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When to go to Sri Lanka

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is December to March due to pleasant weather conditions in most regions.

Sri Lanka lies within the beautiful Indian Ocean, radiating constant warmth and lots of sunshine. Known as a year-round destination, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is dependent on what you'd like to experience. Although the country has separate distinct weather systems that affect the climate dramatically from coast to coast, it is fair to say that at most times of the year you can find one corner or another to curl up in or explore. Specifically, the months between December and mid-April are the best times to visit, and although known as the country-wide peak, accommodation can be booked well in advance for these periods, with last-minute availability still occurring well into the year. For families, the traditional summer holiday months are also favourable on the east coast which is at its peak from May to September.

Sl Sri Lanka Pilot Whales Patrick Dysktra
St Sri Lanka Sigiriya Lion Rock Shutterstock Sylvainb

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC

January is a great time to travel, especially to start the new year off with some sunshine. Expect temperatures of around 30 ‘C along the southern and western coast and minimal rainfall, ideal for beach relaxation. Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park will be beginning to dry up post monsoon season and will be fairly hot, therefore we advise to avoid them during the first few weeks of the month. Uda Walawe is excellent at this time for bird watching as they follow their migratory routes.

December to April

Sri Lanka’s high season coincides with the coming of the best weather in the south and west of the country. December to April provides the best time to visit the most popular beach destinations on the west and southern coast, wildlife spotting such as seeing leopards in Yala National park, and cultural attractions in the centre of the island. At this time of the year all the big parks are open and dry conditions mean that animals gather around watering holes, making them easier toJuly and August emerge as ideal months to visit the east coast beaches and witness the renowned elephant gathering in Minneriya National Park. This period also coincides with the Yala monsoon, or southwest monsoons. While the main tourist regions generally remain rain-free, expect hot and humid temperatures in most parts of the country. spot.

July to August

July and August emerge as ideal months to visit the east coast beaches and witness the renowned elephant gathering in Minneriya National Park. This period also coincides with the Yala monsoon, or southwest monsoons. While the main tourist regions generally remain rain-free, expect hot and humid temperatures in most parts of the country.For an extraordinary experience exclusive to Natural World Safaris, plan your trip between February and April to enjoy the best conditions for snorkeling with blue whales.

February to April

February through to April provide the best times to visit for snorkelling with blue whales, a unique trip that is almost exclusively accessible to Natural World Safaris.

Safaris & Planning


SRI St Asian Elephants Sri Lanka

Minneriya National Park

Set in the heart of the popular cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration, which is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences. During the drier months of June to September, as many as 300 elephants congregate in the Minneriya National Park around the ancient Minneriya water tank (which dates back to 3rd Century AD), taking advantage of the receding waters that provide an important water source. As it is so close to some of the other cultural attractions of Sri Lanka, it can be a great alternative to Yala and some of the other parks in the south.


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Ekmeds Photos Jscc0c2szti Unsplash

Sri Lanka and the Maldives Safari

Experience fantastic wildlife encounters and camp in the jungles of Sri Lanka before relaxing on the pristine beaches of the Maldives on this adventurous safari.

From 8640 per person
Tomas Malik 6Bqyhtysb5e Unsplash

Sri Lanka Classic Explorer Safari

This safari combines wildlife, culture and beaches to provide you with a fantastic overview of Sri Lanka. From the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to the leopards of Wilpattu, the imposing Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the palm-fringed beaches of Galle, there is something for everyone on this beautiful isle.

From 4859 per person
St Sri Lanka Leopard Shutterstock Michael Sanca

Sri Lanka Ultimate Wildlife Safari

An adventurous safari exploring Sri Lanka's best wildlife havens. Seek out leopards, elephants, sloth bears, diverse bird species and more with visits to Wilpattu, Yala, Gal Oya and Udawalawe National Parks and the Sinharaja Rainforest, while also experiencing some of the islands cultural sights.

From 8310 per person

Things to do in Sri Lanka

If you're drawn to the Golden Triangle

The region known as the Cultural Triangle lies to the northern side of the island, home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area is rich with temples and ruins. The sacred city of Anuradhapura, nestled in the jungle, is renowned for its colossal dagobas, architectural marvels rivaled only by Egypt's Giza pyramids. The prime time for visiting the Cultural Triangle is from June to September, boasting minimal rainfall, though the captivating sights here are enjoyable year-round.

If you're longing to see whales

Off the deep south coast in Mirissa and Dondra Point, as well as Kalpitiya in the northwest, you can spot blue whales and sperm whales between November and April. Meanwhile, off the east coast near Trincomalee, the best time for whale watching is from May to August.

Heart set on observing Leopards?

For many, the thrill of encountering leopards in the wild at Yala National Park is an ultimate wildlife adventure. The optimal time for a leopard safari falls between March and October.

Eager to witness elephants?

The elephant gathering at Minneriya National Park stands as a remarkable wildlife spectacle, taking place in August and September. During this time, the dry season compels the elephants to migrate in search of food and water across the lowlands.

What to expect from a trip to Sri Lanka