The Cultural Triangle belongs to the dry-plain climate of north-central Sri Lanka, distinct from that of the west and south coasts (which follow the south-west monsoon, May-September) and that of the east coast (north-east monsoon, October-December). The local dry season runs from January to August, with a heat peak in April-May.
January, February and March are the most recommended months for a first visit. Temperatures are bearable (24-32 °C), skies are clear, rain is rare and vegetation is still green after the north-east monsoon. Climbing Sigiriya, cycling Polonnaruwa and walking around the Anuradhapura dagobas are all very pleasant, especially before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. The January full-moon festival (Duruthu Poya) is especially spectacular at Kelaniya near Colombo.
April and May bring extreme dry heat — Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa can hit 38 °C in the middle of the day. The tourist high season extends into April (Sinhalese and Tamil New Year mid-April) then drops sharply with the arrival of the monsoon on the west coast. The Triangle remains dry but exhausting in May.
June to September correspond to the south-west monsoon that hits the west coast and the south but largely spares the Cultural Triangle. Rain remains sporadic and skies are often cloudy in the afternoon. This is also the period of the Minneriya Gathering (July-August-September), the spectacular gathering of wild elephants around the drying reservoir. The Kandy Esala Perahera (July-August, dates varying with the full moon) is one of the most impressive religious festivals in Asia: ten nights of illuminated processions with caparisoned elephants, dancers and fire-bearers, in honour of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha.
October, November and December bring the north-east monsoon that directly affects the Cultural Triangle. Rain is frequent, sometimes stormy, and some days can be difficult. Sites remain visitable but comfort drops markedly. Accommodation prices are at their lowest and the sites nearly empty — an interesting option for flexible travellers tolerant of rain.
Read also
- Sigiriya, the Lion Rock — Climb of the rocky plug, Maidens frescoes, royal gardens: complete guide to Sri Lanka's flagship site.
- Kandy, sacred city of Sri Lanka — Temple of the Tooth, sacred lake, Peradeniya gardens: the spiritual capital of the Sinhalese.
- Sri Lanka — Complete country guide: visa, budget, regions and best time to visit Ceylon.
- Hill Country — Tea plantations, legendary train and Adam's Peak: the highlands of central Sri Lanka.