CLIMATE IN SRI LANKA
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka experiences a pleasant, tropical climate and consists of distinctive dry and wet seasons. The average temperature of Sri Lanka usually ranges from 28°C to 32°C while the upland areas are cooler, with an average around 16°C to 20°C. The best time to visit the west and south coast is between December and March while the climate on the east coast is at its finest from May to September. Rainfall is at the highest between October and November, the whole country experiences strong winds with heavy rain. It may not be the best season for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Seasonal Overview
Due to its location in the equatorial and tropical zones, Sri Lanka has been influenced by the monsoons affecting alternate sides of the island at opposite times of the year.
In the north and eastern coastal regions of the country, the weather is influenced by the north-eastern monsoon, which brings rain and wind between October and January, and drier weather between May and September.
The south-western monsoon brings rain to the south-west of Sri Lanka between May to September, while the dry season in this region runs from December to March. The wettest months are from April to June.
There are also two inter-monsoonal periods between March – April and October – November, when rain and thunderstorms can occur anywhere across the country.
The easiest way of explaining Sri Lanka’s weather is by dividing the country into several regions. Below is a table that will give you a general idea.
| Destinations | Dry Season (Best Season) | Wet Season (Monsoon Rain) | Average Temperature (Degree Celsius) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
North & East Coast |
May – September |
October – January |
25°C |
|
South Coast |
December – March |
April – June |
30°C |
|
West Coast |
December – March |
April – June |
30°C |
|
Cultural Triangle |
January – March |
October – December |
20 – 25°C |
|
Tea Country Hills |
January – March |
October – December |
16°C |
Average Temperature and Precipitation
North Coast Climate
| Jaffna | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
23 |
23 |
25 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
27 |
27 |
27 |
26 |
24 |
23 |
|
Max Temp °C |
29 |
30 |
32 |
33 |
32 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
29 |
29 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
70 |
35 |
27 |
61 |
53 |
18 |
20 |
32 |
44 |
242 |
367 |
266 |
South Coast Climate
| Galle | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
23 |
24 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
24 |
|
Max Temp °C |
29 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
102 |
90 |
134 |
233 |
292 |
180 |
165 |
167 |
216 |
348 |
311 |
188 |
East Coast Climate
| Trincomalee | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
24 |
25 |
25 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
26 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
24 |
|
Max Temp °C |
27 |
28 |
30 |
32 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
34 |
32 |
29 |
28 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
159 |
97 |
48 |
53 |
51 |
25 |
64 |
94 |
114 |
218 |
346 |
362 |
West Coast Climate
| Colombo | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
22 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
|
Max Temp °C |
31 |
31 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
74 |
73 |
136 |
246 |
360 |
208 |
134 |
103 |
180 |
358 |
317 |
159 |
The Cultural Triangle Climate
| Sigiriya | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
21 |
21 |
22 |
23 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
24 |
23 |
23 |
22 |
22 |
|
Max Temp °C |
29 |
30 |
32 |
33 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
28 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
153 |
84 |
94 |
157 |
84 |
11 |
43 |
38 |
92 |
254 |
269 |
319 |
Kandy Climate
| Kandy | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
19 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
22 |
21 |
21 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
20 |
|
Max Temp °C |
28 |
30 |
32 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
29 |
28 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
126 |
100 |
109 |
170 |
195 |
144 |
145 |
123 |
151 |
292 |
312 |
216 |
Tea Country Hills Climate
| Nuwara Eliya | JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Min Temp °C |
12 |
12 |
11 |
11 |
14 |
14 |
13 |
13 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
12 |
|
Max Temp °C |
20 |
20 |
24 |
26 |
22 |
21 |
19 |
19 |
22 |
20 |
21 |
20 |
|
Rainfall (mm) |
121 |
85 |
79 |
178 |
184 |
179 |
185 |
162 |
176 |
245 |
233 |
223 |
SRI LANKAN’S RELIGION
Sri Lanka’s population is composed of multi-ethnic groups and the religion is inevitably diverse. Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka and has been given special privileges in the Sri Lankan constitution such as government protection and fostering of Buddhist Dharma.
Buddhism is the majority religion in Sri Lanka, with approximately 70% of the population is Buddhist. Hinduism is the country’s second largest religion which has a long tradition and is the oldest religion in Sri Lanka. Muslims make up around 10% of the island’s population, mainly settled along the west and east coasts in places such as Galle, Aluthgama and Hambantota. Christianity make up of 7.4% of the population, in which 58% are Roman Catholics and the rest are Anglicans, Methodists and other Protestants.
The Different Religions
| Buddhism | 70.2% |
| Hinduism | 12.6% |
| Islam | 9.5% |
| Christianity | 7.4% |
| Other | 0.03% |
Visiting Religious Sites of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home for many cultural and religious sites. From ancient ruins, to historic temples and magnificent churches, you can find numerous ancient sacred sites in Sri Lanka.
Be aware that when visiting temples, it is important for both men and women to adopt a modest style of clothing, covering shoulders and legs. Footwear and headwear should be removed before entering a temple. Tourists have been refused entry to Sri Lanka or faced deportation for having visible tattoos of Buddha.
SRI LANKA’S TRAINS
Train travel is one the primary modes of transport in Sri Lanka and a key part of Sri Lanka’s public transport system. It is one of the cheapest and most convenient ways to travel around the country. The train journeys are real cultural experiences.
Sri Lanka is known for having one of the world’s most scenic train rides – the famous train route between Kandy and Ella, passing through stunning landscapes of lush tea plantations, sweeping jungles, picturesque hills and cascading waterfalls. It is one of the most beautiful train trips in the world.
Three Main Rail Lines in Sri Lanka
South Rail Line:A scenic train route that runs south, by the coast from Colombo, through Hikkaduwa, Galle, Mirissa, to Matara.
East Rail Line:A beautiful train route through the green and lush jungle, mountain and tea plantation landscape to the Hill Country of Sri Lanka. It goes from Colombo to Kandy, Hatton (Adam’s Peak), Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya), Ella and ends in Badulla.
North Rail Line:Runs from Colombo, through Anuradhapura to Mannar, and all the way north to Jaffna. One branch reaches Trincomalee on the east coast, while another serves Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa.
Other Lines:The Puttalam line runs along the coast north from Colombo. Passengers will need to take rail buses between Chilaw and Puttalam. The Kelani Valley line runs inland and east from Colombo to Avissawella.
The Different Classes of Trains
First Class Observation Saloon:Provides a full view of the scenery and is usually at the rear of the train, but occasionally behind the locomotive. It has comfortable cushioned seats and numbered seating. Not air-conditioned, but the windows can open, ideal for viewing and photography.
First Class Air-conditioned:Has comfortable cushioned seats and numbered seating. Windows cannot be opened. Service is offered only on some routes.
First Class Sleeper:Carries sleeping berths and is available on a few overnight trains.
Second Class:Four seats per row, has overhead fans and the option to open the windows.
Third Class:Six seats per row, no fans, but the windows usually remain wide open. The most popular choice for the locals.
Choose the right class for your comfort and remember, first class tickets must be purchased in advance.
