December - April

This is a busy time of year on the Sri Lankan calendar, with holidays, festivals, and cultural events taking place throughout the country. Christmas and New Year are very popular times to travel to the country, and it is considered peak season. It is important to plan ahead when booking travel during this time. The eastern coast and the north of the country experience rain at this time of year, but the south and west coasts are warm and dry. Spot marine life along the south coast from November to April. There are chances to see different dolphin species, turtles, and blue, sperm, fin, and Bryde’s whales. It's easy to mix up beach time with detours to national parks and trips to the ancient cities in the middle of the island, all in one trip. January through March is a great time to visit the cooler central highlands. Visiting the beaches of Galle from December through April offers some of the best beach weather, with the rainfall at its lowest. The month of April brings the beginning of the Yala southwest monsoon season, so heading to the north of the country, the Cultural Triangle, or the eastern coast is best at this time of year. 

Events and Festivals

- The Galle Literacy Festival - end of January, beginning of February - Galle

- Duruthu Poya - January - Colombo

- Thai Pongal - January - Throughout the country

- Love Sri Lanka Festival - February 3rd - Battaramulla

- National Day - February 4th - Throughout the country

- Maha Shivaratri - February - Throughout the country

- Aluth Avurudu - April 14th - Throughout the country