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Sri Lanka weather & when to go: August

Sri Lanka August weather overview

Despite the summer monsoon still blowing in from the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, the south and west coast regions usually experience a significant dip in rainfall during August compared with the months either side....a little sunshine sandwich! Temperatures remain high on the coast (avg temp: 29 °C) whilst up in the hills it can be chilly, especially at night.

Good weather is also expected in the north and along the east coast, making August one of the few months that beach lovers can have their pick of Sri Lanka’s beaches. Further north in the Cultural Triangle temperatures remain high and rainfall is at a minimum.

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August’s weather in detail

Good weather is expected in the north and along the east coast, making August one of the few months that beach lovers can have their pick of Sri Lanka’s beaches. The north-west coast, from Negombo northwards, can also be promising.

Swimming in the sea on the south and west coasts during August is often not recommended. Many hotels will have their red flags out to indicate that sea bathing can be dangerous. Having said this, it is generally a month with good weather and water sports and outdoor activities are OK.

Further north in the Cultural Triangle temperatures remain high and rainfall is at a minimum (avg temp: 32 °C), whilst the dry winds of the previous two months have subsided.

The best of Sri Lanka’s beaches in August:

The south-west (the section south of Negombo & Colombo) and the entire south coast: Monsoon season but less rain than in previous months

The entire east coast: Peak season.

The central and northern section of the west coast (from Negombo northwards): Peak season (sunshine expected but with high winds and sea’s).

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