Visiting Sri Lanka in April

Sri Lanka weather guide by month

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

 

Weather-wise, April is another good month for a holiday in Sri Lanka if you’re hoping to visit both coasts, although bear in mind it’s very busy around the New Year celebrations mid-month. The Maha monsoon on the north and east coast is over, with drier hot weather here, while the Yala monsoon hasn’t yet started on the south and west coasts, although you can expect more unsettled weather as the month goes on, especially around Colombo and Galle.

If you’re looking for beach time, stick to the west coast around Negombo or north of here for the best weather, or venture to the east coast beaches towards the end of the month. You’ll still find sun on the south-west but don’t be surprised if you have to dodge some showers here this month. The seas are also less calm in the south by April, although you can still spot whales in the waters off Mirissa.

Kandy and Tea Country are rainier this month, although you’ll find plenty of dry days to explore, as well as cooler temperatures high up in the hills and in the Knuckles Range. It’s the hottest month of the year to explore the historic sites of the Cultural Triangle, with temperatures around 35C, so plan to explore early, especially if you’re climbing Sigiriya.

Festivals: Sinhalese and Tamil New Year traditionally begins at the sighting of the new moon, but is celebrated on April 13 and 14. It’s a major public holiday across the whole country, with shops often closing for a week after the start of New Year. Expect parties, fireworks, lots of food and a chance to discover traditional rituals.

Best for: West coast beaches, exploring the whole country, celebrating New Year

Region	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
North / East	● 28°C 🌤️	● 29°C 🌤️	● 31°C 🌤️	● 33°C ☀️	● 35°C ☀️	● 35°C ☀️	● 35°C ☀️	● 34°C ☀️	● 34°C ☀️	● 32°C 🌦️	● 29°C 🌦️	● 28°C 🌦️
Central	● 19°C ☀️	● 21°C ☀️	● 22°C 🌤️	● 22°C 🌦️	● 21°C 🌦️	● 19°C 🌤️	● 19°C 🌤️	● 19°C 🌤️	● 20°C 🌤️	● 20°C 🌧️	● 20°C 🌧️	● 20°C 🌦️
South / West	● 30°C ☀️	● 30°C ☀️	● 31°C ☀️	● 31°C ☀️	● 30°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌤️