Sri Lanka’s climate is rather complicated for such a small country, due to the fact that opposite sides of the island are affected by two separate monsoons. Though this also means that there is always good weather somewhere on the island, whatever the time of year. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that the basic pattern can vary from year to year, and that global warming has disrupted these already complex weather patterns and caused periods of drought
High Season (Dec–Mar) » The Hill Country plus west – and south coast beaches are busiest – and driest » With beds in demand, prices peak » The Maha monsoon season (October to January) keeps the East, North, and Ancient Cities wet
Shoulder (Apr & Sep–Nov) » April and September offer the best odds for good weather countrywide » New Year’s celebrations in mid-April cause transport to fill beyond capacity » A good time to wander without a set schedule of bookings
Low Season (May–Aug) » The Yala monsoon season (May to August) brings rain to the south and west coasts plus the Hill Country » The weather in the North and East is best » Prices nationwide are at their all-time low
