Sri Lanka in September, October and November

The months from September to November are Sri Lanka's shoulder season. The weather is less predictable than at other times, and October in particular is wet across most of the island. In return, you get the lowest prices of the year, quiet sites and a very green country. Each of the three months is different, so it helps to look at them one by one.

September

September is an extension of the summer season, and it's a good month to visit.

• East coast: still dry and sunny, with calm seas at Trincomalee, Nilaveli and Pasikudah. The surf at Arugam Bay keeps going.
• Cultural Triangle: dry and hot. The elephant gathering continues, and herds often move from Minneriya to Kaudulla.
• South and west coasts: the monsoon is fading. Expect a mix of sunshine and showers, with the sea still rough.
• Hills: improving, with showers.

One thing to know: Yala's main block usually closes for several weeks around September and October, during the driest part of the year. Udawalawe, Bundala and Wilpattu stay open. Check the dates before you plan a safari.

October

October is the heart of the second inter-monsoon period, and it's typically one of the wettest months island-wide.

• Mornings are often clear. By afternoon, clouds build into heavy thunderstorms that can last into the evening.
• Rain falls on both coasts and in the hills. Flooding and landslides sometimes affect roads and railways, especially in the hill country.
• The sea is unsettled around most of the island, and the east coast season winds down.

It isn't a washout. You'll usually get several dry hours a day, waterfalls are at their most powerful, and you may have famous sites almost to yourself. Hotel prices are at their lowest. Plan sightseeing for the mornings, keep your schedule loose and have indoor options in mind.

November

November is a month of two halves.

• North and east: the north-east monsoon sets in, bringing heavy rain to Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Many east coast hotels close.
• South and west: conditions improve through the month. By late November, the sea is calming, the beach towns are reopening, and the surf season on the south coast begins at Weligama and Hiriketiya.
• Whale watching off Mirissa restarts, weather permitting.
• Hills: still showery, and green.

Early November can still be very wet. Late November often gives you peak-season weather on the south coast at shoulder-season prices, before the December rush.

Festivals

• Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls in October or November. Temples and Tamil homes are lit with oil lamps.
• The Kataragama and Kandy festival seasons are over, but local temple processions take place throughout these months.
• Il Poya, the November full moon, marks the end of the Buddhist rains retreat.

See our festivals calendar.

Where to go, month by month

Month	Best areas	Think twice about
September	East coast, Cultural Triangle, Kandy	Swimming on the south-west coast
October	Cultural Triangle mornings, Kandy, Galle Fort	Beach holidays anywhere, remote hill roads
November	South and west coasts (late), Kandy, Ella	East coast, Jaffna

Tips for travelling in these months

• Stay flexible. Book refundable rooms where you can, and be ready to change your route if the forecast is poor.
• Start early. Do outdoor activities in the morning.
• Pack for rain. Bring a proper rain jacket, quick-drying clothes, a dry bag for electronics and sandals with grip.
• Watch the roads. Allow extra time in the hills after heavy rain, and ask about conditions.
• Mind the leeches on wet forest and tea trails. Long socks help.
• Enjoy the bargains. Upmarket hotels that are out of reach in January can be affordable now.

Our guide to the best time to visit explains the monsoons, and the packing list covers what to bring.