The tropical climate of Sri Lanka is generally sunny and mild with only two distinct seasons – the rainy season and the sunny season. The two monsoon seasons bring their own distinct sets of weather conditions, so it’s important to know about them before traveling. Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to stay dry during rainy seasons and to stay warm during sunny days. In addition, you can find out how the temperature changes throughout the year, and what to wear in each season – whether you’re heading out of the country for business or pleasure!
Tropical climate
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with hot and humid temperatures throughout the year. While rains are rare in southern resorts, temperatures in the lowlands can reach 32 degrees. The country receives about 2100 mm of rainfall each year. The country experiences two distinct monsoons. These two systems cause a number of differences in the weather throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you should prepare for the unpredictable climate.
The southern monsoon brings rain to the island from May to September. The dry season runs from December to March. The north-eastern monsoon, which brings wind and rain to the coastal areas, is more frequent and less severe than the south-western monsoon. The humidity in the island varies wildly, but in general, it’s warm and sunny. Inland mountainous areas may experience cloudy weather, while the east coast is dry most of the year.
Two monsoon seasons
There are two distinct monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. The south-west monsoon, which brings heavy rains to India, does not come to Sri Lanka. Instead, it brings unsettled weather. The monsoon season in Sri Lanka is an off-season for tourists and fishermen. The peak rainfall occurs in the second Inter-monsoon, which takes place between October and November.
While temperatures in Sri Lanka fluctuate slightly between months, they are typically pleasant in most parts of the country. Temperatures in the south are comfortable, with temperatures ranging from twenty to thirty degrees centigrade. In the central and eastern regions, however, temperatures can reach as high as thirty degrees during the day. In the south and west, however, temperatures tend to be hot and dry. For the best travel weather, visit the country from December to March.
Sunny weather
The weather in Sri Lanka is a combination of dry and humid, but the island also has two distinct seasons. The island experiences two different monsoon seasons, with the southwest monsoon occurring between October and February and the northeastern monsoon occurring between May and August. The south-central region experiences less rain and humidity, while the warm Indian Ocean and mountains in the north influence the island’s weather. Despite these differences, the islands enjoy sunny skies and mild temperatures throughout the year.
The sunny weather in Sri Lanka is generally pleasant all year-round, though it can sometimes be humid and uncomfortable. Rainy season weather in Sri Lanka can also be accompanied by strong winds and storms. The humidity level is low during these times, which is good for sightseeing, but can make water activities difficult. Tropical cyclones are also a possibility. Luckily, Sri Lanka’s climate makes it an ideal holiday destination all year-round.
Rainy season
During the dry season in Sri Lanka, most visitors enjoy a break from the heat and humidity. From December to April, all areas of the island experience a dry climate. Coastal areas enjoy temperatures of 27 to 32 degC, which can climb as high as 30 degC in the hottest part of the day. The highlands enjoy temperatures of 16 to 22 degC. If you are considering a holiday in Sri Lanka, this is the best time to go.
Summer temperatures are hot and humid, and temperatures range between 30 and 31 deg S, with the southwest experiencing the heaviest rains. Although the ocean is warm and the air temperature comfortable, surfers may not wish to swim during this time. In the west, July is accompanied by flooding and hot winds. In the east and north, daytime temperatures reach 35 deg C. Ocean temperatures remain comfortable, at around 28 deg C.
Best time to visit
While the country is a great wildlife destination all year long, the best time to see elephants is from November through April, when all the big national parks are open. This is also the time of year when you can witness a large gathering of elephants in Minneriya National Park, which is also home to the world’s largest elephant population. Wildlife is more accessible during this period because of the dry conditions that make them congregate around watering holes.
The most popular travel season in Sri Lanka is between the rainy season in December and the winter season in April. Winters in Europe are harsh, so most foreigners arrive to escape the cold. Although the weather is pleasant year-round, accommodations can become crowded. April is also the peak season for the New Year’s celebration, which fills the entire island with tourists. Some hotels are also busier during this period. But if you can handle crowded hotels and transportation, there is no reason why you can’t visit Sri Lanka during the off-season.