Sri Lanka in April: New Year, Heat and Where to Go

April is a month of change in Sri Lanka. It's the hottest time of year, the dry season on the south-west coast is ending, and the whole country stops for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. You can have a very good trip in April, and you can see the island at its most festive. You just need to plan around a few things.

The weather

April falls between the two monsoons. It's hot and humid almost everywhere, with temperatures in the lowlands often reaching the mid-30s.

• Mornings are usually sunny across the island.
• Afternoons often build to short, heavy thunderstorms, especially in the south-west and the hills. They tend to clear by evening.
• The south and west coasts still have good beach weather in the first half of the month. The sea becomes rougher towards May, as the south-west monsoon approaches.
• The east coast is dry and getting better by the week. The surf season at Arugam Bay begins around now.
• The hill country is warm by day and mild at night, which is why Sri Lankans head there.

Our guide to the best time to visit explains the seasons.

Sinhala and Tamil New Year

The New Year, called Aluth Avurudda in Sinhala and Puthandu in Tamil, falls on 13 and 14 April. It marks the sun's move from Pisces to Aries, and it's the biggest family holiday of the year for most Sri Lankans.

What happens: families return to their home villages. At times set by astrologers, they light the hearth, boil milk until it overflows for prosperity, eat the first meal and exchange gifts. Tables are loaded with kiribath (milk rice) and sweets such as kavum and kokis. Villages hold games, including pillow fights on a pole, tug of war and climbing a greased pole. You'll hear firecrackers and the call of the koel bird, which is tied to the season.

What it means for travellers:

• Many shops, restaurants and offices close for two or three days, sometimes for the whole week. Hotels and tourist sites stay open.
• Trains and buses are packed in the days before and after, as millions travel. Book early, or avoid moving on 12 to 15 April.
• Many drivers and guides take time off to be with their families. Confirm arrangements well in advance.
• There's a quiet period, the nonagathe, when people traditionally stop work and visit the temple.

If you're invited to share a New Year table, accept. It's one of the warmest experiences the country offers. Our guide to culture and etiquette will help.

The Nuwara Eliya season

In April, Nuwara Eliya hosts "the season": horse races, motor races, flower shows, golf tournaments and parties. Colombo society moves up to the hills to escape the heat. The town is full, traffic crawls, and hotel prices can double or more. Book months ahead if you want to be part of it. If you want peace, choose Haputale, Ella or Hatton instead.

Where to go in April

• The hills, for relief from the heat. Go hiking in the mornings, before the storms.
• The south coast in early April, for the last weeks of calm seas and whale watching off Mirissa.
• The east coast from mid-April. Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Pasikudah are warming up, with few visitors yet.
• National parks. Yala and Wilpattu are dry, and wildlife gathers at the waterholes. Parks are busy with local visitors over the holiday.
• Adam's Peak. The season continues until May. Avoid the New Year week, when queues on the path can last for hours.

The Cultural Triangle is open, and it's very hot. Visit sites at dawn and late afternoon, and rest in between.

Tips for April

• Drink water constantly, wear a hat and use sunscreen.
• Carry a light rain jacket or umbrella for the afternoon storms.
• Plan to stay put from 13 to 15 April, ideally somewhere with a hotel restaurant.
• Withdraw cash and buy supplies before the holiday.
• Expect domestic tourists at beauty spots throughout the school holidays.