Sri Lanka’s Summer Surprises: Festivals, Elephants & Tea Country

Picture this: Lush tea plantations blanketing misty hills. Majestic elephants roaming freely in national parks. colorful festivals erupting in the streets. golden shores lapped by turquoise waves. This is summer in Sri Lanka – a season of delightful contrasts.

This unique weather during summer in Sri Lanka lets you take your pick of experiences.

Our insider’s guide unveils the best of Sri Lanka’s summer. Discover where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Sri Lanka’s Summer Climate

Sri Lanka’s location just north of the equator blesses it with a tropical climate year-round. But the island’s dual monsoon seasons add a twist to the tale. The southwest monsoon sweeps in from the Indian Ocean from May to September, drenching the west and south coasts and central highlands.

This means the east coast and northern regions enjoy gloriously dry and sunny weather during summer in Sri Lanka.

Category	Details
Temperature	High- 32°C to 36°C Low- 24°C to 28° Average- 27°C to 31°C Coastal areas enjoy cooler sea breezes, while inland regions tend to be hotter and more humid.
Precipitation & Rainfall	The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the western and southern regions. The east coast and northern areas remain comparatively dry.
Humidity	Humidity levels are generally high, ranging from 70% to 90%
Average Sunset Time	Between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM

Why Visit Sri Lanka in Summer?

• Ideal Weather in Select Regions: Dry, sunny weather along the east coast and northern regions; perfect for beaches, cultural sites, and outdoor activities.

• Fewer Crowds at Attractions: Enjoy a peaceful experience at popular sites typically crowded during peak season.

• Vibrant Festivals and Events: Experience colorful celebrations like the Kandy Esala Perahera and Kataragama Festival.

• Affordable Travel Options: Lower demand means better deals on accommodations, flights, and tour packages.

Transportation in Sri Lanka

Getting around Sri Lanka is relatively easy, with a range of transportation options to suit different travel styles and budgets. Here are some of the best ways to explore the island:

• Train journeys: Sri Lanka’s scenic train rides are a highlight for many visitors. Consider hopping aboard for unforgettable journeys between major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Ella.

• Tuk-tuks: These ubiquitous three-wheeled taxis are perfect for short distances and navigating busy city streets.

• Private cars: For maximum flexibility and comfort, hire a car with a driver. This allows you to create your own itinerary, stop whenever you please, and reach more remote destinations with ease.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in Summer

Discover the best summer destinations in Sri Lanka, from sun-kissed beaches to lush highlands and vibrant cultural landmarks.

Sigiriya

• Key Attractions: The UNESCO-listed Sigiriya fortress, perched atop a 200-metre high rock, is Sri Lanka’s most iconic sight. Climb 1200 steps past ancient frescoes and the giant lion paws to reach the ruins of King Kasyapa’s 5th-century palace at the summit.

• Ticket Price: LKR 4,500 (INR 1300) for foreign adults, LKR 2,250 (INR 650) for children

• Nearby Places: Combine your visit with the Dambulla Cave Temple (LKR 1,000/INR 300 entry) and a safari in Minneriya National Park to spot elephants (LKR 3,500/INR 1000 for a half-day jeep ride).

Udawalawe National Park

• Key Attractions: This park is famed for having the highest concentration of wild elephants in Sri Lanka. Take a jeep safari to see massive herds gathering around waterholes, along with crocodiles, water buffalo, monkeys and rich birdlife.

• Ticket Price: LKR 3,700 (INR 1110) for foreign adults, plus LKR 4,000-6,000 (INR 1250-1750) for a jeep with driver/tracker

• Nearby Places: Drop by the Elephant Transit Home to see orphaned baby elephants being fed and bathed. The Udawalawe Reservoir is great for birdwatching.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

• Key Attractions: Kandy’s star attraction houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic – a tooth of the Buddha. Join white-clad pilgrims to witness the thrice-daily puja ceremony, featuring drummers, dancers and elephant processions.

• Ticket Price: LKR 1,000 (INR 300) for foreign adults, free for children under 12

• Nearby Places: Stroll around the Kandy Lake, explore the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, and catch a cultural show at the Kandyan Art Association.

Little Adam’s Peak View Point

• Key Attractions: This 1140-metre peak near Ella offers breathtaking views over the southern hill country. The 30-45 minute climb winds through lush tea estates to reach the summit with its panoramic vistas.

• Nearby Places: Continue hiking to the nearby Nine Arch Bridge, one of Sri Lanka’s most Instagrammed spots. Explore the hippie cafes and galleries in the town of Ella.

Galle

• Key Attractions: The 300-year-old Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its cobbled streets lined with Dutch-colonial villas. Walk atop the giant ramparts at sunset and explore crumbling churches, spice warehouses and quirky museums.

• Nearby Places: Take a day trip to Unawatuna Beach for swimming, snorkelling and seafood, or head further down the coast to Mirissa for whale-watching trips (November-April).

Nuwara Eliya

• Key Attractions: This former British hill station still retains a colonial vibe with its Tudor-style houses, rose gardens, and horse racing track. Highlights include Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, and hikes in Horton Plains to the World’s End viewpoint.

• Ticket Price: LKR 2,800 for Horton Plains entry

• Nearby Places: Tour a tea factory to learn about Sri Lanka’s most famous export, visit the Hakgala Botanical Garden to see montane flora, and admire the 19th-century Sita Amman Temple.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

• Key Attractions: This UNESCO-listed rainforest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to countless endemic birds, butterflies, reptiles, and mammals. Take a guided hike to spot exotic species and admire the lush foliage and waterfalls.

• Ticket Price: LKR 644 (INR 190) for foreign adults, plus LKR 1,500-3,000 (INR 450-900) for a mandatory guide

• Nearby Places: Visit the Hiyare Rainforest to see monkeys, mongoose, and barking deer, and cool off at the Kiriweldola Waterfall.

Panama

• Key Attractions: This sleepy hamlet on the east coast is fringed by pristine golden beaches like Panama Beach, Okanda Beach, and Whisky Point. It’s an emerging eco-tourism hub, ideal for surfing, turtle-watching, and Ayurveda.

• Nearby Places: Take a boat safari in Kumana National Park to spot elephants, leopards, and crocodiles and visit the ancient rock temples of Magul Maha Vihara.

Karpitia Peninsula

• Key Attractions: This long sand spit north of Colombo is an up-and-coming beach destination known for its laid-back vibe and water sports. Go kitesurfing, kayaking, dolphin-spotting, or fishing with the locals.

• Nearby Places: Visit the 17th-century St Anne’s Church in Talawila, see the Dutch Fort and Portuguese-built Munneswaram Temple in Chilaw, and tour the ancient Panduwasnuwara Kingdom ruins.

Horton Plains

• Key Attractions: This 2000-metre high plateau in the central highlands is famed for its rolling grasslands, dwarf cloud forests, and the dramatic World’s End escarpment. Hike to scenic spots like Baker’s Falls and look out for sambar deer and purple-faced langurs.

• Ticket Price: LKR 2,800 (INR 800) for foreign adults, LKR 1,400 (INR 400) for children

• Nearby Places: Stop by the Ambewela Farm to taste fresh dairy products, visit the Adisham Monastery to see its English garden, and explore the misty town of Pattipola, Sri Lanka’s highest train station.

Sita Temple

• Key Attractions: This colorful Hindu kovil near Nuwara Eliya is said to mark the spot where Sita was held captive by the demon king Rawana in the Ramayana epic. The temple has ornate gopuram towers and vibrant murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana.

• Nearby Places: Continue to the nearby Divurumpola Temple, where Sita underwent the “fire ordeal” to prove her chastity to Rama. The Hakgala Botanical Garden and Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple are also close by.

Golden Temple of Dambulla

• Key Attractions: This 2000-year-old cave complex houses Sri Lanka’s best-preserved and most impressive cave paintings and Buddha statues. The five caverns contain 153 Buddha images, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings, and 4 statues of gods and goddesses.

• Ticket Price: LKR 1,200 (INR 350) for foreign adults, LKR 600 (INR 175) for children

• Nearby Places: Climb the nearby Pidurangala Rock for stunning sunset views over Sigiriya and explore the ancient remains of Nalanda Gedige.

Mirissa

• Key Attractions: This crescent-shaped beach is the island’s whale-watching hotspot, with boat trips running from November to April. It’s also a great place to swim, surf, snorkel, and just soak up the sun on golden sands.

• Ticket Price: LKR 4,000-7,000 (INR 1150-2050) for a half-day whale-watching trip

• Nearby Places: Coconut Tree Hill is an Instagrammable palm grove on a rocky outcrop, the Secret Beach is a hidden cove for snorkeling, and the nearby Weligama Bay is known for its stilt fishermen.

Festivals in Sri Lanka in Summer

Summer in Sri Lanka is a vibrant season filled with colorful festivals that showcase the country’s rich culture and traditions. From religious celebrations to grand parades, these events offer a unique glimpse into local life.

• Kandy Esala Perahera: Held over 10 days in July-August, this is Sri Lanka’s most spectacular festival, featuring a nightly procession of dancers, drummers, fire-breathers, and up to 100 elephants through the streets of Kandy. The final Randoli Perahera is the grandest parade.

• Vel Festival: Celebrated by Hindus in July-August, this festival honors the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman. Giant chariots bearing Murugan’s vel (spear) are pulled through the streets, accompanied by kavadi dancers.

Places to Stay in Sri Lanka during Summer

• Colombo: The capital has a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Top picks include the historic Galle Face Hotel and Cinnamon Grand.

• Kandy: Stay in a colonial bungalow like The Bungalow by Amaya or a boutique hotel like Kandy House

• Galle: The Galle Fort Hotel and Amangalla offer heritage charm, while the Jetwing Lighthouse and Kahanda Kanda are luxurious beach resorts nearby.

• Hill Country: Tea estate bungalows like the Ceylon Tea Trails and Heritance Tea Factory offer a unique plantation experience.

Seasonal Foods in Sri Lanka during Summer

• Mangoes: Summer in Sri Lanka means mango season, with dozens of varieties like Karuthacolomban, Willard, and Vellaicolomban to savor. Enjoy them fresh, blended into juices, or cooked into chutneys and curries.

• Jackfruit: This giant tropical fruit is abundant during the summer months. Try it ripe and sweet or unripe and cooked into curries and stir-fries.

• Thambili: Quench your thirst with the refreshing water of the king coconut, sold by street vendors across the island.

• Curd and Treacle: The perfect summer dessert, made with creamy buffalo curd and palm treacle syrup. Taste it in Jaffna or buy clay pots from roadside stalls.

Summer Travel Tips

• Study the monsoon patterns and focus your travels on the dry zones during summer.

• Sri Lanka’s heat and humidity call for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and linen.

• Carry a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids to beat the heat.

• Don’t forget to slather on SPF, wear a hat, and seek shade during the midday heat.

• Dress modestly when visiting temples and sacred sites. Remove shoes and cover shoulders and knees before entering.

• Summer in Sri Lanka can bring occasional rainfall even in dry zones. Have a backup plan and embrace the odd shower – it’s all part of the adventure!

Why Choose OneVasco?

OneVasco makes visa applications effortless. Our expert team manages the entire process, allowing you to focus on your journey. Enjoy stress-free travel with fast visa approvals.

• Expert and Personalized Support 
• Efficient and Hassle-Free Process 
• Real-Time Tracking and Updates 
• Transparent Communication 
• Trusted by Millions

FAQs

How hot is Sri Lanka in summer?

Summer in Sri Lanka sees average temperatures ranging from 27°C to 31°C across the island. Coastal areas tend to be slightly cooler, while inland regions can feel hotter and stickier.

Can you swim in Sri Lanka during the summer?

Yes, you can definitely enjoy swimming in Sri Lanka during summer, especially along the east coast and northern beaches where the weather during summer in Sri Lanka is delightfully dry and sunny.

What is the average temperature in Sri Lanka in summer?

The average daily temperature in Sri Lanka during summer hovers between 27°C and 31°C. Temperatures can occasionally soar higher, particularly in the arid northern plains.

Is it sunny in Sri Lanka during summer?

Yes, Sri Lanka experiences plenty of bright, sunny days during summer, particularly in the dry zones of the east coast and northern regions. The western and southern coasts may see more intermittent rainfall.

Is it windy in Sri Lanka during summer?

Some coastal areas, particularly in the south and west, can experience strong winds and rough seas from June to October. The East Coast is generally calmer during summer.

What clothes to wear in Sri Lanka in summer?

Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to stay cool in Sri Lanka’s summer heat. Loose-fitting shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses are ideal. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Is Sri Lanka cheaper in summer?

Yes, traveling to Sri Lanka in summer can often be more affordable than in peak season. You can find great deals on hotels, flights, and tours, especially if you book in advance.

What are some things to do in Sri Lanka in summer?

There’s no shortage of activities to do in Sri Lanka during summer. Go on wildlife safaris, laze on golden beaches, explore ancient ruins, visit tea plantations, join festivals in Sri Lanka during summer, and feast on delicious local cuisine.

What can I see in Sri Lanka in summer?

Some of the top sights to see in Sri Lanka during summer include the Cultural Triangle’s ancient cities, the east coast’s stunning beaches, Jaffna’s distinctive Hindu culture, and the lush tea country around Ella and Nuwara Eliya.

What adventure activities can I do in Sri Lanka in Summer?

Summer in Sri Lanka is perfect for outdoor adventures like surfing and kitesurfing along the east coast, wildlife safaris in Udawalawe and Yala National Parks, waterfall hikes in the hill country, and diving and snorkeling around Pigeon Island.

What are the free things to do in Sri Lanka in Summer?

Some of the best free activities to do in Sri Lanka during summer include lazing on uncrowded beaches, exploring colorful markets and temples, hiking through tea plantations and rice paddies, and experiencing local life in rural villages.