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Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka from India
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December to April. It is because the small island country experiences pleasant winter weather during this period, making travelling much more favourable.
With Sri Lanka being highly relevant in the epic poem Ramayana, most tour packages of Sri Lanka from India will include a Ramayana tour. The island country is also home to several mystical and beautiful places and a vibrant culture for visitors to enjoy.
Keep reading to know more about the best season to visit Sri Lanka.
Table of Contents
Best Seasons/Months to Visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka primarily witnesses four significant seasons. However, three of them are favourable for travel.
| Month | Average Temperature | Description |
| March-May (Summer Season) | 24 to 32 degrees Celsius | Hotter temperatures, great for diving and snorkelling on the east coast, visiting national parks for wildlife spotting, and cultural tours in cities like Colombo and Kandy. Popular events during this time: Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak Festival, and Colombo Fashion Week. |
| June-August (Rainy Season) | 25 to 30 degrees Celsius | Monsoon season in the southwest, excellent for visiting the east coast beaches, enjoying cooler climates in Nuwara Eliya, and exploring the ancient cities in the north-central region. Popular events during this time: Poson Poya, Kataragama Festival, and Kandy Esala Perahera. |
| September-November (Inter-Monsoon Season) | 23 to 31 degrees Celsius | Inter-monsoon rains, good for beach activities on the south and west coasts, bird watching, and exploring lush landscapes and waterfalls. Popular events during this time: Navarathri Festival, Deepavali, and Colombo International Book Fair. |
| December-February (Winter Season) | 21 to 30 degrees Celsius | Pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the Cultural Triangle, relaxing on the south coast beaches, and visiting tea plantations in the Hill Country. Popular events during this time: Christmas Celebrations, Galle Literary Festival, Duruthu Perahera. |
March-May (Summer Season)
Summer in Sri Lanka is very colourful and animated and characterised by warm weather conditions and lush vegetation. For instance, this season involves cultural ceremonies and outdoor sports events.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Sri Lanka:
| Weather | Warm with occasional rain showers |
| Temperature | 24°C to 32°C |
| Season | Moderate |
| Season for Localities | Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak Festival, Colombo Fashion Week |
| Key Highlights |
|
June-August (Rainy Season)
Sri Lanka experiences monsoons during these months. However, the east coast remains sunny and dry, making it a perfect place to visit if you love beaches and adventure.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Sri Lanka:
| Weather | Monsoon in the southwest, dry in the east |
| Temperature | 25°C to 30°C |
| Season | Off-season |
| Season for Localities | Poson Festival, Kandy Esala Perahera, Kataragama Festival |
| Key Highlights |
|
September-November (Inter-Monsoon Season)
The transitional period between the seasons in Sri Lanka is inter-monsoon, with occasional rainfall that brings a refreshing touch to the landscape. This time of year is great for exploring green landscapes and has a less crowded travel experience.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Sri Lanka:
| Weather | Occasional rain showers |
| Temperature | 24°C to 31°C |
| Season | Moderate |
| Season for Localities | Deepavali, Full Moon Poya, Colombo International Book Fair |
| Key Highlights |
|
December-February (Winter Season)
During winter holidays in Sri Lanka, there are plenty of dry conditions ideal for different activities throughout the country. The climate is so comfortable that it can be considered a beach holiday or an exploration of cultural heritage.
Here are some of the key details you should know about this season when planning for a trip to Sri Lanka:
| Weather | Pleasant and dry |
| Temperature | 21°C to 30°C |
| Season | Peak |
| Season for Localities | Galle Literary Festival, Christmas Celebrations, New Year Celebrations, Duruthu Perahera |
| Key Highlights |
|
When to Avoid Visiting Sri Lanka?
While Sri Lanka is a beautiful and diverse destination year-round, there are certain periods when visiting might not be ideal. Understanding these times can help you plan a more enjoyable and hassle-free trip.
| Months to Avoid | Reason |
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Seasonal Travel Costs to Sri Lanka from India
Travelling from India to Sri Lanka can cost you less if you follow price variation trends during different seasons when planning your trip. Here below is a summary of airfare plus hotel prices for every season:
| Season | Average Flight Cost (INR) | Average hotel Cost per Night (INR) | Description |
| Summer season (March-May) | ₹16000- ₹25000 | ₹2500-₹5000 | Moderate season with moderate prices; ideal for exploring the cultural sites and enjoying the pleasant weather. |
| Rainy Season (June-August) | ₹18000- ₹30000 | ₹3000- ₹6000 | Off-season with moderate prices; good for beach activities on the East Coast, but expect monsoon rains in the southwest. |
| Inter-Monsson (September-November) | ₹15000- ₹28000 | ₹2500- ₹5000 | Moderate season with a moderate price; suitable for visiting cultural landmarks and enjoying the tail end of the East Coast beach season. |
| Winter Season (December-February) | ₹20000- ₹35000 | ₹3500-₹7000 | Peak season with higher price; best weather for beaches on the southwest coast and cultural tours, especially around Christmas and New Year celebrations. |
Things to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka
Before the beautiful places of Sri Lanka enthral you, there are a few points you need to remember for a safe trip.
- Do not carry any distasteful Buddha-themed costumes or accessories to Sri Lanka, as it may offend the locals.
- Add Sri Lankan train rides to your trip plans.
- Learn a few Sinhalese and Tamil phrases before visiting Sri Lanka.
- Be ready for tea tasting when in Sri Lanka.
- Keep an eye out for monsoons and lousy weather conditions while planning your trip.
- Full moon days are auspicious in Sri Lanka and are therefore observed as dry days and bank holidays.
- Sri Lanka observes dry days on all Buddhist festivals. Therefore, all liquor shops will remain closed these days.
- Pack a few modest clothes as you need to maintain a decent dress code while visiting religious sites in Sri Lanka.
- Most restaurant workers in Sri Lanka rely on extra tips. Therefore, tipping is recommended when in Sri Lanka. As more prominent restaurants allow a 10% tip, you can tip this amount in other restaurants.
Tips for Travelling in Sri Lanka
Here are a few tips to keep in mind while planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
- Stick to Bank of Ceylon ATMs for monetary transactions as Sri Lankan Rupee is tough to exchange outside Sri Lanka.
- Do not turn your back on Lord Buddha's statue, as it is a sign of disrespect.
- Do not wear an outfit that depicts images of Lord Buddha in different attire or graphics.
- Avoid public display of affections as locals frown on these as indecent behaviour.
- Many Sri Lankan restaurants are referred to as hotels too. Therefore confirm these businesses offer lodging before checking in.
- Be realistic and prepare well for how much you can walk and stay healthy if you are planning a trek.
- Dress modestly when you are visiting religious sites like temples or monasteries.
- Opt for consent or permission before clicking pictures of locals.
- Avoid drinking from running tap water.
- If you are visiting during the early summer or early monsoon months, carry an umbrella or a raincoat.
- Carry mosquito repellent creams.
- Sri Lankan head gestures are pretty different from Indians. If you notice them moving their head left-right (Indian motion of 'no'), never interpret them in the Indian context. Left-right head movement means 'yes' in Sri Lankan.
- Check for metres in tuk-tuks or auto-rickshaws while borrowing a ride.
- Try the local delicacies.
What Phrases Should You Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a blend of Sinhalese and Tamil populations, so these two are significant languages of this country. Although most Sri Lankans can speak and understand English, knowing their native tongue will make communication easy. If you travel to Sri Lanka from India, you should be frequent with a few Tamil phrases.
Here is a list of Sinhalese and Tamil that might come in handy while looking for the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
| English | Sinhalese |
| Please | Karunakerara |
| Hello | Ayubowan / Vannakkam |
| My name is | Mage nama |
| Yes | Ow |
| No | Naa |
| Thank you | Istuti |
| I want coffee | Kapi vendum |
| I don’t understand | Puriyadu |
| Room | Arai |
| Bed | Kattil |
| Temple | Kovil |
| Toilet | Malasalakurum |
| Money | Kassu |
| 1 | Eka |
| 2 | Deka |
| 5 | Paha |
| 10 | Daha |
| 20 | Vissa |
| 100 | Seeyie |
| Town | pura |
| Bank | bank eka |
| Clean | Pirisidu |
| Dirty | kilutu |
| Hotel | hotela |
| Restaurant | apna sala |
| Breakfast | udee tee |
| Lunch | dawal Kaama |
| Dinner | Paa Kaama |
| Water | watura |
| Do you speak English? | Ingrissi Dannevada |
| How much is this? | Meeka Kiyadha |
| Goodbye | Subha udas wewa |
| Sorry / Excuse me | Samahara karanna |
| I'm fine, thank you | Hari, istuti |
| What is your name? | Oyage nama mokakda? |
| Where is...? | Eya koheda? |
| Where is the bathroom? | Malasalakurum koheda? |
| I want... | Mata ... karanava |
| I need help | Mata sahaayak karanna ona |
| Can you help me? | Oyage sahaayak karanna puluwan? |
| I'm lost | Mage aluth ekka epa |
| Hospital | Roga sala |
| Police station | Polis asana |
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So, now that you have an idea of the best time to visit Sri Lanka, you can start planning your trip. You can also put the above beautiful places in Sri Lanka on your bucket list for a memorable trip. Before booking your tickets to Sri Lanka, make sure to have travel insurance for a safe trip and ensure your luggage's security.