What is the climate like in Sri Lanka?
The climate is tropical and warm, due to the moderating effects of ocean winds, which makes Sri Lanka such a popular beach holiday destination. For a small country, Sri Lanka’s climate can be rather complicated, and there is a lot of confusion around when the best time to visit is. This is due to the fact that the island is affected by two separate monsoons, though this also means that there is usually good weather somewhere on the island, at most times of the year. Sri Lanka is therefore a perfect year-round destination.
And though the weather doesn’t run like clockwork here, there will rarely be weather so dramatic that it will stand in the way of a brilliant holiday with plenty of warm weather and sunshine.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
In practical terms and as a rough guide, the best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March. The best weather on the east coast is from April or May to September.
Temperatures
Sri Lanka’s position close to the Equator means that temperatures remain fairly constant year-round.
Coastal and lowland areas enjoy average daytime temperatures of around 26 to 30 °C (often climbing well above 30° C during the hottest part of the day).
Things are pleasantly mild during the day in the hill country of the interior. Days are often between 14 to 22 °C (57 to 72 °F). Nights can be quite chilly, with temperatures sometimes dropping to near freezing.
Humidity is high everywhere, rising to a sweltering 90% at times in the southwest, and averaging 60 to 80% across the rest of the island.