The Colombo region and the West Coast follows the south-west monsoon climate, identical to that of the South Coast but with urban particularities (urban humidity, heat islands).
December, January, February and March are the optimal months to visit the region. Skies are clear in Colombo, the sea calm at Bentota and Wadduwa for swimming, temperatures bearable (26-30 °C by day, 22-25 °C by night). Tourist high season peaks in December-January with European holidays, and Colombo hotels (Cinnamon Grand, Shangri-La, Galle Face Hotel) are often full several weeks in advance. Booking essential 1-2 months ahead for end-of-year celebrations. Evenings at Galle Face Green are particularly pleasant this season with a constant sea breeze.
April marks the transition to dry heat. Temperatures climb (32-34 °C in the afternoon), the first pre-monsoon showers appear. The Sinhalese and Tamil New Year (13-15 April) is a culturally rich period but also a moment when many shops close, transports are saturated and Sri Lankans travel en masse — anticipate your bookings.
May marks the arrival of the south-west monsoon, which lasts until late September. Frequent and sustained rain, sea rough and dangerous at Bentota and Mount Lavinia, swimming discouraged. Colombo remains practicable but with traffic worsened by urban flooding. West Coast resorts remain open (unlike some south coast beach hotels) but attendance drops. It is also the period of Vesak (May full moon), the Buddha's festival, when Colombo is covered in paper lanterns and organises dansel (free food distribution to passers-by throughout the city) — culturally fascinating moment despite the rain.
June, July and August are the wettest months. Sometimes intense rain, often overcast sky, often dangerous sea for swimming. Period to avoid for a beach stay in the region. For travellers coming in summer, prefer instead the East Coast (in dry season) or the Cultural Triangle (little affected by the south-west monsoon).
September and October correspond to a transition period with still frequent showers but longer clear spells. November marks the inter-monsoon with some residual rain before the return of the dry season in December.
Read also
- Colombo, the capital in transformation — Galle Face Green, Pettah district, cosmopolitan gastronomy: complete guide to the Sri Lankan metropolis.
- Yala, the kingdom of leopards — Yala National Park, safaris, leopards and elephants: the great reserve of south-east Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions and best time to visit Ceylon.
- The South Coast — UNESCO Galle Fort, blue whales at Mirissa, tropical beaches: Sri Lanka's south-west coast.