Sri Lanka in February and March: The Best All-Round Months

Ask people who know Sri Lanka well when to come, and many will say February or March. The Christmas crowds have gone home, the weather is at its most settled across most of the island, and almost every region is open and enjoyable. If your dates are flexible, this is the window to aim for.

The weather

• South and west coasts: hot, dry and sunny, with calm, clear seas. This is the driest time of year in Colombo, Galle and Mirissa.
• Hill country: the clearest skies of the year. Mornings in Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella are crisp and bright, and the views from World's End and Lipton's Seat are at their most dependable. Nights are cold at altitude.
• Cultural Triangle: dry and warm, after the rains of December and January. The countryside is still green, and the reservoirs are full.
• East coast and north: improving quickly. By March, Trincomalee and Jaffna are mostly dry, though the east coast's main season doesn't start until May.

March is hotter than February, especially in the lowlands, where afternoons can reach the mid-30s. Late March can bring the first afternoon thunderstorms.

For the full picture of the monsoons, see our guide to the best time to visit.

Where to go

Almost anywhere, which is the point. These are at their best.

• Hill-country hikes. Horton Plains, Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak and the Knuckles all have their clearest weather. See our best hikes.
• Adam's Peak. The middle of the pilgrimage season, with the best chance of a clear sunrise. Avoid full moon days and weekends, when the path can be at a standstill.
• The south coast beaches. From Unawatuna to Tangalle, the sea is calm, and it's a little less crowded than January.
• The ancient cities. Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are dry and not yet at their hottest.
• Safaris. Yala and Wilpattu get better through these months as water sources shrink and animals gather. See our safari guide.

What's on

• Whales and dolphins. Blue whale sightings off Mirissa are usually at their most reliable in these months. Dolphin trips run from Kalpitiya.
• Independence Day on 4 February is marked with parades, mainly in Colombo.
• Navam Perahera. On the February full moon, Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo holds a major procession with dancers, drummers and elephants.
• Maha Shivaratri. In February or March, Hindu temples across the island hold all-night vigils. The biggest gatherings are at Thiruketheeswaram and Koneswaram.
• Tea. These are prime months in the western tea districts, and the estates around Hatton and Nuwara Eliya are busy with picking.

Check our festivals calendar for exact dates.

Prices and crowds

February is still high season, with prices to match, though it's easier to find rooms than over Christmas. From mid-March, visitor numbers fall, and you'll often find better rates and quieter sites. The scenic train between Kandy and Ella remains heavily booked, so reserve seats in advance. Our train guide explains how.

A sample two-week route

1. Days 1–3: The Cultural Triangle, based at Sigiriya.
2. Days 4–5: Kandy.
3. Days 6–7: Nuwara Eliya or Hatton, for tea and Horton Plains or Adam's Peak.
4. Days 8–9: Ella, by train.
5. Day 10: A safari at Yala or Udawalawe.
6. Days 11–14: The south coast, ending in Galle.

This is the route in our 2-week itinerary, and these months suit it perfectly.

Tips for these months

• Carry sun protection and drink plenty of water. The sun is strong, even in the cool hills.
• Start hikes and site visits early, and rest in the heat of the afternoon.
• Reservoirs and rivers are lower by March, so waterfalls are less impressive than later in the year.
• Bring a warm layer for the hills and for the early start at Horton Plains.