Travel tips
Best time to visit Sri Lanka: a region-by-region guide
, 4 min read
Sri Lanka is a year-round destination because its two monsoons hit different parts of the island at different times. Picking the right region for your dates makes a big difference.
West and south coasts
Colombo, Galle, Bentota and Mirissa are generally driest from about December to March. The southwest monsoon brings more rain from around May to September.
East coast
Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay are usually at their best from about April to September, when the west is wetter. The northeast monsoon brings rain from around October to January.
The north
Jaffna and the north are generally drier from about February to September, with most rain arriving with the northeast monsoon late in the year. Temple festival seasons are a popular time for families to visit.
Hill country
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella are cooler all year, and showers are possible in any season. January to April is often the most settled period.
Peak travel times from Sydney
Flights from Sydney are busiest over Christmas and the summer school holidays, and around the April school holidays, which often coincide with Sinhala and Tamil New Year. Book these dates early.
Ready to plan? See flights to Colombo or flights to Jaffna, and ask us to book your hotels.
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