Practical Trip-Planning Guideto Sri Lanka (2025)

Your complete quick-reference guide to lock-in the best dates, paperwork, transport, money, health, and cultural tips before you fly

Seasons & Weather at a Glance

Bottom line: There is always sunshine somewhere—plan west/south beaches Dec–Mar and east/north beaches May–Sep. Hill-country trekking is gorgeous year-round.

Dec-Mar
Peak

West & South Coasts

Sun-drenched, calm seas

East & North Coasts

Intermittent showers

Hill Country

Cool (15–22°C)

💡 Insider Tip:

Peak season: book beach stays early

Apr-May
Hot

West & South Coasts

Hot (30-35°C)

East & North Coasts

Hot, mostly dry

Hill Country

Tea country bright & green

💡 Insider Tip:

Fewer crowds; carry sunblock

Jun-Jul
Monsoon

West & South Coasts

Short evening showers (SW monsoon)

East & North Coasts

Dry & sunny

Hill Country

Mild (18-24°C)

💡 Insider Tip:

East coast surf & dive prime time

Aug
Festival

West & South Coasts

Break in rain; festival month

East & North Coasts

Sunny

Hill Country

Pleasant

💡 Insider Tip:

Book Kandy hotels 6–12 mo ahead (Esala Perahera)

Sep-Oct
Shoulder

West & South Coasts

Shoulder season; scattered rain

East & North Coasts

Best beach weather

Hill Country

Warm, clear hikes

💡 Insider Tip:

Great hotel deals island-wide

Nov
Inter-monsoon

West & South Coasts

Inter-monsoon showers everywhere

East & North Coasts

Afternoon rain

Hill Country

Green hills

💡 Insider Tip:

Last-minute bargains; white-water rafting prime

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