Best time to visit Sri Lanka

Find the best time to visit Sri Lanka and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

Sri Lanka by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top Sri Lanka destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Sri Lanka. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All Sri Lanka destinations

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka (Colombo) is January, February, March, November and December based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 72 - 86°F [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Max Day Temperature (°F)

  • 88°F maximum daytime temperature in January in Sri Lanka (Colombo)88
    Jan
  • 88°F maximum daytime temperature in February in Sri Lanka (Colombo)88
    Feb
  • 90°F maximum daytime temperature in March in Sri Lanka (Colombo)90
    Mar
  • 90°F maximum daytime temperature in April in Sri Lanka (Colombo)90
    Apr
  • 88°F maximum daytime temperature in May in Sri Lanka (Colombo)88
    May
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in June in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Jun
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in July in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Jul
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in August in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Aug
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in September in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Sep
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in October in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Oct
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in November in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Nov
  • 86°F maximum daytime temperature in December in Sri Lanka (Colombo)86
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

Best time to visit

The weather guide for Sri Lanka (Colombo) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C)  |  Imperial (°F)

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Sri Lanka overview

The climate of Sri Lanka is consistently warm and sunny and conditions rarely grow chilly, even at night.

In the lowland areas around the coast, temperatures are much higher and humidity can make evenings rather clammy, although sea breezes keep daytimes fairly fresh.

Expect rain on this island at any time of the year: rainfall is most intense in the southwest from April to June and from October to November.

Beach with palm trees in Sri Lanka
Beach with palm trees in Sri Lanka © Anton Gvozdikov - Fotolia.com

Rain tends to fall mainly in the afternoons and can be accompanied by thunderstorms.

The driest conditions are found in the northeast which has only one main rainy season (from October to January).

What to pack for Sri Lanka weather

You will need only light clothes for a trip to Sri Lanka.

More about Sri Lanka

Explore our complete guide to Sri Lanka with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Sri Lanka with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Sri Lanka - quick facts
Flight time 11 hours
Time difference UK +5.5 hours
Language(s) Sinhala, Tamil, English
Currency Sri Lankan Rupee
Electricity G plug (230V)
Driving side Left
Visa Yes

Why visit Sri Lanka?

Considering a holiday to the Sri Lanka? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

  • Beach babes - beaches
    Beaches
  • Culture vultures
    Culture
  • Nature lovers - nature & wildlife
    Nature
  • Night owls - nightlife
    Nightlife

Sri Lanka tourist information

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Sri Lanka?
  Holidays  Hotels  Flights  eSIMs 

Sri Lanka travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Sri Lanka from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Sri Lanka.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

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Sri Lanka travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Sri Lanka with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Sri Lanka, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Sri Lanka travel features

Do you want to learn more about Sri Lanka? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Sri Lanka including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in Sri Lanka?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Colombo, Sri Lanka with 0.0 inches on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Sri Lanka?

The sunniest time of year in Colombo, Sri Lanka is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Sri Lanka?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Colombo, Sri Lanka in January when the water temperature reaches 32°F.

What is the flight time to Sri Lanka from the UK?

The flight time to Sri Lanka from the UK is typically 11 hours.

What is the time difference between Sri Lanka and the UK?

The time difference between Sri Lanka and the UK is UK time+5.5 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Sri Lanka?

The main languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Sinhala, Tamil and English.

Learn a language for Sri Lanka with Rosetta Stone*, Busuu* and Rocket Languages*.

What is the currency in Sri Lanka?

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

Send money to Sri Lanka with Wise.com*, World Remit* and XE Money Transfers*.

Which plugs are used in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka uses electrical plug type G (230 Volts) - the same as the UK.

Which side of the road do they drive on in Sri Lanka?

They drive on the left side of the road in Sri Lanka.

Find out more about driving in Sri Lanka with International Drivers Association*.

Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Sri Lanka.

Check Sri Lanka visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ*.

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Sri Lanka travel deals

Holidays to Sri Lanka

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Sri Lanka in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.

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Flights to Sri Lanka

Hotel chains in Sri Lanka

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