Best Dec–Apr6.03°N 80.22°E
Experience
Beaches
Sri Lanka is always in season somewhere: the south and west in winter, the east in summer.
Two monsoons affect Sri Lanka at different times of year, so one coast is usually dry while the other is wet. That makes the island a year-round beach destination — as long as you pick the right side.
When to go
Best time: Dec–Sep
- January: good time to visit
- February: good time to visit
- March: good time to visit
- April: good time to visit
- May: good time to visit
- June: good time to visit
- July: good time to visit
- August: good time to visit
- September: good time to visit
- October: off season
- November: off season
- December: good time to visit
Where to go
Best Dec–Apr5.95°N 80.46°E
Best Dec–Apr7.21°N 79.84°E
Negombo
A relaxed beach town and fishing lagoon close to the airport — the easiest first or last night in Sri Lanka.
Explore
Best May–Sep8.57°N 81.23°E
Trincomalee
A deep natural harbour with calm beaches at Nilaveli — the east coast at its best from May to September.
Explore
Best May–Sep6.84°N 81.83°E
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka’s surf capital — a laid-back east-coast village with world-class waves in season.
ExploreTours to match
CMBNEGCOL
The Whole Island in 14 Days
Two weeks for ancient capitals, tea country, two safaris and proper beach time.
Via Anuradhapura · Sigiriya · Polonnaruwa · Dambulla …
CultureTea countryWildlife
14days
Price on request
CMBSIGGAL
Culture, Tea & Coast in 10 Days
The classic route at a gentler pace, with a leopard safari in Yala and beach days on the south coast.
Via Dambulla · Polonnaruwa · Kandy · Nuwara Eliya …
CultureTea countryWildlife
10days
Price on request
CMBSIGMIR
Sri Lanka Honeymoon
Sunrise at Sigiriya, a hill-country hideaway and slow beach days, with a private driver throughout.
Via Kandy · Ella · Galle
HoneymoonLuxuryBeach
10days
Price on request
Frequently asked questions
Which coast should I choose?
Travelling between roughly December and April, go west or south. Between roughly May and September, head to the east coast — Trincomalee, Nilaveli or Arugam Bay.