Best time to visit Sri Lanka
- Dec
- Jan
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- Dec
Best time of year to visit Sri Lanka
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.
23 THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA (JULY 30 - AUGUST 08)
Elephant Gathering
Around 300 elephants gather at the banks of Minneriya Lake
Leopard Safari
To watch leopards in the wild is definitely an experience of a lifetime
Cocoa
Have you ever wondered what chocolate is made of? Now is the time to see a cocoa bean!
Surfing
Arugam bay is the most famous surfing spot
Whale Watching
Sri Lanka is fortunately situated in a vantage point to observe whales
Diving the North East Coast
Warm waters of Indian ocean promise incredible diving
Uva Tea Harvest
Uva is probably the most famous tea producing region
Cricket
Sri Lanka has one of the strongest national teams for cricket. It's one of the most popular sports on the island
Beach Season on East Coast
The beautiful beaches of east coast are perfect for relaxation
Mangosteen
Often called the Queen of fruits, mangosteen is a total delight
Sinharaja Rainforest
With its unique biodiversity, this nature preserve is one of the last virgin rainforests on Earth
Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park
One of the three most popular national parks of Sri Lanka is famous for its elephants
Durian
Introduced during the British colonial times, durian grows only in the southern part of the country
Trekking in the Knuckles Range
Untouched UNESCO World Heritage site is indeed a trekker's paradise
Birdwatching
Migratory birds as well as those who can call Sri Lanka home, will impress any bird watching enthusiast
Rambutan
During this period, you can try one of the sweetest fruits, sold everywhere
Sigiriya
A mystical fortress built over the Lion Rock
Dambulla Cave Temple
Prehistoric cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflects the centuries of human culture
Polonnaruwa
Part of Sri Lanka's famous Cultural triangle and UNESCO World Heritage list
Anuradhapura
An ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site
Sloth Bear
These cute bears are best seen during the palu fruit season!
Deep Sea Fishing on the East Coast
Fishing on the East Coast depends on monsoons
Colombo Aadi Vel Festival
A colourful religious ceremony honouring the Hindu God of War with offerings and piercings
17 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Tea Harvest
Sri Lanka is well known for its suberb tea, which is the main agricultural crop in many provinces
Vesak Festival
Both religious and cultural, the festival adorns the country
Stilt Fishing
Once this kind of fishing was a necessity, now it fades away
Horton Plains
Have you ever wondered where does the world end? See the World's End at the Horton Plains
Dolphins Watching
Sri Lanka can boast having the best spots for watching dolphins!
Kandy Esala Perahera
Celebrated to pay respect to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha in Kandy
Adam's Peak Pilgrimage
The destination for followers of different religions, Adam's Peak or Sri Pada is surrounded by legends
Diving in the West and South West
You can visit some awesome diving spots close to Colombo
Beach Season on South and West Coast
Due to monsoons, beach seasons vary depending on the area you are in
Turtle Watching
There are at least 7 species of sea turtles that hang out on the shores of Sri Lanka to nest
Deepavali (Diwali)
Tamil people of Sri Lanka celebrate the most significant Hindu holiday
Avurudu Table
The New Year table in Sri Lanka consists of many traditional sweet dishes
National Bird Watching Month
Explore the wonderful feathered species of Sri Lanka during a special birding event
Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens to get a glimpse of Sri Lanka's natural beauty
Independence Day
A celebration of the day that Sri Lanka was no longer a colony
Sinhala and Tamil New Year
A traditional holiday of Aluth Avurudda is equally important for Sinhalese and Tamil people of Sri Lanka
Poson Poya
The celebration of the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
