Is March a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

March is very good for Sri Lanka — dry and warm (30–34°C), the Cultural Triangle and south coast are excellent, and the Arugam Bay surf season is approaching on the east coast. One of the better months overall.

Is it hot in Sri Lanka in March?

March is warm, particularly in the lowlands and coast. Temperatures of 30–34°C are standard. The hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya) is significantly cooler at 18–23°C — a good contrast if you're doing both.

Is Arugam Bay open in March?

Arugam Bay on the east coast begins to open in March–April after the northeast monsoon. Early March can still be transitional — the main surf season runs May–October. Check conditions before going to the east coast in March.

Sri Lanka in March | The Sri Lanka Guides

Sri Lanka in March: Weather, Monsoons and What to Expect

10 May 2026 · 1 min read Practical

Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different coasts — the southwest monsoon (May–September) hits the west and south coasts, while the northeast monsoon (October–February) hits the east coast. This means somewhere in Sri Lanka is always in dry season.

Weather in March

Warm and dry on the south and west. Good month for a complete circuit. East coast transitioning out of monsoon.

Where to Go in Sri Lanka in March

Colombo: Colombo guide
Galle: Galle guide
Sigiriya: Sigiriya guide
Ella: Ella guide
Arugam Bay: Arugam Bay guide
Mirissa: Mirissa guide

Planning

See the best time to visit Sri Lanka for a full seasonal guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is March a good time to visit Sri Lanka?: March is very good for Sri Lanka — dry and warm (30–34°C), the Cultural Triangle and south coast are excellent, and the Arugam Bay surf season is approaching on the east coast. One of the better months overall.
Is it hot in Sri Lanka in March?: March is warm, particularly in the lowlands and coast. Temperatures of 30–34°C are standard. The hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya) is significantly cooler at 18–23°C — a good contrast if you're doing both.
Is Arugam Bay open in March?: Arugam Bay on the east coast begins to open in March–April after the northeast monsoon. Early March can still be transitional — the main surf season runs May–October. Check conditions before going to the east coast in March.