Best time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tourist hotspot with beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage and various national parks. Additionally, the festivities of the country are something you can look forward to. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December- April when the temperature is warm and dry with less rainfall. Let us read on to know more about the best time to travel to Sri Lanka.

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About Sri Lanka

The fairytale-like beaches of Sri Lanka attract many tourists. Bentota Beach is one of the famous destination spots for serene blue waves, calming palms, delicious food, and various water sports. Then there is Colombo, where modern meets history. From the memorial historic mansion to modern skyscrapers, the historic journey of Sri Lanka can be observed in Colombo.

Another well-known spot is the Kandy, a UNESCO world heritage site. The location showcases rich Buddhist cultural heritage alongside a vibrant tea and spice plantation. A glimpse of the colonial history of Sri Lanka can also be seen in Kandy.

A visa is mandatory for an Indian citizen to visit Sri Lanka. Other specific facts which you may be curious about are also listed below.

Categories	Specification
Capital	Colombo and Sri Jayawaedenepura Kotte
Largest City	Colombo
Official Language	Sinhala and Tamil
International Airport	Colombo International Airport Ratmalana
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka	December-April
Average Annual Sri Lanka's Weather	23℃-32℃
Flight Time from New Delhi to Colombo	3 to 7 hours with non-stop and one-stop flights
Visa Requirement for Indian	Visa required
Travel Insurance Requirement	Recommended
Main Attraction	Bentota Beach, Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna etc.

Must Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka

India is one of the countries that visited Sri Lanka the most, with over 30,593 arrivals in 2023, as reported by the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority. If you are also interested in visiting, you should know the following facts:

Sri Lanka Visa Requirement for Indian

An Indian citizen must have a visa to visit Sri Lanka. There are many types of visas you can apply for, such as tourist visas, business visas, transit visas, and visas on arrival.
Currency Information

The official currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee(LKR). Please note that Sri Lanka has a limit of INR 12,53,548 for all incoming money. So, if you have more than the specified amount, you have to declare it upon arrival.
Language

The most spoken languages are Sinhala and Tamil. Many citizens in urban areas fluently speak English. However, if visiting rural areas is a priority, another arrangement, such as a translation app, may be helpful.
Weather Condition

Sri Lanka has tropical weather with two monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon runs from May to July, while the northeast monsoon runs from October to November. Although the island enjoys rainy weather, Sri Lanka's temperature is warm throughout the year, with average weather of 23℃-32℃
Network Issues

You can use roaming services or get a local SIM card like Dialog or Airtel as soon as you land, as many international airports have counters where you can buy a SIM card. You will find SIM card-selling counters at Bandaranaike International Airport, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport and more.
Pre-Booking

It is always wise to reserve lodging, popular vacation spots or any other excursion to experience a smooth and stress-free stay. Since Sri Lanka is a tourist hotspot, it will be better to reserve beforehand, especially during the busy travel season.
Events You Cannot Miss

Sri Lanka has festivities all year round. Vesak Poya in May celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Esala Perahera, celebrated in either July or August, honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Sinhala and Tamil New Year celebrated on the 13th and 14th of April, are also must-see events in Sri Lanka.

Best Month to Visit Top Sri Lankan Cities

When visiting Sri Lanka, you can always look forward to visiting the beautiful beaches, the Cultural Triangle showcasing its artistic heritage, and many festivities like Esala Perahera and Vel. One thing to ensure is to know when certain events are happening and at which place. The best month to visit Sri Lanka with regard to cities is given below:

Months	Best Cities to Visit	Best Things to Do
January	Mirissa	You can visit the largest fishing port Mirissa and even enjoy dolphin watching and surfing.
February	Hambantota	The Yala Park is a must mainly for leopard spotting.
March	Kandy	Due to the suitable climate, the tea plantation in this area is splendid to visit at this time of the year.
April	Arugum bay	Enjoy the blue sky with sunlight in the calm atmosphere of the bay.
May	Trincomalee	You can enjoy whale watching, and diving, and visit Fort Frederick and Konneswaram temple.
June	Anuradhapura	Visit Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanwelisaya, Thuparamaya, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, and Jetavanarama.
July	Habarana	You can enjoy elephant sightings where the largest Asian elephant meeting occurs in the Minneriya National Park.
August	Colombo	You can enjoy many festivals like the Esala Perahera, Nikini Poya and Vel festival.
September	Jaffna	Visit the Kandaswamy Temple where the joyous Nallur festival takes place.
October	Udawalawe	Bird watchers may visit the Udawalawe National Park to enjoy the sighting of many migratory birds.
November	Galle	You can enjoy the architecture and museums the city has to offer like the Galle Fort and Galle Fort Tower.
December	Ella	Enjoy the celebration of Christmas and the pilgrim season for Adam Peak in the beauty of Ella City.

Best Time to Visit the Capital City of Sri Lanka, Colombo

The best time to visit Colombo is from December to March and July and September. Colombo is a warm place, although it rains a lot. It has an average temperature of 26℃-31℃.

Key Attractions in Colombo
Colombo offers a mix of cultural landmarks, scenic spots, and relaxing parks, providing plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.
- Wolvendaal Church: You can visit cultural tourist places such as Wolvendaal Church, which is open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily without an entry fee.
- Galle Face Green: Visit the beautiful Galle Face Green, which is open 24/7 and has no entry fee. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset views as you take a walk, or take part in activities like flying kites, fishing and various sports. You can also try delicious and affordable street foods.
- Viharamahadevi Park: You can visit Viharamahadevi Park, which is open from 6 AM to 6 PM and has no entry charge. Inside the park, you can visit the war memorial, have a picnic by the lake, explore the Buddha statues or visit the butterfly garden.
Festivals in Colombo
Colombo hosts vibrant festivals annually, offering a unique glimpse into the city's cultural and spiritual heritage.
- Navam Perahera: You can enjoy the Navam Perahera, which is celebrated in February or March to promote peace among different cultures.
- Wesak Festival: The Wesak Festival celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha and is one of the most joyous celebrations in Colombo.
Colombo’s Culinary Scene

Traditional cuisines like the Sambol and Kottu Roti will delight and charm everyone with their taste. Additionally, its cuisine features not only coastal delicacies but also a variety of dishes from around the world.

Best Time to Visit Kandy

The best time to visit Kandy is between December and April when the average temperature is 25℃-34℃. Kandy highlights Sri Lanka's history and culture, and colonial architecture, ancient ruins, and temples are spread around the city.

Key Attractions in Kandy
Kandy offers a range of key attractions, from historical landmarks to serene natural spots, perfect for exploring the city's cultural richness and beauty.
- Temple of Tooth Relic: The UNESCO World Heritage site Temple of Tooth Relic is open daily from 5:30 AM to 8 PM. The entry fee is INR 1500 for adults and free for children.
- Kandy Lake: It is one of the most visited places, open from 8 AM to 6 PM with no entry fee.
- Royal Botanical Garden: The Royal Botanical Garden is open from 8 AM to 6 PM with an entry fee of INR 1500 for adults and INR 750 for children younger than twelve.
Festivals in Kandy
Kandy's local festivals and holidays are a good way to get a glimpse of the local culture. Some events you shouldn't miss out on are:
- Christmas in Kandy: Experience the festive Christmas celebration in Kandy with firecrackers everywhere.
- Tamil New Year: Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April are some of the most festive celebrations, with gatherings, rituals, and games held all around the city.
Kandy’s Culinary Scene

Traditional food like rice and curry, kottu, and hoppers are a must-try when you visit Kandy. The cuisine of Kandy is unique and diverse. It offers a variety of traditional food along with food from everywhere in the world.

High Season to Visit Sri Lanka

Since the island country has two monsoons that run in different places at different times, you can visit Sri Lanka in all seasons. However, the spring season, which runs between December and April, is considered the best season to visit.

Sri Lanka's weather during spring is between 22℃-32℃. It is warm and dry during this season, so you can enjoy the stunning beaches and various national parks. You can take part in outdoor activities and several festivities during this season.

For honeymooners who enjoy adventurous activities, spring is the perfect season. You can try snorkelling, surfing, diving, hot air ballooning, or exploring the diverse landscape. Consider these events and activities during your stay in Sri Lanka:

Beautiful Beaches: The stunning beaches of Sri Lanka, such as Mirrisa and Bentota, offer hiking, water sports, whale watching, dolphin watching, and more.
Sightseeing: Visit various stunning sightseeing spots, such as St. Anthony Church, Adam's Peak, Polonnaruwa Sacred City, and more.
Festivals: Celebrate joyous festivals such as Duruthu Perahera on the full moon day and Thai Pongal, celebrating the harvest.

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The Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka for Budget Travellers

If you are a budget traveller or do not like crowds and wish to avoid the busy travel months, the best time to travel to Sri Lanka will be from May to August. It is considered the off-beat time to visit Sri Lanka due to the onset of the Yala monsoon in May, but it does not mean you cannot have fun. At this time, accommodation prices are generally lower and less crowded at any tourist spot.

Money-Saving Tips

You can consider these tips to save money when travelling to Sri Lanka:

Street Food: Eat street foods which are not only affordable but delicious. You can get a filling meal for INR 120-200.
Learn to Bargain: Bargaining is a common practice in Sri Lanka, and you might get good deals if you learn how to bargain reasonably.
Local SIM Card: Getting a local SIM card like Dialogs and buying a tourist plan for INR 1299, which includes 10GB and INR 600 worth of international calls and texts, will save you money.
Pre-book: Try to book flights a month or a few weeks ahead of the day of travel to get a good deal.

Even for budget-friendly travellers, getting travel insurance is highly recommended. Travel insurance normally covers health emergencies, flight cancellations, luggage loss and natural disasters Since situations are unpredictable, it is better to be safe and secure when we travel. Please make sure to compare insurance policies and pick the best one for yourself.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use my Indian driving license to rent a car in Sri Lanka?

Ans: No, you cannot rent a car with an Indian driving license. To drive in Sri Lanka, you need to have a Sri Lankan Driving Recognition Permit (DPR) that you can get with your International Driver Permit (IDP).
Q2: What is the norm of tipping culture in Sri Lanka?

Ans: Although tipping is not mandatory, it is highly appreciated and followed by everyone. They usually tip in between 10-15% of the total bill.
Q3: How do I dress when I visit beaches in Sri Lanka?

Ans: Since Sri Lanka is warm, it is always better to pack light and breathable clothes. When visiting popular beaches, wearing a bikini is not an issue. But, on a less crowded beach, you may consider wearing a bit more conservatively.
Q4: What is the most convenient way to exchange my money for Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)?

Ans: The most convenient way to exchange money is at banks or credit unions, which offer the most affordable prices. You can also exchange money on an online platform like BookMyForex, and a local ATM will also work.
Q5: Are there any restrictions on taking pictures in public places in Sri Lanka?

Ans: There may be some restrictions on taking pictures on religious sites like temples or monasteries. There is usually a sign which tells you exactly what to do, so you need to be mindful of that.

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