Climate in Sri Lanka and the influence of the monsoons

The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and is influenced by monsoons from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Warm temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, followed by mild sea breezes, determine the climate in Sri Lanka. Depending on the direction of the compass, different weather conditions prevail in the large island nation. If it is rainy and stormy on the west and south-west coast due to the south-west monsoon (Yala) , the warm sun shines in the east and north-east. This case occurs from mid-May to late September when the rainy season is in the west and southwest of the island. The moisture from the Indian Ocean is brought to the island by southwest winds, which creates the heavy rain showers. There is also cloudy weather in Sri Lanka in the second season. From October to November you have to expect periodic gusts of wind and rarely cyclones. Between December and March , the northeast monsoon (Maha) , which transports moisture from the Bay of Bengal , causes the rainy season in the north and northeast of the island. In the west and southwest of Sri Lanka it is warm during this time and there is little rainfall. From March to mid-May there are the least rain showers on the entire island. The best travel time for Sri Lanka- especially for round trips – are therefore the transition times between the monsoons. Depending on where you want to go, one season is better than the other. Therefore, I will explain below where and when a trip to Sri Lanka makes the most sense and what weather awaits you on your vacation. The climate table shows you the average temperature measurements in the individual months.

Climate table for Sri Lanka

Weather in Sri Lanka – tropical hot and rainy

In Sri Lanka it is warm – no matter what the weather prevails. Average temperatures of 30 degrees during the day and around 20 degrees at night run through the whole year. It is generally warmer in the northeast than in the southwest. Just as it is warmer in the lowlands than in the highlands. Maximum temperatures in the lowlands reach up to 38 degrees Celsius in the dry season – especially in March and April. The average values ​​in the high season from March to June are 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. The coolest months in Sri Lanka are from November to January. In the coastal lowlands you can expect temperatures between 26 and 31 degrees Celsius, with the thermometer rarely falling below 25 degrees even at night. At this time of year the humidity is very high. The climate on the coast is most bearable, as the sea breeze brings fresh air here. In the high altitudes of Sri Lanka it can get a little cooler at night. Therefore, you should take warm coveralls with you if you want to go hiking. A rain jacket is a must in your suitcase . Especially those who want to take a tour of Sri Lanka should have this item of clothing with them. Despite the climatic zones, the rainy season can sometimes be preferred, so it is beneficial to be prepared.

Sri Lanka is big. According to Picktrue, the island state is also located in the Indian Ocean, which means that it is influenced by monsoons . For the reasons mentioned, a best travel time cannot be determined for the entire island. Depending on where you want to go and what you want to see of the enchanting island, other months are the better time to travel. I have listed the optimal travel time for the different climate zones above. Trips to the south, west and the southwest coast are between November and March the most beautiful. In the north, east and northeast you have more choices. The weather here is good all year round. Even in the rainy season from December to March, the showers are only brief, so that you can continue your beach holiday afterwards. The best time to travel to the northeast , however, is between March and November . If you are flying to Sri Lanka, for example to climb Adam’s Peak , you should travel to the island between December and May. Take a look above to see when and where on the island you have the best weather conditions for a beach holiday, snorkeling, watching animals or surfing.