Sri Lanka’s best travel window generally depends on which coast you plan to visit and what you want to do. The most widely recommended periods are December to March for the southwest coast and central highlands, and May to September for the northeast coast. Here’s a concise guide to help you decide. What to expect by region

• Southwest coast, Sabaragamuwa highlands (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Ella, Nuwara Eliya area)
  • Best time: December to March
  • Why: Dry season with sunnier skies and lower rainfall; comfortable daytime temperatures around the high 20s to low 30s Celsius
  • Trade-offs: Peak season means higher prices and more visitors
• Central Highlands and interior (tea country, Horton Plains, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya)
  • Best time: December to March
  • Why: Clearer days for mountain scenery and trekking; cooler mornings and evenings
• Northeast coast (Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay)
  • Best time: May to September
  • Why: Dry season with optimal beach and surf conditions; sea can be calmer and skies sunnier
  • Trade-offs: Outside this window, the northeast can experience heavier rainfall
• Southwest monsoon and intermonsoon transitions
  • Months to be cautious: October and November can bring showers to the southwest; April can be hot and humid as some regions transition

Practical tips

• If your trip focuses on beaches and wildlife across the island
  • Aim for December–March for the south/west and February–March for wildlife around national parks
  • For surfing at locations like Arugam Bay, May–September is ideal on the east coast, while the west coast is typically better from November to April
• If flexibility is possible, consider shoulder months (April or November) for fewer crowds and still decent weather, though you may encounter rain on some days
• Monsoon patterns can shift year to year, so it’s wise to check a local forecast closer to departure and plan contingencies

Would you like a tailored plan based on your exact dates, preferred regions, and activities (beach time, wildlife safaris, tea-country trekking, or surfing)?