Sri Lanka is a miniature island state where you can relax in comfort almost all year round. Sri Lanka was once called Ceylon, and it was famous all over the world for making delicious tea. Today, tourists who value solitude and a peaceful atmosphere strive to get to the island.
Types of tourist seasons in Sri Lanka
The climatic conditions of the island are such that you can enjoy your holidays here throughout the year. In addition, a trip to Sri Lanka is not only a beach holiday, but also an acquaintance with the amazing history and culture of the island. Locals distinguish several periods, each of which is suitable for a specific type of tourism.
High season
Starting in December, the flow of tourists wishing to go to the Cote d'Azur has been increasing in arithmetic progression. This fact is explained by the fact that during the winter months there are a series of festive festivals, in which many want to take part. Warm weather and the absence of heavy rains also contribute to a pleasant stay. The water temperature reaches the optimal + 25-27 degrees, so you can swim all day.
If you decide to go to Sri Lanka at the height of the beach season, then you should take care of purchasing a ticket in advance. Firstly, you will have a chance to save a decent amount of money, and, secondly, choose an acceptable option with accommodation at a democratic cost.
The high season usually ends at the end of April, as the stable and dry weather is replaced by stormy winds.
Low season
Despite the fact that Sri Lanka is popular with tourists at any time of the year, from May to November, the demand for the Sri Lankan destination gradually decreases. The reason for this, of course, is inclement weather, which dominates most of the island. During the daytime, heavy rains can occur accompanied by strong winds. Sometimes tsunamis occur in Sri Lanka, but this is a very rare occurrence.
On the other hand, when purchasing a tour to the island in the low season, you should know that the prices for tours will be the lowest. It is better to buy a ticket a few weeks before departure. At the same time, you should not worry about the lengthy visa processing due to the fact that this procedure in Sri Lanka is simplified as much as possible.
Separately, it should be noted that in the southern regions of the island it is more pleasant to relax in the low season in June or September. Another option is to go to the northeast of the state. The only drawback of such a trip is the underdeveloped infrastructure.
Active holiday season
People often travel to Sri Lanka for water activities such as windsurfing, surfing and diving. To this end, the island's government has made a lot of efforts to create specialized centers where they teach the basics of active sports. For professionals, surf spots in the Negombo, Arugam Bay, Nilaveli areas located in the northwestern part of Sri Lanka are ideal. For beginners, it is better to choose Bentota or Kaluntara, since in these places there is a gentler entry into the water and there are rarely high waves.
Windsurfing is possible from May to October if you are in the northeast. The windsurfing season in the southwest begins in November and ends in mid-April.
Whale and bird watching season
The flora and fauna of the island is so diverse that some of the visitors go to Sri Lanka to see rare species of birds and mammals. First of all, this applies to giant blue whales living in the warm waters of the ocean. During migration (December - April), whales move long distances and can be observed in their natural environment. Such excursions are organized by many companies, so you can always buy a ticket for one of the tours.
Bird lovers are advised to come to the island in December, which is called the national month of birds. The vast territories are home to several thousand species of birds that have flown in for the winter from different countries. This amazing spectacle is watched by thousands of tourists and residents of Sri Lanka.
Healing season
Sri Lanka is known among fans of Ayurveda for the fact that it was on this island that the foundations of the ancient art of healing were laid. This is evidenced by a large number of centers, health complexes offering a wide range of services, the most popular of which are:
- full recovery of the body's strength after overwork or stress;
- correction of the work of the main body systems without medical intervention;
- relaxing treatments that help harmonize the spiritual potential;
- diagnosis and treatment of chronic diseases using unique techniques.
For recreational purposes, it is worth going to Sri Lanka in the summer, as you can have plenty of rest on the beach and complete a full course of necessary procedures. Please note that in order to achieve a positive treatment result, you must stay on the island for at least 3 weeks.
Sri Lanka climate
Due to the fact that the state is geographically located in close proximity to the equator, the island has a monsoon tropical climate. Therefore, Sri Lanka is often called the land of "eternal" summer. The difference in temperature does not exceed 5-7 degrees throughout the year.
Weather forecast for the resorts of Sri Lanka by month
Spring in Sri Lanka
The beginning of spring is an ideal time to relax, as the weather changes and it rains already in April. Average air temperature in spring varies from +30 to +32 degrees, and the water warms up to +29 degrees.
April is the rainy and monsoon season, resulting in increased humidity and high waves on the ocean surface. The least amount of precipitation falls in the central provinces of the island. For example, in the area of the Kandy resort, located high in the mountains, it rains rarely in April and mainly at night. Those who like relative coolness should go to Kandy, as this is the only place on the island where the air temperature in the evening drops to +21 degrees.
In May, air masses approach Sri Lanka, contributing to an increase in precipitation several times. Heavy rains cover almost the entire island, especially the Galle resort.
Summer in Sri Lanka
In June, the southwest monsoon brings with it heavy rainfall, which occurs most often at night. By morning, the sand and earth has time to dry out, so spending a summer vacation in Sri Lanka is not a bad option. The daytime air temperature does not differ much from the spring one and is about +32 degrees. However, in July, the heat is felt more strongly due to the increased humidity. It gets cooler by a couple of degrees in the evening. The water warms up to +28 degrees throughout the summer months.
In the south of the island, destructive hurricanes sometimes occur, after which the inhabitants of Sri Lanka recover for a long time. Having decided to go to the island in the summer, it is better to choose western or mountain resorts, where there are no hurricane winds.
Autumn in Sri Lanka
Forecasters attribute the autumn period on the island to the inter-monsoon period. In September, the number decreases, but inclement weather is still possible. The rains are zenital in nature, that is, they fall several times a day and are accompanied by heavy rainfall. In Colombo, October is considered the rainiest month, when precipitation falls for 18 days.
In November, the weather changes slightly due to the fact that the northeast wind blowing from the Bay of Bengal brings humid air currents. In the region of the central highlands of Sri Lanka, it begins to rain, and the southwest of the island is dry enough.
November also marks the opening of the tourist season, which takes place in optimal weather conditions. Hot weather, dry air, calm ocean, warm water, no wind - all this allows you to make your holiday in Sri Lanka perfect autumn.
Winter in Sri Lanka
The beach season lasts the first two winter months. Average temperature indicators in December, January and February are from +27 to +29 degrees. You need to know that in high-mountainous regions there may be a decrease in temperature up to +10 degrees. For example, in Nuwara Eliya every year in winter the air is cooled at night to +7 degrees Celsius.
As for the rains, they rarely happen in winter and last for about 15 minutes, after which the sunny weather sets in again. In February, the dryness of the air reaches its annual limit, and, starting in March, the air masses are again filled with moisture. Winter evenings are usually characterized by a 3-5 degree drop in temperature and no wind. After sunset, mosquitoes and midges become active in all areas of the island, so it is worth taking any repellent with you in advance.
