Best time to visit
- December to March – Best for the west and south coasts, and the hill country (for beaches and scenic views).
- May to September – Best for the east coast (for sunny weather and less rainfall).
- April – Ideal for travel across most of the island as the weather is generally good everywhere.
- Monsoon Seasons – Avoid the southwest monsoon (May to September) and the northeast monsoon (October to January) based on the areas you plan to visit.
- Shoulder Seasons (March/April and September/October) – These months often offer good weather with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Travel tips
- Respect local customs – Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples, and always remove shoes before entering sacred places.
- Use local transport – Tuk-tuks, trains, and buses are affordable and give a local experience, but negotiate prices with tuk-tuk drivers beforehand.
- Carry cash – While larger cities accept cards, many smaller shops and restaurants only take cash, so keep local currency (Sri Lankan Rupees) handy.
- Stay hydrated – Sri Lanka can be hot and humid, so drink plenty of water, but stick to bottled water to avoid any health issues.
- Plan for diverse climates – Pack for both warm, tropical beach weather and cooler, misty climates in hill regions like Nuwara Eliya.
- Try local food – Enjoy Sri Lankan dishes like rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu, but be mindful of the spice level if you're not used to spicy food.
- Beware of wildlife – If visiting national parks or rural areas, follow safety guidelines for interacting with wildlife, especially elephants.
- Visit early or late – Popular tourist sites like Sigiriya can get crowded, so visit early morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
- Be mindful of monsoon seasons – Check the weather and avoid areas affected by monsoons depending on the time of year you're visiting.
- Travel insurance – Make sure to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and activities like hiking or surfing.