ella): January - March, August, September.

Rainy season along the coasts of Sri Lanka (by month)

  • Rainy season on the northeast coast: October to May.
  • Rainy season on the southwest coast: May to October.
  • Rainy season in Kandy: April - May, October - December.
  • Rainy season Nuwara Eliya: May - July, October - December.

The rainiest months to visit Sri Lanka are during the change of seasons: May and October. At this time, it falls on the southwestern coast, as well as in the mountainous regions of the country. maximum amount precipitation. Weather by month at resorts and attractions in Sri Lanka...

It is worth noting that, despite the alarming name of the climate phenomenon, precipitation falls in the form of tropical showers and, as a rule, lasts only a short time: 20-30 minutes. It is worth considering that, with a small difference in average annual air temperatures, in principle, in coastal areas during the monsoon season, the difference between day and night temperatures is literally 2-4 C.

Sri Lanka weather map

Open full size in new tab Sri Lanka weather map.

Weather differences between seasons on the coast of Sri Lanka

  • During the rainy season, showers can occur 3-4 times during the daytime, as well as after sunset, while heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds and waves raging in the ocean. Swimming during the rainy season is not recommended because... the ocean is stormy, and strong undercurrents make the enterprise dangerous. Of course, swimming, for example, in the off-season in the south in August and October (both months are the monsoon season on the West Coast) cannot be compared: in August the water level in the ocean rises, the entire streak visible the rest of the time sandy beach finds himself under water, and the waves reach the line of coastal palm trees; in October the water is rough and swimming, although with caution, is possible.
  • In the off-season, rains come only after sunset, being extremely rare during the daytime, so observing a short-term tropical downpour can even be considered lucky - after it it becomes much easier to breathe and the stuffiness subsides. At night time good weather at night it is established only towards the end of the rainy season, and the rest of the time the ocean rages, lightning appears in the sky, illuminating the endless dark surface of the ocean, accompanied by thunder and squally winds.
  • During the season the weather is dry and becomes slightly cooler due to the air currents that come to the island in winter. It is at this time that the high tourist season opens, and at night open-air events begin to be held on the coast.

According to local folk signs, the justification of which has been proven in practice, the rains always fall within three days before the full moon, the so-called