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Best time to visit

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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.

41 things to do in Sri Lanka

Independence Day

February 4 Event

A celebration of the day that Sri Lanka was no longer a colony

Deep Sea Fishing on the East Coast

May–September Activity

Fishing on the East Coast depends on monsoons

Colombo Aadi Vel Festival

July 28 Event

A colourful religious ceremony honouring the Hindu God of War with offerings and piercings

National Bird Watching Month

December Nature

Explore the wonderful feathered species of Sri Lanka during a special birding event

Adam's Peak Pilgrimage

December–April Activity

The destination for followers of different religions, Adam's Peak or Sri Pada is surrounded by legends

Birdwatching

October–July Nature

Migratory birds as well as those who can call Sri Lanka home, will impress any bird watching enthusiast

Dolphins Watching

November–April Nature

Sri Lanka can boast having the best spots for watching dolphins!

Elephant Gathering

August–September Nature

Around 300 elephants gather at the banks of Minneriya Lake

Cocoa

early November–January | mid-March–mid-October Food

Have you ever wondered what chocolate is made of? Now is the time to see a cocoa bean!

Cricket

June–early August Activity

Sri Lanka has one of the strongest national teams for cricket. It's one of the most popular sports on the island

Uva Tea Harvest

August–October Activity

Uva is probably the most famous tea producing region

Surfing

April–October Activity

Arugam bay is the most famous surfing spot

Stilt Fishing

June–mid-July | late October–mid-December Activity

Once this kind of fishing was a necessity, now it is fading away

Beach Season on South and West Coast

January–March Activity

Due to monsoons, beach seasons vary depending on the area you are in

Horton Plains

January–March Activity

Have you ever wondered where does the world end? See the World's End at the Horton Plains

Leopard Safari

March–October Activity

To watch leopards in the wild is definitely an experience of a lifetime

Turtle Watching

January–April Activity

There are at least seven species of sea turtles that hang out on the shores of Sri Lanka to nest

Beach Season on East Coast

June–September Activity

The beautiful beaches of east coast are perfect for relaxation

Diving in the West and South West

October–May Activity

You can visit some awesome diving spots close to Colombo

Kandy Esala Perahera

August 10-20, 2024 Event

Celebrated to pay respect to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha in Kandy

Avurudu Table

April 13–April 14 Food

The New Year table in Sri Lanka consists of many traditional sweet dishes

Diving the North East Coast

May–October Activity

Warm waters of Indian ocean promise incredible diving

Mangosteen

May–September Food

Often called the Queen of fruits, mangosteen is a total delight

Sloth Bear

June–July Nature

These cute bears are best seen during the palu fruit season!

Whale Watching

November–April | July–September Activity

Sri Lanka is fortunately situated at a vantage point to observe whales

Durian

May–August Food

Introduced during the British colonial times, durian grows only in the southern part of the country

Vesak Festival

May 23–24, 2024 Event

Both religious and cultural, the festival adorns the country

Tea Harvest

January–March Activity

Sri Lanka is well known for its suberb tea, which is the main agricultural crop in many provinces

Rambutan

late May–mid-August Food

During this period, ​you can try one of the sweetest fruits, sold everywhere

Hakgala Botanical Gardens

April–May Nature

Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens to get a glimpse of Sri Lanka's natural beauty

Sigiriya

January–March | May–September Activity

A mystical fortress built over the Lion Rock

Dambulla Cave Temple

all year round Activity

Prehistoric cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the centuries of human culture

Polonnaruwa

January–February | June–September Activity

Part of Sri Lanka's famous Cultural triangle and UNESCO World Heritage list

Anuradhapura

January–February | June–September Activity

An ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site

Sinharaja Rainforest

January–April | August–September Nature

With its unique biodiversity, this nature preserve is one of the last virgin rainforests on Earth

Trekking in the Knuckles Range

December–August Activity

Untouched UNESCO World Heritage site is indeed a trekker's paradise

Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park

May–September Nature

One of the three most popular national parks of Sri Lanka is famous for its elephants

Deepavali (Diwali)

October 31, 2024 Event

Tamil people of Sri Lanka celebrate the most significant Hindu holiday

Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Avurudu & Puthandu)

April 12–13, 2024 Event

A traditional holiday of Aluth Avurudda & Puthandu is equally important for Sinhalese and Tamil people of Sri Lanka

Poson Poya

June 21, 2024 Event

The celebration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

November–April (west) | April–September (east) Activity

Surf all year round in Sri Lanka boasting nice winds and waves on both coasts

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