Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
The Seasons in Sri Lanka
The tropical paradise of Sri Lanka is not only famous for its stunning landscapes, extraordinary wildlife and rich culture but also for its great surfing conditions almost all year round. The year-round warm waters and the diverse coastline offer surfers a unique experience that varies with the changing seasons. Whether you're a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer on the hunt for some barrels, Sri Lanka has it all.
Getting to know Sri Lanka’s different seasons will help you to find out what is the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
The climate in Sri Lanka is mainly influenced by 2 monsoon seasons: the Maha Season and Yala Season. Whereas December to April is more considered as the Peak Season, the months from May to August are more considered as the Low Season.
Maha Season: October to February
The Maha season brings the northeast monsoon winds, which create ideal surf conditions along the south coast of Sri Lanka, where both our camps (Weligama and Hiriketiya) are located. The weather is dry with almost no rainfall and mild temperatures between 23 to 32 degrees Celsius. During the Maha season, the south and southwest coasts witness offshore winds and consistent swells from the South, resulting in clear and organized waves, making the Maha Season a popular time, especially for surfers. While the west coast may not be ideal for surfing due to onshore winds and messy waves, the south coast experiences consistent swells. Both beginners and experienced surfers get their money's worth during the Maha season. While beginners can enjoy our 5-day Learn-to-surf Program and ride the long and gentle waves at Weligama Beach, intermediate and advanced surfers can enjoy the challenge of bigger waves and the occasional barrel at spots like Sticks, Jungle Beach or Madiha.
Also for non-surfers, October to February is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka because Maha season also coincides with several colourful festivals such as the Kandy Esala Perahera, also known as The Festival of the Tooth, held to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, or Duruthu Perahera, the beginning of Sri Lanka's Buddhist Calendar. Two cultural events, which are worth experiencing. On top, it is more likely to see Blue and Sperm Whales during Maha Season, especially from January to March.
So while the south of Sri Lanka is in high season at this time, Maha brings rain to the northeastern part of Sri Lanka. Travel to the northeast of Sri Lanka is more recommended during Yala Season.
Yala Season: March to September
The Yala Season is the complete opposite of the Maha season and is more known as Wet Season or Rainy Season in Sri Lanka. Yala season marks the intermonsoon period when the monsoon winds shift, leading to calm conditions along the east coasts. While the monsoon is lashing the southwest coast and partly brings heavy rainfall to the southwest regions of Sri Lanka, the endless beaches on the opposite side of the island stretch out under the blazing sun.
Yala season offers smaller swells, making it still an excellent time for beginners to learn and practice. The waves are less powerful, creating a more forgiving environment. For more intermediate surfers Arugam Bay on the east coast is considered to be the main surf area. Arugam Bay is a highlight during this season, with its long right-hand point break that can offer rides of up to 8ft.
Yala season doesn’t mean Sri Lanka is not worth a visit. Indeed, It is the perfect time to experience the lush green landscape and see the waterfalls to their fullest. Also for wildlife watching the months between March and September are the best. National parks like the Yala National Park, Udawalawa National Park or the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage are lush and green, and visitors have the opportunity to spot a variety of animals. Another cultural highlight during the Yala Season is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year on April 13th. It is the biggest celebration in Sri Lanka and features a load of rituals and customs.
Kima Surf Sri Lanka welcomes you all year
Sri Lanka's diverse coastline and unique geographical features make it a year-round (surfing) destination. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, each season offers a distinct experience. From the powerful waves of the Maha season to the gentle breaks of the Yala season, surfers of all levels can find their perfect wave in this tropical paradise. And so, also our camps in Weligama and Hiriketiya are open the whole year.
Our Weligama Camp welcomes you with a big tropical garden, cozy shared and private rooms as well as a pool and lounge area to enjoy the sun and hang around. Just a few steps away you can reach Weligama Bay or other beautiful surf spots after a short Tuk Tuk ride. A bit unpredictable during low season, the surf breaks in front of the camp are especially good for beginners in Maha and Yala Season.
Our Hiriketiya Camp is located on the far southern edge of Sri Lanka. It’s less affected by the weather and a bit more reliable than Weligama. Therefore it is the perfect place to stay during the Yala Season. Close to the camp is the famous Hiriketiya Bay which offers two breaks at one beach: from a heavy reef to a mellow beach break with perfect waves for beginners and intermediates.
