Travel Tips

Weather

Sri Lanka lies just north of the Equator resulting in consistently high temperatures and varied rainfall throughout the year due to two dominating monsoons. The average temperature along the tropical coastline and lowlands is 27 degrees Celsius, while in the wetter highlands where elevation can reach an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres the average is between 16 and 20 degrees. Relative humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night.

There are no marked seasons in Sri Lanka, making it a year-round destination. While the southwest monsoon (Yala) brings rain showers from May to September to the southwest and central highlands, the north and east remains fine and dry. Similarly, when the northwest monsoon (Maha) brings rain from November until April to the north and east, the southwest and central highlands enjoy their driest period. Even during the monsoon periods, warm sunny days are the norm.

Cameras and specialised equipment

Please bring your own cameras, binoculars, telescopes and all specialised equipment you may need with you. Make sure that you have proper covers and cases to protect them from rain, mist and dew as well as a camera cleaning set with sufficient lens cleaning tissues. There are few places which repair or service camera equipment in Sri Lanka.

Many varieties of camera film, batteries and memory chips are available for sale in the main cities. It is advisable to stock up on extra batteries and film rolls if you are travelling to a remote area where you may have to spend a few days without recharging facilities.

Leech repellents & Leech socks

Please bring your own leech socks and leech repellent if you are planning on visiting the rainforest or hiking in any warm tropical areas.