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.