Although the island is considered to be a year-round destination, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region you are heading to. As it's a tropical country, you can expect rain any time of the year, but there is a monsoon pattern to choose the right place and time. December through April is a prime tourist season when southern and western territories (including Colombo) enjoy the best weather. December and January in Sri Lanka are pleasant but also the busiest, especially for Christmas and New Year, so book early. Winter and spring in southwestern part is a good time for exploring Adam's Peak, and for those on the coast—snorkelling and whale watching. Southwest monsoon hits this area in May–September, but showers are usually sharp and short. Northeast monsoon prevails on the east coast in October–February, and the best season there runs from May through September. Late summer is the time to witness elephant gathering at the Minneriya Lake. If you happen to be in Central Sri Lanka in summer, join the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, one of the oldest of Buddhist festivals in the country.
Around 300 elephants gather at the banks of Minneriya Lake
To watch leopards in the wild is definitely an experience of a lifetime
Celebrated to pay respect to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha in Kandy
Have you ever wondered what chocolate is made of? Now is the time to see a cocoa bean!
Arugam bay is the most famous surfing spot
Sri Lanka is fortunately situated in a vantage point to observe whales
Uva is probably the most famous tea producing region
Warm waters of Indian ocean promise incredible diving
Sri Lanka has one of the strongest national teams for cricket. It's one of the most popular sports on the island
The beautiful beaches of east coast are perfect for relaxation
Often called the Queen of fruits, mangosteen is a total delight
With its unique biodiversity, this nature preserve is one of the last virgin rainforests on Earth
One of the three most popular national parks of Sri Lanka is famous for its elephants
Introduced during the British colonial times, durian grows only in the southern part of the country
Untouched UNESCO World Heritage site is indeed a trekker's paradise
Fishing on the East Coast depends on monsoons
During this period, you can try one of the sweetest fruits, sold everywhere
A mystical fortress built over the Lion Rock
Prehistoric cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the centuries of human culture
Part of Sri Lanka's famous Cultural triangle and UNESCO World Heritage list
An ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site
Sri Lanka is well known for its suberb tea, which is the main agricultural crop in many provinces
Both religious and cultural, the festival adorns the country
Once this kind of fishing was a necessity, now it is fading away
Have you ever wondered where does the world end? See the World's End at the Horton Plains
Sri Lanka can boast having the best spots for watching dolphins!
The destination for followers of different religions, Adam's Peak or Sri Pada is surrounded by legends
You can visit some awesome diving spots close to Colombo
Due to monsoons, beach seasons vary depending on the area you are in
There are at least seven species of sea turtles that hang out on the shores of Sri Lanka to nest
Tamil people of Sri Lanka celebrate the most significant Hindu holiday
A traditional holiday of Aluth Avurudda is equally important for Sinhalese and Tamil people of Sri Lanka
A celebration of the day that Sri Lanka was no longer a colony
Migratory birds as well as those who can call Sri Lanka home, will impress any bird watching enthusiast
A colourful religious ceremony honouring the Hindu God of War with offerings and piercings
Explore the wonderful feathered species of Sri Lanka during a special birding event
The New Year table in Sri Lanka consists of many traditional sweet dishes
These cute bears are best seen during the palu fruit season!
Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens to get a glimpse of Sri Lanka's natural beauty
The celebration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka