Sri Lanka Tea plantation

Sri Lanka Tea Plantation

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Month-by-month guide of when to visit

A month-by-month of when to go

Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a year-round destination with a diverse climate, offering travellers an array of experiences regardless of the time of year. However, to make the most of your visit, it's essential to consider the varying weather patterns, peak, and low seasons, as well as specific events that can enhance your trip.

Peak Season (December to March):

The peak season in Sri Lanka falls between December and March, making it one of the best times to visit the island. During this period, the southwestern and central regions, including popular destinations like Colombo, Galle, Kandy, and the Hill Country, experienced pleasant weather with lower humidity and minimal rainfall. It's the perfect time for cultural exploration, wildlife safaris, and enjoying the country's beautiful beaches.

Low Season (May to August):

The low season in Sri Lanka occurs from May to August when the southwestern monsoon hits the coast. The southern and western coasts can experience heavy rainfall, making beach activities less enjoyable during this period. However, this season can be an excellent time to visit the east coast, including Trincomalee and Pasikuda, which enjoy dry and sunny weather. If you're looking for budget-friendly travel and don't mind occasional rain, this is a less crowded and cost-effective time to explore the island.

Shoulder Seasons (April and September to November):

The shoulder seasons in Sri Lanka, which include April and September to November, offer a balance between weather conditions and affordability. The inter-monsoon periods may bring sporadic showers, but you can still enjoy most outdoor activities without the crowds and higher prices seen in the peak season. It's an ideal time for travellers looking for a quieter experience.

Specific Events:

Sinharaja Rainforest Trek (All Year) The Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is open year-round for trekking and birdwatching. It's an excellent opportunity to explore the island's rich biodiversity.

Esala Perahera (July/August) Kandy's Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated festivals. This grand cultural procession features beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, and fire performers. It's an extraordinary cultural event that draws visitors from around the world.

Navam Perahera (February): Colombo's Navam Perahera is another vibrant cultural spectacle. This religious festival showcases colourful parades, traditional music, and dance performances, providing an insight into Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.

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Sri Lanka Tea plantation

January

January is the epitome of Sri Lanka's peak tourist season. The west and south coasts, including Colombo, Galle, and Bentota, bask in dry, sun-soaked days, making it the perfect time for beach vacations and cultural explorations. The hill country, with destinations like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, enjoys pleasantly cool temperatures. This month beckons travellers to revel in the country's lush landscapes, historical sites, and pristine beaches.

Kandy cultural festival

February

February continues the trend of favourable weather, offering ideal conditions for beach enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike. Kandy's Navam Perahera, a vibrant cultural festival featuring grand parades, traditional dances, and elephant processions, takes centre stage during this month, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Sri Lankan experience.

Sri Lanka lanscape

March

March continues to be a dreamy time for visiting Sri Lanka. The Hill Country dons its finest attire as flowers bloom, creating a picturesque landscape. This is an ideal season for nature lovers, trekkers, and tea plantation explorers. The coasts remain inviting, and the cultural sites beckon with rich history and festivities.

Sri Lanka Temple

April

April heralds the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural celebrations. Families come together, homes are decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with festivity. The weather remains pleasant and the crowds start to thin, offering a unique blend of culture and affordability.

Sri Lanka coast

May to August

May to August constitutes the low season on the southwest coast due to the monsoon. However, savvy travellers can turn their attention to the East Coast, including Trincomalee and Pasikuda, where sunny days prevail.

Galle Sri Lanka

September

September marks the gradual end of the southwest monsoon, welcoming visitors with pleasant weather and lush landscapes. This is an excellent time for cultural exploration, wildlife safaris, and leisurely beach activities as the island regains its vibrancy.

Sri Lanka Galle Beach

October

October continues to offer delightful weather, making it an appealing time for a Sri Lankan getaway. Beaches along the west and south coasts are perfect for relaxation and water sports. The ancient city of Anuradhapura celebrates its annual Poson Festival, a significant Buddhist event, drawing pilgrims and curious travellers alike.

Asian elephants Sri Lanka

November

November presents another fantastic opportunity to explore Sri Lanka. The weather remains pleasant, and the island is less crowded compared to the peak season, making it an excellent time for cultural discoveries, wildlife encounters, and visits to national parks and reserves.

Sri Lanka coast sunset

December

December heralds the holiday season in Sri Lanka, with an influx of tourists. The west and south coasts offer enticing beach escapes, and cultural events and festivals add a touch of festive magic to the atmosphere. However, booking accommodations and activities well in advance is essential during this period due to high demand. This month provides a splendid fusion of sun, sea, culture, and celebrations.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

Chat with an expert today

Start planning your Sri Lanka holiday

Call 0203 111 1315
or
Amanda swuare

Amanda

Travel Expert