Timing your holiday

As with any tropical country, Sri Lanka has a rainy season and a dry season. 

Depending on the type of vacation you intend having, you should select your locations. Beach holidays are best during the driest months when the seas are calm. However the climate varies in different parts of the island according to the monsoon rains. December to March are the driest and best seasons on the west and south coasts and in the hill country, while the eastern coast enjoys its dry spell during May to September. Two major cultural pageants, the Kandy Perahera and the Kataragama festival take place in July/August each year.

In addition to Saturday and Sunday, the full moon day (Poya Day) of each month is a holiday in Sri Lanka. On Poya Days all places of entertainment are closed and no alcohol is sold. Hotels make special arrangements for customers to order their alcohol the day before Poya holiday.
The tourist season does coincide with the calm seas on the western and southern coasts during December to March. However these times can be quite crowded as westerners, mainly Europeans, travel out of their countries to avoid the cold winters.
Air fares and accommodation rates are higher during December to March than during the off season when one can take advantage of very competitive rates.