The South & Southwest
| Colombo | Average temperature | Average rainfall | Dry Season December - April | 22 - 30oC | 136mm | Monsoon Season May - August | 25 - 29oC | 210mm | Inter-Monsoon Season September - November | 24 - 29oC | 224mm |
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Monsoon Season - the Southwest Monsoon brings heavy rain, which tends to fall in short bursts and usually at night.
Swimming in the sea may not be possible in some areas during the Monsoon Season, as the Indian Ocean can become extremely rough. However, if you do choose to visit Sri Lanka at this time, the countryside is at its most lush, the seascapes are most dramatic and the reef actually protects certain beaches such as at Hikkaduwa.
The hottest temperatures tend to be recorded from March to June straddling both the Dry and Monsoon Seasons.
Best time to visit: During the Dry Season as humidity levels do not rise until the monsoon months.
The Central Hill Country
Nuwara Eliya | Average temperature | Average rainfall | Dry Season December - April | 8 - 21oC | 92mm | Monsoon Season May - August | 13 - 19oC | 210mm | Inter-Monsoon Season September - November | 11 - 20oC | 240mm |
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The moderate climate here provides the perfect weather for the surrounding tea plantations that are famous around the world. The weather feels cool and damp all year, which can be a pleasant change after the heat of the lower lying lands and the coastal regions.
Kandy - which lies at the foot of the hill country, is only slightly cooler and wetter than the coastal areas but once you ascend into the lush hill country, you will definitely need a warm sweater and thicker clothes, especially at night.
Best time to visit: During the Dry Season when there is less rainfall and cooler temperatures.
The Northeast
Trincomalee | Average temperature | Average rainfall | Dry Season February - September | 26 - 33oC | 63mm | Monsoon Season October - January
| 25 - 28oC | 278mm |
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Dry Season - in the northeast is longer and temperatures are marginally higher on average.
Monsoon Season - this area of Sri Lanka suffers from a different, shorter monsoon to other parts, namely the Northeast Monsoon, which brings wet and humid weather to the area. Again, the scenery is lush and vibrant but views can be hampered by the intense downpours that occur.
Best time to visit: Although temperatures remain high throughout, there is less rainfall during the Dry Season.