PlanoPlanoDecember through April is best for Colombo and the south/west coasts. January through March offers the driest conditions. Sri Lanka's dual-monsoon system means there's always a dry coast — the east coast shines May through September when the west is wet.
| Month | Temp | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryBest | 27°C | 60mm | High | Expensive |
| FebruaryBest | 28°C | 65mm | High | Expensive |
| MarchBest | 29°C | 105mm | High | Moderate |
| AprilBest | 29°C | 235mm | High | Moderate |
| May | 28°C | 370mm | Low | Budget |
| June | 28°C | 180mm | Low | Budget |
| July | 27°C | 120mm | Low | Budget |
| August | 27°C | 110mm | Low | Budget |
| September | 27°C | 230mm | Low | Budget |
| October | 27°C | 340mm | Low | Budget |
| November | 27°C | 295mm | Low | Budget |
| DecemberBest | 27°C | 145mm | High | Expensive |
March and April bring increasing heat (29°C) before the southwest monsoon. April's Sinhala and Tamil New Year is a national celebration. Inter-monsoon showers can be intense.
The southwest monsoon (May-September) brings rain to Colombo and the west coast. The east coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) is dry and sunny — Sri Lanka's dual-monsoon advantage.
October and November see the inter-monsoon with heavy rain across the island. This is the wettest period in Colombo. The northeast monsoon begins in November, shifting rain to the east.
The driest and most pleasant season for Colombo and the west/south coasts (27°C). December through February offers the best beach weather at Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Hikkaduwa.
January
February
April
August
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Plan my Colombo tripDecember through March is peak tourist season with the highest prices at beach resorts. Christmas/New Year and February half-term are the busiest specific periods.
May through September offers the lowest prices on the west and south coasts (monsoon season). Budget travelers can take advantage by heading to the dry east coast instead.
January through March provides the best conditions for south coast beaches, whale watching at Mirissa, and visiting Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle.