The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Detailed Information on the Best Time to see Leopards in Yala National Park, the elephant migration of Minneriya and the blue whales off the coastline...
Sri Lanka is a tropical island paradise with a diverse mix of lush tea plantations, ancient cities, stunning beaches and wildlife abundant national parks. The climate varies from coast to coast and highland to lowland, so it can be enjoyed for different reasons year round.
Climate
Its close proximity to the Equator means that Sri Lanka is warm year round; however there are huge fluctuations between the low and highlands, with Nuwara Eliya having an average temperature of 12C and Trincomalee 33C.
Generally, the period from October to March is considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka’s west coast, while the east coast is April to September, however it is also warm during monsoon season and it rarely rains all day, the only real downside being that the seas are rougher but hotel pools can solve this!
Wildlife
Climate variations mean that different regions appeal at different times of the year.
Wildlife viewing in the east is best during the hot, summer months between May and August, when animals concentrate around waterholes.
Leopard: Yala National Park from March to October
Blue Whales: South Coast from November to April and East Coast from May to August
Bird watching: The best time for bird watchers extends from November to April when there is less rainfall, with migrants boosting the bird population.
Festivals and Events
Sri Lanka has a number of interesting events and festivals which are definitely worth attending should your schedule permit.
Below are listed some of the main festivals in Sri Lanka, please ask about regional events.
Jan | Duruthu Perahera, 12k from Colombo - A colourful religious pageant with caparisoned elephant, dancers and torch bearers |
Feb | Navam Perahera, Columbo - Traditional temple festival |
Apr 13-14 | Sinhalese & Tamil New Year - nationwide |
May | Vesak - Buddha Day festivities, nationwide |
June | Poson – Celebration of the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, nationwide |
July | Esala Full Moon Festival, esp. Kandy - Dancing and drumming |
Aug | Vel – Colombo’s main Hindu festival |
October | Deepavali – Hindu festival of light (18 Oct) |
Dec-Apr | Sri Pada Pilgrimage Season (Adam’s Peak) - Thousands of pilgrims climb the mountain |
Dec | Unduvap – Buddha enlightenment celebration |
Public Holidays
Sri Lanka, with 26 public holidays, tops the world for official days off!
New Years Day (1 Jan), Tamil Thai Pongal Day – harvest festival (Jan), National Day (4 Feb), Maha Sivarathri Day/ Milad un-Nabi (Mar), The Prophets Birthday(9 Mar), Good Friday, Sinhala & Tamil New Year (Mar), May Day (1 May), Vesak, Buddha Day (1-2 May), Eid al-Fitr, end of Ramadan (Sept), Deepavali (Oct), Eid al-Adha, Hadj Festival Day (28 Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec)
In addition, Poya holidays are observed on the day of each full moon
Poya Day – celebrated by Buddhists on the day of the full moon. This is a monthly dry day when establishments selling alcoholic beverages are closed, however you may be able to get the odd clandestine drink or have one from the mini bar!
Visitors are welcome to join in with festivities but should always observe religious and private gatherings from a respectful distance, unless invited to join in!
Costs
Flight costs tend to increase over Christmas. Park fees remain the same year round.
Call to Action
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Tel: 0044 (0) 1273 691 642
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