Sri Lanka weather & when to go: October
Sri Lanka October weather overview
A month of change as the south-west monsoon starts to fade into the background, especially towards the end of the month. This doesn’t, however, mean that the blue skies and sunshine return straight away. Rainfall remains high on the coast and temperatures are well below their annual peak. Rainfall is also high in the Tea Country, although hot dry weather is expected further north in the Cultural Triangle.
Things are also changing in the north and along the east coast, with the arrival of the north-eastern monsoon. Across the country cyclones can occur, bringing with them heavy rain and high winds, making October one of the wettest months of the year country-wide.
Unfollow the herd - travel in Sri Lanka during October and enjoy fewer crowds, better availability, and help to spread the economic benefits of tourism.
Sri Lanka weather & when to go
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October’s weather in detail
Rainfall remains quite high on Sri Lanka's southern & western coast during October, with temperatures below their annual peak but by no means chilly! (avg temp: 28 °C). By the end of the month you full sunny days are very much a possibility although as in previous months, swimming in the sea is not recommended on some beaches.
Things are also changing in Sri Lanka's north and along the east coast, with the arrival of the north-eastern monsoon. Rainfall starts to increase and the blue skies of the past few months will start to turn to grey.
Rainfall is also high in the Tea Country, although hot, dry weather is expected further north in the Cultural Triangle with rainfall only likely to become a feature towards the end of the month.
Across the country cyclones can occur, bringing with them heavy rain and high winds, making October one of the wettest months of the year in Sri Lanka.
The best of Sri Lanka’s beaches in October:
The south-west (the section south of Negombo & Colombo) and the entire south coast: Shoulder season / mid-season season.
The entire east coast: Shoulder season / mid-season.
The central and northern section of the west coast (from Negombo northwards): Shoulder season / mid-season season.