Sri Lanka in August offers a fascinating mix of experiences. The island splits into two weather zones this month – rainy in the southwest and gloriously sunny in the east and north.
This weather divide creates a perfect opportunity for Indian travelers to experience both cultural festivals and beach holidays in a single trip.
August brings some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular events. Elephants gather by the hundreds at Minneriya, while the Kandy Esala Perahera fills streets with dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants. Meanwhile, the east coast beaches shine with perfect swimming conditions.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, August is an excellent time to visit Sri Lanka if you plan your trip according to regional weather patterns.
Why You Should Visit?
Sri Lanka in August offers a delightful mix of experiences that most other months can’t match. The famous Kandy Esala Perahera takes place in August, bringing colorful processions, traditional dancers, and decorated elephants to the streets of Kandy.
East coast beaches like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay reach their prime in August. The water is calm, clear, and perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and surfing. Meanwhile, you’ll find lower hotel rates and fewer tourists in the southwest.
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What to Look Out For?
When planning your Sri Lanka travel tips for August, keep these points in mind:
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Regional weather variations mean you should pack for both sunny days and rainy spells
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Book accommodations in advance for east coast destinations like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay
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Avoid swimming on southwest beaches where red flags indicate dangerous sea conditions
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Plan your itinerary around the Kandy Esala Perahera festival if you wish to attend
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Consider higher prices on the east coast during this peak season
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Bring mosquito repellent for evenings, especially in rural areas
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Respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples and religious sites
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Try seasonal fruits like mangosteen and rambutan, which are at their best in August
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Book transportation in advance during festival periods when services can be crowded
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Carry Sri Lankan rupees for small purchases, as not all places accept cards
Overview of Weather in Sri Lanka in August
Sri Lanka’s weather in August varies dramatically by region. The southwest monsoon affects the western and southern coasts, bringing intermittent rain showers. Meanwhile, the north and east enjoy their dry season with plenty of sunshine.
|
Weather Parameter |
Typical Range |
|---|---|
|
Average Temperature |
27-31°C (coastal areas), 14-21°C (hill country) |
|
Average Rainfall |
100-200mm (southwest), minimal (east/north) |
|
Daily Wind Speed |
Moderate to strong (east coast), light (central highlands) |
|
Temperature of the Sea |
27-29°C (ideal for swimming on the east coast) |
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Best Things To Do in Sri Lanka in August
Things to do in Sri Lanka in August range from cultural festivals to wildlife watching and beach activities.
Beach Hopping on the East Coast
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Locations:Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Pasikudah
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Why It’s Great in August: The east coast enjoys its best weather in August, with calm seas, blue skies, and minimal rainfall. The beaches are in their prime condition.
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What to Expect:
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Crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling
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Excellent surfing conditions at Arugam Bay
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Fresh seafood is served at beachside restaurants
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Whale watching opportunities off the coast of Trincomalee
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Quieter beaches in Pasikudah with shallow, bath-like waters
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Explore Tea Plantations
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Locations:Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Haputale
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Why It’s Great in August: The central highlands offer a cool escape from the coastal heat. The tea plantations are lush and green, with occasional mist adding to their beauty.
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What to Expect:
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Scenic train rides through misty mountains and tea estates
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Guided tours of working tea factories
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Tea tastings where you can sample different varieties
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Hiking opportunities with panoramic views
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A cool climate that provides relief from coastal humidity
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Wildlife Safaris
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Location: Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park
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Why It’s Great in August: The drier conditions in the southeast mean animals frequently gather around water holes, making them easier to spot during safari drives.
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What to Expect:
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Opportunities to spot leopards, sloth bears, and elephants
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Less vegetation making wildlife more visible
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Bird watching during morning safaris
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Fewer tourists compared to peak season
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Morning mist creating atmospheric landscapes
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Events in Sri Lanka in August
Sri Lanka tourism in August centers around several major cultural festivals and natural events.
Kandy Esala Perahera
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Date: Late July to early August (dates vary annually based on the lunar calendar)
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Venue: Streets of Kandy, Central Province
The Esala Perahera celebrates the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha housed in Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth. Over 10 nights, increasingly elaborate processions wind through the streets.
The final night features the grandest parade with dozens of decorated elephants, thousands of dancers and drummers, fire performers, and religious officials.
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Nallur Festival
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Date: Typically takes place in August and September (dates vary annually based on the Tamil calendar)
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Venue: Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna, Northern Province
This 25-day Hindu festival honors Lord Murugan at one of Sri Lanka’s most important Tamil temples. Daily rituals take place throughout the festival period, with the main celebrations occurring on the 24th day.
Elephant ‘Gathering’ at Minneriya
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Date: August to September (peak in mid-August)
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Venue: Minneriya National Park, North Central Province
While not a human-organized festival, this natural phenomenon draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world. As water sources dry up elsewhere, hundreds of elephants migrate to the receding shores of Minneriya Tank.
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Things to Know Before You Visit Sri Lanka in August
Sri Lanka travel tips for August must include practical information to help you navigate the country smoothly. From packing essentials to transportation options, here’s what you need to know.
Travel Essentials
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Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST) is UTC+5:30, exactly the same as Indian Standard Time (IST). Indian travelers won’t need to adjust their watches.
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Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). As of 2025, 1 INR ≈ 3.7 LKR. ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
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Country Code: +94
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Emergency Numbers: Police – 119, Ambulance/Fire – 110, Tourist Police – 1912
What to Wear?
What to wear in Sri Lanka in August depends on your location and activities:
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Light, breathable cotton clothing for coastal and lowland areas
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A light sweater or jacket for evenings in the hill country
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A rain jacket or a compact umbrella for sudden showers
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Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees when visiting temples
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Comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and natural sites
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What to Pack?
Essential items for your Sri Lanka visit include:
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High SPF sunscreen and sunglasses
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Insect repellent with DEET for evenings
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Travel adapter (Type D, G, or M plugs)
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Reusable water bottle (tap water isn’t safe to drink)
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Basic first aid kit with stomach remedies
Transport
By Metro
Sri Lanka doesn’t have a metro system in any of its cities.
By Bus
Buses are the most common and affordable form of public transport in Sri Lanka. The network covers virtually every town and village. Local buses are extremely cheap but can be crowded and don’t always have air conditioning.
Private companies operate more comfortable air-conditioned services between major cities.
By Taxi
Taxis with meters are available in Colombo and other major cities. Apps like PickMe and Uber operate in Colombo and larger towns, offering convenient, fixed-price rides.
By Cycle
Bicycle rentals are available in tourist areas like Mirissa, Ella, and Sigiriya. Cycling is pleasant in the cooler hill country but can be challenging in humid coastal regions and busy urban areas.
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Where to Stay
Accommodation options in Sri Lanka range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. August sees lower rates in the southwest but higher prices along the east coast.
Budget Hotels
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Lost & Found Hostel & Cafe
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Location: Colombo
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Website:lostandfoundsrilanka.com
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Price range: LKR 2,500-4,000 (INR 675-1,080)
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Hangover Hostels
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Location: Ella
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Website:hangoverhostels.lk
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Price range: LKR 2,000-3,500 (INR 540-945) for dorm beds, LKR 7,000-9,000 (INR 1,890-2,430) for private rooms
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Mid-range Hotels
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Cinnamon Red
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Location: Colombo 3
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Website:cinnamonhotels.com
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Price range: LKR 15,000-25,000 (INR 4,050-6,750) per night
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Hotel Suisse
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Location: Kandy
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Website:hotelsuisse.lk
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Price range: LKR 12,000-20,000 (INR 3,240-5,400) per night
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Luxury Hotels
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Galle Face Hotel
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Location: Colombo
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Website:gallefacehotel.com
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Price range: LKR 35,000-60,000 (INR 9,450-16,200) per night
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Heritance Kandalama
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Location: Dambulla
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Website:heritancehotels.com
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Price range: LKR 30,000-50,000 (INR 8,100-13,500) per night
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What to Eat?
August brings seasonal specialties to Sri Lankan tables. Here’s what to try:
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Rice and Curry – The national dish consists of rice served with multiple vegetables, fish, or meat curries. Try Upali’s in Colombo for authentic versions.
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Hoppers (Appa) – Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with an egg in the center. The Family Baker in Colombo makes excellent varieties.
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String Hoppers (Idiyappam) – Steamed rice noodle mats served with curry. Popular at the Kaema Sutra restaurant in Colombo.
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Fresh Seafood – August brings excellent seafood to the East Coast restaurants. Ministry of Crab in Colombo and Salty Swamis in Hikkaduwa offer outstanding preparations.
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Tropical Fruits – Mangosteen and rambutan are in season. Visit the Pettah Market in Colombo for the freshest selection.
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Wood Apple Juice – A distinctive sweet-sour beverage made from the wood apple fruit, available at most juice bars and cafes.
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FAQs
Is August a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, August is a good time to visit Sri Lanka, especially the north and east, with dry, sunny weather. Central highlands stay cool, while the southwest sees some rain but fewer crowds.
How hot is Sri Lanka in August?
Sri Lanka in August is hot and humid along the coast, with temperatures from 27–31°C. Hill country stays cooler at 14–21°C, with lower humidity in the east than the southwest.
What is the average temperature in Sri Lanka in August?
In August, Sri Lanka’s coastal areas average 27–31°C, while hill regions like Nuwara Eliya range from 14–21°C. Nights stay warm on the coast but cooler inland, often below 15°C.
Can tourists enjoy Sri Lanka in August?
Yes, tourists can enjoy Sri Lanka in August with vibrant festivals like Kandy Esala Perahera and the east coast beaches. The hill country offers cool weather and fewer crowds at key attractions.
What to wear in Sri Lanka in August?
Wear light, breathable clothes for the coast and a sweater for cooler hills. What to wear in Sri Lanka in August also includes modest outfits, rain gear, comfy shoes, and a hat.
Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka in August?
Yes, Sri Lanka is generally safe to visit in August. Avoid swimming on the southwest coast due to rough seas, and travel carefully as roads can be slippery during rain.
What are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in August?
Top places to visit in Sri Lanka in August include Kandy for Esala Perahera, Minneriya for elephant gatherings, and the east coast beaches. Also, explore Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, and the scenic highlands.
Are outdoor attractions open in Sri Lanka in August?
Yes, most outdoor attractions in Sri Lanka during August remain open. Avoid water sports on the southwest coast and hiking in hill regions during heavy rainfall.
