Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean Ceylon). For a quick reference on the world map, India is at the top. The evergreen island of Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is world famous for Ceylon tea, elephants, monkey jungles, white sandy beaches and Sri Lankan gems. Ceylon produces 10% of the world's tea.

The state of Sri Lanka with a population of 21 million people occupies the island of the same name and several dozen small surrounding islands. Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka official name countries. The President is the head of state. Sri Lanka is separated from the territory of the Hindustan Peninsula by the Polk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. From the southern tip of mainland India, the island of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) protrudes into the ocean for only 35 km. The sandbar in the Strait of Polk (Adam's Bridge) used to connect the island territory of Sri Lanka with the mainland, but was destroyed by a strong earthquake in the 15th century.

The central highlands of the island smoothly flow into the coastal lowlands with magnificent sandy beaches. The long beaches of Sri Lanka are washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal almost at the equator line.

Climate of Sri Lanka tropical, monsoon, which allows you to relax on the coast all year round. The average water temperature in Sri Lanka is +26 degrees. The air temperature of Sri Lanka on the coast is +28 +32 degrees all year round. In the center of the island there are high mountains in some places, so in winter the temperature there can drop to +10 degrees.

The swimming and tourist season in Sri Lanka is year-round. However, it is worth knowing on which coast of the island of Sri Lanka the "season" and in what months:

  • October to April is the "season" on the west coast of Sri Lanka.
  • From April to October is the "season" on the east coast of Sri Lanka.

Accordingly, there will be “off season” on the opposite coast. The "off season" in Sri Lanka is characterized by temporary rains, when clouds quickly run up and the rain pours out within 1-1.5 hours. But the main feature of the "off season" in Sri Lanka is a storm of 3-5 points. For most tourists whose main goal is a beach holiday, given weather does not fit. However, it is a paradise for windsurfers.

Visa to Sri Lanka.

A visa to Sri Lanka is from January 1, 2012 - an electronic travel authorization (ETA). The Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Permit is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival in the country. It is recommended to issue an ETA in advance via the Internet, the cost for 1 person is 30 USD. If you have not issued an electronic entry permit to Sri Lanka, then you will be forced to go through this procedure for obtaining an ETA at the airport, paying 35 USD.

What to visit in Sri Lanka?

Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo has the only international airport on the island. Colombo is in charge economic center country and sea port. As an excursion object, Colombo is not the most the best way. There is certainly something to see here, but the highlight of Sri Lanka is outside the capital. Attractions Colombo: National Museum; aviation museum; museum naval forces; Temples of the Four religions practiced on the island; modern skyscrapers; hotels. Colombo is a typical Asian city. Chaos is going on in the city on the road, and Tuk-Tuk (three-wheeled vehicle) can be considered a symbol of the city.

Landmarks of Sri Lanka.

  • Anuradhapura . The city of Anuradhapura is the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from 377 BC. until the middle of the XI century A.D. The ancient national architecture has partially survived to this day. Millions of tourists come to look at stupas in the form of bells (dagoba): Jetavanaramaya (III century BC), Tuparama (III century BC), Mirisaveti (II century BC), Ruvanvelisaya (II- I century BC). Ruvanvelisaya is a stupa 90 meters high with a spire adorned with precious stones. The temple resembles a huge drop of water flowing into the sea. The foundation is decorated with statues of 338 elephants. Anuradhapura has preserved many stone statues of Buddha, the unique Isurumuniya rock monastery, Buddhist palaces, and artificial reservoirs. All this splendor is protected by UNESCO.
  • Pinnavella . elephant nursery Pinnawala. Here you can watch how the elephants are fed, stroke them and take pictures. Among the inhabitants of the shelter: elephants not accepted by the herd, abandoned by the owners, little elephants, injured individuals, but here it is open for them new life and daily care. Twice a day, elephants go to the Mahaweli River to bathe. An unforgettable sight to watch the entertainment of the largest animals in the world in natural conditions.
  • Sigiriya - a natural sheer cliff measuring 370 meters in height. Climbing the rock takes 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes. There is a flat plateau on the rock, where there was a huge complex, including the Temple of the 5th century AD. and pools. The temple is not active. To climb to the top of the cliff, you need to overcome a considerable distance, including a screw steel ladder. Frescoes from the 1st century AD have been preserved on the rock. (19 images of women in the clouds). Sigiriya means "lion rock". Two stone lions guard the entrance to the stairs leading to the very top of the rock. Now only the huge paws of the lion remain. A bewitching sight awaits tourists as a reward for the journey. An impressive part of the wall, a reservoir for drinking water and the royal throne. Sigiriya is included in the UNESCO list.
  • national park Yala . Yala National Park is the largest of the 14 national parks in Sri Lanka. It has the most diverse animal world. An excursion to the park is a kind of jeep safari where you can see elephants, monkeys, monitor lizards, crocodiles, leopards, spotted deer, wild boar and many other exotic animals.
  • Halle . Port 17th century. Old city. Much has been preserved: a lighthouse, an artificial harbor, tombstones of the first settlers and other sights. There is very expensive housing in which the elite is quartered.
  • Polonnaruwa . ancient capital Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th century. The main historical heritage of the country is concentrated here: the ruins of temples, the largest Buddhist monastery, stupas, stone Buddha statues, the longest reclining Buddha statue (14 meters), the former Temple of the Tooth Relic. The ruins of the city were found in the 19th century and reclaimed from the jungle.
  • Dambulla . cave temple The Golden Temple is located on a cliff 350 meters above sea level. This is a complex of 5 caves. Each cave contains a huge number of Buddha statues of various materials, shapes, sizes and different times of creation. The collection of this temple has been replenished for more than 2000 years and has 153 statues of Buddha, 3 statues of the kings of Sri Lanka, 4 statues of gods and goddesses.
  • Matale. spice garden . On the territory of more than 1 hectare there are about 60 species of various spice plants.
  • Kandy. Museum of gems. In Sri Lanka, dozens of types of precious stones and gems are mined: moonstone, topaz, cat's eye, amethysts, sapphires, rubies and many other semi-precious stones. The symbol of Sri Lanka is the blue sapphire stone. You can visit the stone mine in the city of Ratnapura. The rock is mined in a mine, then it is washed in a sieve in water, stones are found. After that, the stone goes to the factory for the processing of precious stones. At the end of the tour, you can visit a jewelry store.
  • Kandy . Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. This is one of the most interesting and exotic places in Sri Lanka. An artificial reservoir flaunts in the center of the city - the artificial lake Kandy. Temple of the Tooth Relic - Dalada Maligawa . In Dalada Maligawa, the main shrine of Buddhists is kept - the sacred tooth of the Buddha. The prayer hall of the temple is especially decorated. Every year (full moon in the month of August) on the holiday of Esala Perahera, the box with the tooth of the Buddha is carried out on the back of an elephant, followed by a whole festive procession of dancers and jugglers. Tambourines choose the rhythm of the dance, the city is immersed in the atmosphere of the holiday and the show program.
  • Kandy. old railway .
  • Royal Botanical Garden in Peredeniya. There are more than 4 thousand plants, flowers, trees from all over the world in the garden. There are trees planted by Nicholas II, Yuri Gagarin. The highlight of the Royal Botanic Gardens is the orchid garden, with over 300 species of orchids.
  • Tea factory in Labucella .
  • Nuwara Eliya . "Little England". The birthplace of Ceylon tea. English architecture of the 18th century, cozy well-groomed streets, parks, pubs, polo and golf fields and an undoubted attribute - fog. Nuwara Eliya is also a mountain resort. Nuwara Eliya has amazing nature: lakes, spacious green valleys, picturesque waterfalls, Pidurutalagala mountain, tea plantations.
  • Trincomalee. Port. Sea battles. diving conditions. Sunken ships.
  • Adam's Peak . One of the most revered places in Sri Lanka. On the mountain, whose height is 2224 meters, there is a footprint of the Buddha. It is possible that this is the trace of the first man Adam, who was expelled from paradise. Tourists climb the mountain at night to see the dawn in the morning - the beginning of a new day.
  • Horton Plateau .
  • Khabarana . Lake with two 5 star hotels.
  • cotto 8 km from Colombo. It houses the parliament and government offices.
  • fish catchers , famous all over the world, who fish on piles driven into the ocean.
  • Sea excursion - Watching blue whales.

Resorts of Sri Lanka.

The resorts of Sri Lanka are best for romantic couples, independent tourists, surfers, youth and nature lovers. Family holiday with children, even with small ones, it is possible with a few reservations. It is worth considering a long flight, a long transfer, a food system and a hotel base. Some hotels are focused on a romantic relaxing holiday, in which children are not accepted until a certain age or at all, some hotels do not have sufficient entertainment for children, and some do not have Russian-language children's animation. Tourists wishing to travel to Sri Lanka are advised to at least get vaccinated against malaria and eat spicy local cuisine in limited quantities.

Beaches in Sri Lanka snow-white, sandy, municipal. The widest beaches in the resort of Trincomalee. The beaches are free, and sunbeds and umbrellas too.

Resorts of Sri Lanka on the east coast of the island. Trincomalee, Passikuda, Arugambo, Dikvela.

Trincomalee . Trincomalee offers its tourists a serene beach holiday and swimming in the Indian Ocean. The beaches of the Trincomalee resort are the best in Sri Lanka due to the white sand and the widest coastline.
There is no tourist infrastructure outside the hotels. It is worth noting that Trincomalee is a resort located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, and it is worth visiting from April to October, and in the other half of the year it is windy and surfers can come. Trincomalee is one of the most remote resorts. Transfer time from Colombo International Airport to Trincomalee takes about 6 hours.

Passicuda . Passikuda is a resort located in the center of the east coast of the island of Sri Lanka. Passikuda is a new resort that is being actively built up with hotels and is developing. There are few Russian tourists in Pissikuda, mostly tourists from Europe. The season in the resort of Pissikuda is from April to October, at other times of the year it is "off season", characterized by intermittent rains and waves.

A little further south is the capital of surfers - Arugambo .

Dikvela - a resort for a measured beach holiday in the south of the island. It is great to combine holidays on the coast of the Indian Ocean and sightseeing trips to nearby attractions of the island. For example: Yala National Park or Udawalawe National Park, climbing Adam's Peak, a trip to Kandy or the high mountain resort of Nuwara Eliya.

Resorts of Sri Lanka on the west coast of the island.

Resorts on the west coast of the island are numerous and located close to each other: Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Ahungalla, Kosgoda, Induruva, Benton, Beruwala, Kalutara, Wadduwa, Mount Livinia, Negombo, Maravila.

Relaxing resorts in Sri Lanka: Induruwa, Beruwala, Kalutara, Koggala, Ahangama, Negombo.

Resorts for treatment in Sri Lanka— Wadduwa.

Dynamic resorts for outdoor activities in Sri Lanka: Hikkaduwa, Bentota.

Unawatuna . The Unawatuna resort is suitable for both a romantic beach holiday and outdoor enthusiasts. There are excellent conditions for diving and surfing.

Hikkaduwa . The resort of Hikkaduwa is more dynamic and familiar to the Russian tourist. The resort of Hikkaduwa is universal in terms of recreation in hotels and beyond, there is a tourist infrastructure. There is something to do here: night discos, fish restaurants, surf schools, a coral reserve. In addition, the Hippie Festival is held in Hikkaduwa. Here on the territory of the hotels there are more conditions for outdoor activities.

Bentota . Popular resort, active resort. There is both a river and an ocean. And some hotels took advantage of this uniqueness of the natural landscape. In Bentota, there are all conditions for an active type of recreation: the center aquatic species sports, sports center, diving center.

Negombo . Negombo offers a more economical beach holiday. On the coast there is darker sand.

Maravila . Marawila is the northernmost resort on the west coast of Ceylon. It is located 80 km north of Colombo. The special pride of the resort is sailing ships. Exotic sword fish, sharks - inhabitants underwater world resort. More than 100 Catholic churches keep their relics in the resort.

Most of the population of the island of Sri Lanka are Sinhalese, followed by Tamils ​​living in the north of the island, Sri Lankan Moors, burghers and Veddas are less numerous.

A little about the history of the island. In the 16th century it was taken over by the Portuguese, then by the Dutch, and at the end of the 18th century by the British. February 4, 1948 Sri Lanka became independent. Sri Lanka exports tea, rubber and coconuts, which is 5 of the country's income. Rice, which is harvested twice a year, goes to the domestic market.

Hotels in Sri Lanka. Hotel prices.

Hotels in Sri Lanka Level 4 and 5 stars have a large green landscaped area, swimming pools, SPA centers, a huge range of entertainment and sports (billiards, water polo, table tennis, yoga). Some hotels have their own water sports centers. Most hotels in Sri Lanka organize wedding ceremonies and romantic dinners.

Vip hotels in Sri Lanka.
The Fortress 5* (Koggala).
Saman Villas 5* (Induruwa). It is located on a picturesque cliff protruding into the ocean.

Hotels for a budget holiday in Sri Lanka.
Citrix 3* (Hikkaduwa).
Chaaya Tranz 4* (Hikkaduwa).
Unawatuna Beach Resort 3* (Unawatuna).
Hibiscus 3* (Kalutara).
Mermaid Hotel 3* (Kalutara).

Hotels for a romantic getaway in Sri Lanka.
Eva Beach 5 * (Unawatuna).
Tangerine Beach 4* (Kalutara).
Royal Palms Beach 5 * (Kalutara).
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort 4* (Wadduwa). Treatment.

Hotels for outdoor activities in Sri Lanka.
Induruwa Beach 3* (Induruwa).
Club Bentota 4* (Bentota).
Vivanta By Taj Bentota 5 * (Bentota).
Chaaya Tranz 4* (Hikkaduwa).
Bentota Beach 4 * (Bentota).
Blue Water Resort 5* (Wadduwa).

Sri Lanka is a land of gems. The island of Sri Lanka is known for the fact that it is here that the world's largest sapphires are found. Blue sapphire is the king of gems and national symbol islands of Ceylon. Shopping tours (jewelry trips) are in high demand in Sri Lanka. Blue Sri Lankan sapphire shapes the mystery and glory of Ceylon. A new blue sapphire deposit was discovered in 2012 in the southeastern part of the island of Sri Lanka near Tammannawa next to the rocky hills of Kataragama (Uva province). It is separated from the capital city of Colombo by 245 km.

Sri Lanka- This is an island state located a little east of Hindustan. It is washed by the waters of the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. You can go to Sri Lanka at a time when you want warmth and sun, and the weather outside is not at all happy.

Before you travel, you should understand the peculiarities of the climate in the country. If we talk about tourism, then in Sri Lanka there is no such thing as an off season: here you can comfortably spend your vacation in any season. North- East End the islands lie in the zone subequatorial, and the southwestern one is in the zone equatorial climate, and that is why they differ weather in different parts countries. In general, we can say that the temperature year in Sri Lanka is quite even. The coldest month of the year is December, but even then the air temperature is around +28°C. The hottest time falls on April, when the thermometer reaches +34°C during the day. Throughout the year, the night temperature does not fall below +18°C, and the average water temperature throughout the year is +26°C. In cities, the heat is rather difficult to tolerate, but it blows on the coast light breeze which makes your stay comfortable.

Despite the fact that the tourist season in the country lasts throughout the year, there are still some nuances that travelers need to consider.

The main thing that tourists who decide to go to Sri Lanka should consider is rain season, which proceeds differently in different regions countries. Most deposits fall in the South-West islands. They are brought at the end of May by the southwest monsoon, which continues to blow until the end of September. It is the period May to September in the western part of the country is called the rainy season.

Rainfall is also possible in October, and already In November the northeast monsoon comes to Sri Lanka, which brings rains to the entire territory of the country.

The most suitable time for a holiday in the southwest of the island is from November to April, when there is moderate rainfall. Temperatures in this part of the island are always high.

Northeastern subequatorial territories are characterized by a drier climate. Minimal amount precipitation falls here from October to January. However peak tourist season falls on summer months when the most favorable temperatures are established.

- this is a mountainous island, so it is necessary to say separately about the weather conditions in mountainous areas . Here, on average, the air temperature is lower than in low-lying areas, and in January the average temperature is about +14°C. This region includes the popular city of Sri Lanka Nuwara Eliya. In addition, more intense rains are observed in the mountains.

In Sri Lanka, you can relax at any time of the year, as the showers mostly take place at night and are short-lived, so they cannot ruin your vacation. December to April best to come to southwest coast, May to November – to the east. The resorts of Sri Lanka are especially popular during the celebration of Christmas and New Year.

There are not many places on our planet where the weather stays about the same throughout the year. That is why tourists are always interested in what the weather will be in a particular place during their vacation. Almost all tourists are wondering when it is better to go on vacation to Sri Lanka, if they are really going to this island. It is impossible to answer this question correctly if you do not take into account all the nuances. The fact is that it is important to take into account such details as the place of the intended holiday in Sri Lanka, the purpose of the holiday (beach holiday, trips to National parks, sightseeing, surfing, whale watching, etc.), planned spending, and more.
In this article, we will try to briefly talk about when it is better to go on vacation to Sri Lanka, taking into account all important nuances. After reading this article to the end, you will understand when you should go to this island and when not. We also advise you to additionally read the article about the weather in Sri Lanka by months. In addition, on our website you will find review articles about the weather in Sri Lanka in each month of the year. So on our site you will get the most full information about the weather in Sri Lanka.

Climate in Sri Lanka

The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and is influenced by the monsoons from the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. High temperatures in the region of 30 degrees Celsius and high humidity, accompanied by mild sea breezes, determine the climate in Sri Lanka. Depending on the dominance of one or another monsoon, various weather conditions prevail on a large island in the Indian Ocean. When the southwest monsoon is observed in the southwest of Sri Lanka, rain and strong winds often occur in these regions. At the same time, the sun often shines in the northeast. This happens from mid-May to the end of September, when the rainy season lasts in the southwest of Sri Lanka. Moisture from the Indian Ocean is brought to the island by southwesterly winds, resulting in heavy rain showers. From October to November in this region you should also expect occasional showers and strong winds.
Between December and March, the situation looks very different: the northeast monsoon transports moisture from the Bay of Bengal, causing heavy rains in the northeast of Sri Lanka. In the opposite part of Sri Lanka at this time of the year it is warm, sunny and almost rainless. From March to mid-May, the rainiest weather is observed on the entire island. So we can say that the best time to travel to Sri Lanka in general (not to any particular area) is the transition period between the monsoons. During such periods, the weather in Sri Lanka is not the rainiest, but not the sunniest either. If you want to relax in a particular place, you must remember that in this case one season here will be better than another.

Monsoons Yala and Maha in Sri Lanka

Due to its location near the equator, Sri Lanka has a tropical monsoon climate. He is influenced mountain ranges inside the island and the monsoon wind, which changes every six months. The southwest monsoon, "Yala", blows from mid-May to late September from the southwest, but due to the presence of mountains in the center of the island, it does not reach the east and northeast of the island. These mountains stop rich in moisture air masses, and this leads to the loss a large number rainfall in the west and south. At the beginning of the southwest monsoon period, west and south Sri Lanka receives a lot of precipitation, although during the summer the precipitation becomes less and less. In September and October, the amount of precipitation again increases strongly, and in November the rains gradually stop. Although it is not uncommon for the Yala Monsoon to be sunny and dry, this time of year almost always sees high waves on most beaches. That is why, if you are going to the western or southern coast of Sri Lanka and want to swim in the ocean, it is important to choose a suitable beach for this, where the waves are not very high. Such a beach, for example, can be Unawatuna. You can also pay attention to other beaches of the south coast, located in bays. There are practically no such beaches on the west coast.
From October to mid-April, the northeast monsoon "Maha" blows from exactly the opposite direction, from the northeast. This is weather phenomenon due to the location of the zone with the lowest air pressure moving around the equator. perfect weather for swimming on the northeast coast is observed during the period from April to September inclusive, but in the period from October to mid-April it is better not to go to the east coast. The amount of precipitation in this region during this period is quite large, much more than in the west.

Air temperature in Sri Lanka

In general, the air temperature throughout Sri Lanka is approximately the same, only in the mountainous regions it is noticeably lower than the temperature in the rest of the island. Despite the fact that in the flat areas of Sri Lanka the temperature is about the same, on the coast you will be a little cooler due to the sea breeze. But as soon as you move at least 1 km from the ocean, you will begin to feel all the delights of tropical weather. In general, temperatures in Sri Lanka fluctuate between 28-32°C during the day, depending on the coast. The average air temperature in the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, is 29°C, and the difference between the coldest and warmest months is only 3 degrees. This makes Sri Lanka an ideal year-round holiday destination.
January is the coldest month of the year in Sri Lanka, April and May are the coldest warm months. High in the mountains, especially in the areas of Ella and Nuwara Eliya, frosty weather can even stand in December and January.

Rainy season in Sri Lanka

As you already understood, there is no common rainy season for the whole of Sri Lanka, so in each region of the island the rainy season takes place in different time of the year. In the west and south of Sri Lanka, the rainy season lasts from May to mid-November, and in the north and east of the island it lasts from October to mid-April.
The Yala and Mahu monsoons bring a lot of precipitation (average 2365 mm of precipitation, but in specific places it can be less or more). The driest period in Sri Lanka is January-February, and the rainiest month of the year on the island is May.
The lowlands in the north and east, and the eastern part of the central highlands, form a dry zone where the northeast monsoon brings abundant rains, and during the southwest monsoon from May to July there is often a dry season during which rain is a very welcome occurrence. In general, less than 1000 mm of precipitation falls in this area for the whole year, which is less than in all other regions of Sri Lanka.

When is the best time to fly to Sri Lanka?

Now it's time to briefly talk about the main periods of the year and see how they are suitable for recreation. Although it is customary to single out two main periods in Sri Lanka (the Yala and Mahu monsoon periods), we still broke the whole year into more periods, since the weather and recreation conditions during the same period are not always very similar.

January March

The months from January to March are the best time to travel to Sri Lanka, not only for a beach holiday, but also for traveling around the island itself. In most of Sri Lanka during this period, weather is usually predominantly sunny and relatively dry. The air temperature during this period is not the highest. The weather in the south and west beaches from January to March is dry, warm and sunny. So there is nothing surprising in the fact that most experts advise flying to the island at this time of the year.

April

April is considered to be quite dry and the hottest month of the year in Sri Lanka. In April, the hot season begins, especially in the interior of the island. This month it is not recommended to take a tour of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, as in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthis triangle the temperature often rises to 35 ° C during the day.
If you decide to go to Sri Lanka specifically for a beach holiday on the west or south coast, then April with its cloudless sky and long sunny days are perfect for this. However, the hottest hours of the day (11:00 to 15:00) should be avoided for sightseeing in Sri Lanka.

May June

The southwest monsoon hits Sri Lanka in May and June, but as the name suggests, it only affects the southwest from Colombo to Hambatota. The southwest monsoon, however, is the milder of the two monsoons that prevail in Sri Lanka. Basically, this monsoon is characterized by short, but heavy rains, which, however, quickly pass. This distinguishes it from the northeast monsoon, which brings prolonged rains to the east and north of Sri Lanka. From May to July it is better to go to the east of Sri Lanka.

July August

During this period, which is also called the "inter-monsoonal season", the chances of rain are low. The weather is fine on most of the island. The temperature is constant, averaging around 29°C. In general, this period is considered one of the best for a trip to Sri Lanka, no matter which coast you plan to go to, although it is drier in the east.

September-November

In September and October, the amount of precipitation in the west of Sri Lanka increases markedly, and in October and November there is a rapid increase in the amount of precipitation in the east of the island. Still, the period from October to November is the time of the beginning of the northeast monsoon. This is the most powerful monsoon in Sri Lanka. Although the name of the monsoon suggests that it prevails in the northeastern region of Sri Lanka, it actually affects the entire island. Although the west and south are less affected by this monsoon than the north and east.
If you still plan to travel to Sri Lanka from September to November, you should be aware of the main pattern, which is that since the beginning of this period, the amount of precipitation in the west has gradually decreased, and in the east it has gradually increased. Therefore, in September it would be right to go to the east coast, and in November - to the west. As for October, this month there is a high probability of getting caught in the rain on both the western and eastern coasts of Sri Lanka.

December

This month, the monsoon wind in the west of Sri Lanka subsides. December is one of best months for a trip around Sri Lanka, exploring the sights and visiting national parks. Dry and pleasant weather prevails throughout the country. warm weather. However, in last years monsoon rain continued until December.

The best vacation time on the southwest coast

Do you want to spend a pleasant vacation on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka? Then the best time for this is the period from November to March. For those who can tolerate hot weather with temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius, April is also a good month to relax. The peak season on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka runs from January to March, when the driest climate prevails. During these months, tours to Sri Lanka are the most expensive, because hotels are filled to capacity. During the southwest monsoon, which lasts from mid-May to October, it is not recommended to spend holidays on the southwest coast. During this period, landslides and floods often occur, as in May 2017, when the monsoons were especially raging in Sri Lanka. More suitable areas of Sri Lanka for these months are the east and north of the island.

The best vacation time on the northeast coast

The best time for holidays in the north and east of Sri Lanka - the period from March to November. Although the northeast has warm tropical weather with high humidity all year round, it is only during the Mahu monsoon that there is a huge amount of rainfall. The rainy season in the northeast of Sri Lanka is characterized by large quantity rainfall than the rainy season in the southwest of the island, but the waves in the northeast are not as high.

World center of Buddhism, home of the best tea in the world, ancient country Ceylon, also known as Sri Lanka, is a small island state in South Asia, almost in the very center of the Indian Ocean, located just 800 km north of the equator. Find out on the Tour Calendar why the best time to relax in the southwest of the island is from December to March, and in the northern and eastern regions- from May to September.

Tourist season in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a real abode of exotics, in a small area of ​​​​which a huge variety of flora and fauna of the tropics is concentrated. It is unlikely that any other country in the world can offer such a bright and eventful holiday as this island: priceless historical relics, a radiant ocean, snow-white sandy beaches stretching beyond the horizon, unlimited opportunities for practicing all kinds of water sports, as well as the most the best specialists Vedic medicine. Sri Lanka has long managed to acquire its ardent fans, and at the moment the annual number of tourists who are ready to overcome the difficult 9-hour flight has already exceeded 1 million. It is believed that the season in Sri Lanka lasts all year round, however, in areas of the island visited by Europeans, it is reduced to a period between November and April.

High season

The heaviest passenger flow passes through Colombo Airport from December to the end of March. Firstly, this is the dry season, at this time the weather is most favorable for beach and sightseeing types of recreation, and secondly, this is the period of the New Year and Christmas holidays, when locals organize incredibly spectacular events and festivals, and hotels, of course, surprise no less. The tourist public in Sri Lanka is represented, as a rule, by Indians, British and Germans. There are enough Russians too - thanks to regular direct flights from Moscow. I would also like to note that for a vacation in the high season you will have to pay a fairly round amount - about 1.5-2.5 more than, for example, in November or May. However, the earlier you book the tour, the better the price will be. This rule also applies to independent travelers due to the fact that airfare in anticipation of the winter season is just crazy money.

low season

From May to October, the active demand for the Sri Lankan direction subsides a bit. This is due to the natural elements, which in some regions of Sri Lanka at this time “tear and mosque”. However, it should not be taken literally. As a rule, it rains only at night, and during the day - from the strength of 1-2 hours, after which enough comfortable weather. bright sun, of course, it is pointless to wait, but for sightseeing, of which there are a myriad, the end of spring - summer is a great option. The main advantage of a holiday in the low season is the same low prices for tours. Travel agencies offer summer tours to Sri Lanka, usually six months in advance. However, the best deals appear on the horizon a few weeks before departure. This saves a lot of money and is very convenient, since the procedure for obtaining a visa to this country is utterly simplified. The best time in the south is June and September, when the waves of the ocean are not yet so great. It is easier to choose a hotel near the beach, protected on both sides coral reefs, in such natural lagoons it will definitely be possible to swim. As an option - rest in the northeast, where it is very dry during this period of time. The hotel infrastructure here is badly developed, however interesting places abound, and souvenirs and all sorts of tourist trinkets are many times cheaper.

Beach season in Sri Lanka

Due to the fact that Sri Lanka is almost a stone's throw from the equator, the weather here is hot all year round, and as a result, you can also swim at any time of the year. The water temperature in summer is about +28 °C, and in winter it is a little cooler (if I may say so) - +26 °C .. +27 °C. However, during the rainy season in the southwest, there is a high probability of a tsunami that takes away to the depths of the ocean and coastal cafes, and people along with them, but not in early May and June, when it is quite calm in this part of the island. I would also like to say that the weather in Sri Lanka is a little predictable thing, and the same season can take place under different climatic conditions. If you cannot imagine your vacation on the island without a beach component, then purchase tickets for December-April - precipitation is not excluded, but the probability of sunny, calm weather is maximum.

windsurfing season

The hot climate and the almost constant roughness of the ocean in Sri Lanka (of varying degrees, depending on the season) open up great opportunities for windsurfing or other similar species sports. Beginners will be comfortable on southwest coast spots such as Bentota and Kaluntara, intermediate and pro surfers should choose Negombo on the west coast, Nilaveli beach in the northeast, Arugam Bay in the southeast or Hikkaduwa in the south . Ski season on the northeast and east coasts islands - May-October, and on the southwestern - November-April.

fishing season

Fishing is one of the great ways to diversify your holiday in Sri Lanka, as the waters around the island are literally teeming with exotic fish: marlin, big gourami, Spanish mackerel, snakefish, etc. If funds allow, it is better to use the services of special companies that take care of everything the chores of organizing deep-sea ocean fishing on motor boats. Their representatives work in many hotels located on the southwest coast. But if the budget is limited, you can try river fishing by resorting to the services local residents. As for the best time for fishing, it completely depends on the monsoons prevailing on the island. In the south and southwest of Sri Lanka, fishing will bring special joy from October to April, and in the north and northeast from May to September.

The best time for excursions

This section of the article could rightfully be the largest, because Sri Lanka is that rare country that is equally rich in history, natural masterpieces, and man-made memos. The main attractions of the island from the “must see” category are tea plantations, an elephant nursery, a turtle farm, Buddhist temples, Mount Adam and Royal Botanical Garden. In general, all this has nothing to do with museums or galleries, because the tours take place in the open air. Getting caught in tropical rain while driving around the island is kind of exotic entertainment to some extent, but it won't be fun the second time around. Given all of the above, it is best to get acquainted with all the wealth of the southwestern part of the island - during the dry season, from November to April. But the northeastern regions, if such a desire arises, can be explored between May and October.

whale watching season

One of the most popular excursions in Sri Lanka is watching blue whales, which feel very comfortable near its shores. These are the largest mammals in the world. Such ecological expeditions have gained worldwide popularity among hundreds of thousands of wildlife lovers. Migration season for whales and sperm whales - December - early April.

ornithological season

Sri Lanka is home to approximately 450 bird species. Even birds from Siberia itself come here for the winter! This island is a real paradise for any ornithologist. Hundreds of thousands of people from many countries of the world flock here to look at feathered creatures during their migration. The flight season from August to April is a fantastic time to see a wide variety of birds from India, Scandinavia, Western Europe and the Arctic tundra in one place. Peak season is December, which is declared National Bird Month on the island.

Wellness season

It was in Sri Lanka that Ayurveda was born - the art of healing and the oldest philosophical doctrine, which is considered the most complete. medical system on Earth, which pursues the achievement of a balance of soul and body. The use of her methods allows you to relieve stress, restore wasted strength, rejuvenate, correct the work of many body systems, and even cure chronic diseases. And all this without the use of any medication. The high popularity of this health system in Sri Lanka is evidenced by the constant queues in front of the Ayurveda hotel SPA rooms. The minimum course to achieve a positive effect is from 3 weeks. The most favorable time for a trip for Ayurveda is summer, when the weather is hot and humid.

religious season

Sri Lanka is the cradle of Buddhism, so hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come here in endless crowds. The largest flow of believers is observed during the dry season, as well as on the eve of religious holidays. Several hundred shrines are scattered on a small island, to which pilgrims annually ascend: Adam's Peak (Mount Sri Pada), about which they say that Adam and Eve were expelled from paradise here, the oldest tree on earth Bo tree and 7 dagobas, a statue Buddha Aukan and many others. The largest religious events of the island include: Durutu Poya (January-February), which falls on the 12th full moon day of the year and marks the first return to Buddha Island after enlightenment, a huge congestion of Buddhists is expected in the capital during 3 days of celebration; Navam Perahera (February) in Colombo - a religious procession in honor of the anniversary of the first Buddhist community meeting, in which elephants take an especially active part; Maha Shivaratri (March) - the Hindu holiday "The Great Night of Shiva"; Vesak Poya (May), the date of which falls on the first full moon of the Indian month of Vaishakh, is the birthday of the Buddha, celebrated throughout the island; Poson Poya (June) - holiday full moon, the main events unfold in Mihintal; a festival in Kataragama (July) in honor of the victory of the war god Skanda over evil forces; the 25-day Nallur festival or the festival of humility of the flesh (July-August) on the Jaffna peninsula; the 10-day Esala Perahera festival (July-August) in Kandy, the only time of the year when the sacred relic of the Tooth of the Buddha leaves the temple and is on public display; Ramadan (9th month lunar calendar) - 30-day fast of all Muslims (7% of the population of Sri Lanka profess Islam); Eid Ul Adha (70 days after the end of Ramadan) - the feast of sacrifice; Unduvap Poya (December) - full moon day, a holiday in honor of the arrival of the Bo Tree on the island, Christmas (December 25) - an official holiday, many Buddhists celebrate this event with Christians. It will also be interesting and useful for tourists to know that on the days of the new moon Poya Day, absolutely the entire population of Sri Lanka is prohibited from drinking alcohol, this also applies to hotel guests operating on the “All inclusive” system.

Time for holidays and festivals

The largest number of dates in the event calendar of Sri Lanka are, of course, religious holidays. However, it also has several important public holidays. February 4 - Independence Day; April (transitional dates) - Alut Avurudu (National New Year); May 1 - International Workers' Day; May 18 - National Day.

Climate in Sri Lanka

The proximity of the island to the equator predetermined here the dominance of a tropical climate of the monsoon type. Sri Lanka is the country of "eternal summer". Temperature changes throughout the year are negligible, dominated by hot weather with high levels relative humidity air. The change of seasons occurs twice under the influence of the monsoons "operating" on the territory of the island. The northeast monsoon, which lasts from November to April, brings little rainfall. In May, it is replaced by the southwest monsoon, which rules the ball until October. This period is marked by the strongest tropical showers. However, it will also be useful to know that they go to Sri Lanka mainly at night and very rarely during daylight hours.

Sri Lanka in spring

March is a great time to visit the island. This is last month high season and the penultimate month before the start of the rainy season. In tourist areas, in particular in the capital, there is beautiful sunny weather, but rains should not be ruled out completely. Fortunately, they do not bother tourists at all, as they go mostly at night. Slightly less precipitation falls in the central province - for example, in Kandy, which is located on a mountain range almost 500 m above sea level. By the way, unlike tourist areas, where the thermometer does not fall below +26 °C in the evening, coolness descends on this city at night - about +22 °C. In May, warm air masses approach Sri Lanka from the Arabian Sea. This is the southwestern monsoon, which brings with it precipitation, which ""beats"" mainly in the southwestern regions, for example, in the resort of Galle, which gets it in full. However, in the northeastern regions of the country, where mountainous terrain prevails, rains do not penetrate, so it is mostly sunny and clear there at this time. Nevertheless, hot weather persists throughout the island: during the day, the thermometer freezes at around +30 ° C, and after the sun sets below the horizon, it drops to +26 ° C.

Temperature and weather in Sri Lanka in spring

March weatherApril weatherMay weather
Colombo +32 +29 +32 +30 +31 +29
Wadduwa +32 +29 +32 +30 +31 +29
Halle +31 +29 +30 +30 +30 +29
Mount Lavinia +31 +29 +32 +30 +31 +29
Trincomalee +30 +29 +32 +30 +33 +30
Polonnaruwa +32 +32 +33

Sri Lanka in summer

In summer, the southern and western regions of Sri Lanka take the brunt of the southwest monsoon prevailing in this part of the island. It rains almost every day, but not more than a few hours. As a rule, they start late in the evening, and by morning the asphalt is already dry. In rural areas, roads are washed out. During the day, the air temperature ranges from +30 °C to +32 °C, but in conditions of high humidity, these marks are subjectively felt approximately as +35 °C..+36 °C. The ocean is very warm - +27 ° C, but swimming is not always possible due to strong winds and big waves. Although some months can be surprisingly quiet, favoring a beach holiday. Evenings do not bring much relief: in the southern resorts - +25 °C, in the capital of the island - +26 °C. But in the highlands - a real "paradise", here in the dark you feel a pleasant coolness - about +21 ° C. Sometimes on southern resorts the islands are hit by devastating hurricanes that bring down trees and destroy houses. The last time a real riot of elements occurred in the south of the island in 2004, then Sri Lanka received the second wave of impact after about. Sumatra, formed as a result of an underwater earthquake that claimed the lives of over 30,000 people. But back to today. A completely different picture is observed in the western part of the island. In summer it is quite dry and sunny. The excitement of the weather, of course, happens, but nothing "criminal".

Temperature and weather in Sri Lanka in summer

June weatherJuly weatherAugust weather
Colombo +30 +28 +30 +28 +30 +28
Wadduwa +30 +28 +30 +27 +30 +27
Halle +29 +28 +29 +28 +28 +28
Mount Lavinia +30 +28 +30 +27 +30 +27
Trincomalee +33 +29 +33 +29 +33 +29
Polonnaruwa +33 +33 +33

Sri Lanka in autumn

Autumn in Sri Lanka is an inter-monsoon period when there are no more heavy rains. Instead, there are "zenithal rains", which usually begin in the afternoon. Fortunately, they are not as intense as their predecessors. However, for Colombo, October is one of the rainiest months of the year, precipitation here marks as many as 16-17 days, but at the same time, the city often has sunny weather. In November, there is a seasonal change in wind direction. The northeast monsoon brings a large wall of humid air from the Bay of Bengal, causing the northeastern slopes of the central highlands to receive the largest "portion" of precipitation. The southwestern regions remain untouched thanks to the mountain range, which acts as a “rain shadow” during this period of time. November is the beginning of the tourist season. The weather this month is hot, but the level of humidity is very low, so staying on the island at this time is quite comfortable.

Traditionally, timewhen it is better to relax in Sri Lanka, the period from November to April is considered. For this timein Sri Lanka tall with e zones. Its main feature islow season in Sri Lanka - no rain. After all, in summer time here is the rainy season, which scares away many customers.

However, in reality, the summer months are the timewhen to go to Sri Lanka is relatively cheap. And you can not be afraid of rains, because they come only at night, and by morning the earth has time to dry out. True, it is better not to meddle inland at this time, the roads are successfully washed away. So if you choose the timewhen it is better to go to Sri Lanka for sightseeing, it is better to postpone the trip until winter. Otherwise, you simply risk not getting to them.

Help you choose When is the best time to fly to Sri Lanka?

Holidays in Sri Lanka in winter

The weather in Sri Lanka in winter is the most favorable for recreation. Dry, the thermometer does not climb above + 28 ° C , and in evening time and even drops to + 24 ° C . It's hard to think of the best time to travel here. beach holiday and sightseeing in winter are excellent. The main thing is to take care of the repellent from mosquitoes, striving to spoil the evening hours of rest.

Holidays in Sri Lanka in the spring


The weather in Sri Lanka in the spring is most favorable in March. At this time, the thermometer is kept at + 26 ° C , the sea is warm as always, and the rainy season has not yet begun. Somewhere from the end of April, monsoon rains begin to fall at night, but they practically do not interfere with daytime rest.

Holidays in Sri Lanka in the summer


The weather in Sri Lanka is hot and rainy in summer. The rains themselves do not particularly affect the rest, since they only come at night. But the humidity rises because of them, and the heat becomes harder to endure. Although the thermometer here rarely rises above +32° C . The sea is rough in summer, but it is only a joy for surfers, summer here is considered the time of waves. Sometimes there are hurricanes, but, in general, the weather is quite suitable for recreation.