Sri Lanka Climate

Summary:

While Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, the finest time of the year for the western and southern beaches of the Island is December to March. While there will be occasional showers, most days are sunny and temperate. Between April and July, it becomes humid and hot in the western and southern areas. However, during this period on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka, the weather will be fine with the beaches amazingly inviting.

In the low land areas of the country from western to southern regions, noon temperatures range between 28-32C and peak in April before the monsoon rains. It can be hotter in the Northcentral, and Northwest & East Coast areas between 32-35 C. Daytime temperatures average about 24C in Kandy & Matale hill stations and gets cooler in the central hills to 14C. Sri Lanka weather along the shores is made more comfortable by cooling sea breezes. Humidity is typically rather high in Sri Lanka, averaging out at around 80% early round, lower in the highlands and cultural triangle.

Sri Lanka has two monsoons and two different climates in a space less than 300 kilometers across. The rainfall patterns influenced by the monsoon winds of the Indian ocean and Bay of Bangel and rainy seasons have been divided into two main seasons as Southwest and Northeast and into two inter monsoons as first inter-monsoon and second inter-monsoon. Rainfall is becoming increasingly unpredictable over the last 5 years. Sri Lanka averages about 250cms a year. But stats show the figures vary widely from region to region due to the geographic location.

First Inter-monsoon Season

(March – April)

The typical conditions of this season is thunderstorm-type of rain could be expected in the evening. The highest rainfall of this period is recorded in the southwest sector.

(Provinces and main tourist sites have to be mentioned)

Southwest -Monsoon Season

(May – September)

Windy weather eases off the warm weather experienced in the first inter-monsoon during March and April, Southwest monsoon rains could be experienced at any time of the day and night mainly in the Southwestern part of the country. The amount of rainfall during this season varies from about 100 mm to over 3000 mm. The highest rainfall received in the mid-elevations of the western slope.

Second Inter-monsoon Season

(October-November)

Mostly the thunderstorm-type of rains could be expected in the afternoon or evening. The whole country experiences strong winds with widespread rain. The second Inter-monsoon period of October – November is the period with the most evenly balanced distribution of rainfall over Sri Lanka. Almost the entire island receives in excess of 400 mm of rain during this season, with the Southwestern slopes receiving higher rainfall in the range 750mm to 1200 mm.

Northeast -monsoon season

(December to February)

The dry and cold wind blowing from the Indian land-mass will feel you comparatively cool, but dry weather over many parts making the surrounding pleasant and comfortable weather except for some rather cold morning hours. Cloud-free skies provide days full of sunshine and pleasant and cool night. The highest rainfall figures are recorded in the North, Eastern slopes of the hill country, and the Eastern slopes of the Knuckles range.

Travel tips

• The best times to travel around the west, south and hill country areas of Sri Lanka is during December to March.
• Travel season to the east coast is April to September.
• The country attracts Europeans fleeing the Northern Hemisphere’s winter weather between December to March. Christmas and the New Year are particularly popular for a Sri Lanka Holiday, while July and August represent festival season on the Island -travelling during either time it is recommended to book well in advance to guarantee accommodation.
• If you are planning to explore the cultural and archeological sites best is to select between February & September.
• Best period to visit the dry zones, such as Yala, Udawalawe for wildlife enthusiast is from February to August.