Sri Lanka has two monsoons that hit opposite coasts, and the hill country is cold at night. You can go from 31°C (88°F) beaches to chilly tea country in a day, so pack light clothes, a warm layer and temple-appropriate cover-ups.
Sri Lanka weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F |
| Rain days | 12 | 9 | 12 | 20 | 25 | 24 | 19 | 18 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 20 |
Season by season
Dry season on the west coast
December–MarchThe best time for Colombo and the west and south coasts. These numbers are from Colombo. Highs are 31–32°C (88–90°F), lows 24–25°C (75–77°F). February is the driest with 9 rain days, while January and March have 12 and December 20. Pack beachwear, sun protection and light cotton or quick-dry clothes.
What to bring to Sri Lanka
0 of 26 packed- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes are common across Sri Lanka, especially in the wet months, so pack repellent for evenings.
Sri Lanka uses Type D and G sockets, so most visitors need an adapter.
With 25 rain days in May, October and November in Colombo, and mist in the hills, a rain jacket is essential.
The men's version of the same jacket, for monsoon showers on the coast and in tea country.
- A warm wrapClothing
A warm wrap covers cold nights in Ella and Nuwara Eliya and doubles as a shoulder cover at temples.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and dry clothes safe in sudden monsoon downpours.
- Scrubba Wash BagTravel Laundry
Washing small loads often keeps you in clean, light clothes in Colombo's humid heat.
Clothing
- Light cotton or quick-dry tops · 5
- Light long pants · 2Temples require covered knees
- Sarong · 1Quick temple cover-up
- Fleece or warm sweater · 1Cold nights in Ella and Nuwara Eliya
- Swimsuit · 1
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Slip-on sandals · 1 pairShoes come off at every temple
- Sneakers or light hiking shoes · 1 pairElla Rock and steep rock-site steps
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1Up to 27 rain days in September
- Sunglasses · 1
- Socks for hot temple floors · 2 pairs
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Anti-chafe balm · 1Humid 31–32°C coastal heat
- Basic medicine kit · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Travel insurance
- Credit card and some cash
Tech
- Phone and charger
- Power bank · 1Long train and road days
Inter-monsoon and southwest monsoon (April–September)
Wetter on the west and south. Highs are 31–32°C (88–90°F), lows 26–27°C (79–81°F). Rain days are 20 in April, peak at 25 in May and 24 in June, then ease to 19 in July and 18 in August before rising to 27 in September. Bring a rain jacket and a waterproof bag. The east coast is in its drier season.
Inter-monsoon and northeast monsoon (October–November)
Wet across much of the island. Colombo averages a 30°C (86°F) high, a 25°C (77°F) low and 25 rain days in both October and November. The east coast monsoon runs roughly October to January, opposite to the west. Pack quick-dry clothes and rain gear wherever you go.
What should you pack for Sri Lanka's hill country?
A fleece or warm sweater and long pants. Ella and Nuwara Eliya are high up and get cold at night, even when the coast is hot. Bring a rain jacket too, since the hills see frequent mist and showers.
What shoes should you pack for Sri Lanka?
Sandals you can slip off and sneakers or light hiking shoes. You will take shoes off at every temple. Sneakers with grip help on hikes like Ella Rock and on steep, slippery steps at rock sites.
What do people wear in Sri Lanka?
Light, modest clothes. At temples, cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats. Do not pose with your back to a Buddha statue for photos. Swimwear stays at the beach.
What plugs does Sri Lanka use?
Sri Lanka uses Type D and G sockets, and some Type M, at 230V. Most visitors need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V fine.
Tours and things to do in Sri Lanka
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Sri Lanka.
What should you leave at home for Sri Lanka?
Leave revealing clothes for temple days, heavy jeans and lots of shoes. A sarong or light long pants, one warm layer for the hills and quick-dry basics cover nearly everything.
Packing for Sri Lanka: questions people ask
What should I wear in Sri Lanka in February?
Light, breathable clothes and sun protection. February in Colombo averages a 32°C (90°F) high, a 25°C (77°F) low and 9 rain days.
What should I wear at Sri Lankan temples?
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes and hats, and do not turn your back to a Buddha statue for photos.
Is it cold in Ella and Nuwara Eliya?
Yes, at night. The hill country is much cooler than the coast, so bring a fleece or sweater.
When is the east coast monsoon in Sri Lanka?
Roughly October to January, the opposite of the west and south coasts.
Do I need an adapter in Sri Lanka?
Most visitors do. Sockets are Type D and G, with some Type M, at 230V.
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