Sri Lanka in July and August: Where to Go

Many people assume that July and August are bad months for Sri Lanka because of the monsoon. In fact, the south-west monsoon only affects part of the island. The east coast has its best beach weather, the Cultural Triangle is dry and big festivals fill the calendar. You simply need to choose your coast. For the full year, see our best time to visit guide.

Where the weather is best

• East coast — Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay have calm seas and sun. It's peak season.
• Cultural Triangle — Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are dry and very hot.
• The north — Jaffna is dry, and the Nallur festival begins around August.

Where to be careful

• South and west coasts — Mirissa, Unawatuna and Bentota see showers, rough seas and red flags. They're still pleasant for sightseeing, and prices are lower, but swimming can be dangerous. See our beach safety guide.
• Western hill country — Nuwara Eliya and Adam's Peak can be wet and misty. The eastern hills around Ella are usually better.

What's happening

• Minneriya elephant Gathering — elephants collect on the shrinking reservoir from about July. See our elephant guide.
• Kandy Esala Perahera — usually July or August. Book early. See our Perahera guide.
• Kataragama festival — a major pilgrimage in the deep south.
• Nallur festival, Jaffna — from around August.
• Whale watching — the season is at Trincomalee rather than Mirissa. See our whale watching guide.
• Surfing — Arugam Bay is at its peak. See our surfing guide.
• Leopards — Yala is good in the dry months. Check closure dates for later in the season.

A two-week summer route

1. Negombo (1 night) — arrival.
2. Sigiriya (3 nights) — Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya.
3. Trincomalee and Nilaveli (3 nights) — snorkelling at Pigeon Island.
4. Kandy (2 nights) — with the Perahera, if dates match.
5. Train to Ella (2 nights) — walks and tea.
6. Arugam Bay (3 nights) — surf and Kumana.

See our east coast itinerary for more ideas.

Tips for summer travel

• Book early. Summer is a busy time for families from Europe and for the east coast. Kandy hotels fill months ahead for the Perahera.
• Carry a light rain jacket, as showers can happen anywhere.
• Plan for the heat. Climb Sigiriya at opening time.
• Check beach conditions daily if you visit the south.
• Allow time on the road, as the east coast is a longer drive from the airport.

Keep planning

• Sri Lanka in May and June
• Sri Lanka in September, October and November