If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka in August, you’re in for a unique experience. Although August is considered the off-season for many parts of the island, it offers a great opportunity to explore the East Coast and North Sri Lanka, where the weather is more favorable and the crowds are fewer. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in August, including the top destinations, weather tips, and a suggested itinerary.
Thus, you are traveling to Sri Lanka during off-season and low season by traveling in August, but there are advantages as well! Sri Lanka is known to be an all year-round destinations. Read more about Places to Visit in Sri Lanka by Month.
See: Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
The East Coast and the North of Sri Lanka are the greatest areas to travel in August, according to even the shortest study, as this is where the country’s South-Western monsoon is weakest and least concentrated. In contrast, certain regions of the nation become extremely wet throughout the winter.
While Sri Lanka is known to be a year-round travel destination, the months of December through April typically experience the best weather with sunny skies and clear conditions. However, Sri Lanka in August still has its charm, especially for those willing to adapt to the occasional monsoon rain. The weather in Sri Lanka in August can vary depending on where you go, but you can expect sunny and dry conditions on the East Coast and North Sri Lanka, making these areas ideal for travel.
In August, the South-Western monsoon affects the South Coast of Sri Lanka, making it a less favorable time to visit the region. Instead, explore the East Coast, including Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, and Nilaveli, where the weather is typically drier.
The most frequented destinations on the East Coast are Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, one is fortunate enough if he gets to visit both, and each has its own special appeal.
Since Trincomalee is a city, visitors must go a little farther up the coast to visit Uppuveli and Nilaveli, the city’s two main beaches. I suggest staying at Nilaveli since I had heard that it had a nicer, cleaner beach. Both are rather calm, but Nilaveli is especially so. It consists of a long stretch of beach with the occasional beach bar on it, as well as a few dirt roads lined with eateries and guesthouses.
Located on the East Coast, Trincomalee is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka in August. During this time, the area enjoys warm, sunny weather with occasional rain. Trincomalee is famous for its beautiful beaches, including Uppuveli and Nilaveli Beach, which offer calm waters perfect for snorkeling, diving, and swimming. Pigeon Island National Park is also a must-visit, where you can explore coral reefs and spot marine life like turtles and sharks.
One of the most recent parks to be added to Sri Lanka’s expanding conservation zones is Pigeon Island National Park. It encompasses Pigeon Island, a tiny island located a kilometer off the coast close to Trincomalee, as well as a sizable chunk of the surrounding water and coral reef.
Though tragically, most of Sri Lanka’s coral reef is still recuperating from the 2004 tsunami, it is home to some of the best preserved coral reefs in the country. Scuba diving and snorkeling are quite popular here since it’s very simple to get there from Nilaveli Beach or Uppuveli Beach, which is located north of Trincomalee.
Even though Nilaveli Beach is theoretically closer, planning a trip from Uppuveli is as simple. It just indicates a little lengthier boat voyage.
Pigeon Island is clearly seen from the shore north of Trincomalee. The island is not very large—it is about 200 meters long—but it is located on Nilaveli Beach, just one kilometer from the coast.
Making reservations for a boat trip from Nilaveli Beach or Uppuveli Beach is the only way to get to the island. This is really easy to set up, as there are many of snorkeling and diving establishments along the beach that rent out equipment and provide excursions. Or your lodging facility can make arrangements for you as well.
The tours follow a fairly typical format. They include transportation by boat to and from the island, all gear needed for diving or snorkeling, plus some food.Although not all excursions include a diving or snorkeling guide, I would advise you to ask for one.
Once you’re there, you can simply book a snorkeling tour on Pigeon Island with any operator. Just to access the island marine park, visitors to Pigeon Island National Park must pay an entrance charge of USD $42. The boat owners then bill for the voyage at about 8000 LKR.
Pigeon Island’s greatest diving and snorkeling conditions are from April through October. In the north of Sri Lanka, during this dry season, bright skies and calmer, clearer water are more likely to be encountered.
The best time to visit is in the middle of the season for the best possibility of clean water because the quality of the water varies with the season. One could naturally think that Pigeon Island would be a great place to dive. I must admit, though, that this is one location where snorkeling might be a better choice. Although I’ve never gone diving, I can tell from my study that snorkeling is actually preferable for Pigeon Island.
Reef sharks, turtles, and an abundance of fish are clearly visible from the shallow reef on the southern portion of the island, which is perfect for snorkeling. Despite the fact that the northern reef is intended to be more colorful.
The deeper north side of the island is where most scuba divers go, although it’s much more difficult to spot sharks and turtles there. Indeed, two of our party chose to dive, and they expressed disappointment upon realizing they would not be able to see anything.
Sharks, turtles, and an abundance of fish may be seen by snorkelers on the southern side. However, I believe that having a guide will be more beneficial because they are familiar with marine life behavior and can show us the exact location where sharks typically enter the water.
For surfers, Arugam Bay is the place to be in August. This beach town is renowned as one of the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka, attracting surfers from around the world during the monsoon season. The area has a vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of cafes, surf schools, and guesthouses, making it an ideal location for an adventurous trip. The August weather in Arugam Bay is sunny and perfect for catching the waves.
The Highlands of Sri Lanka are an excellent choice for visiting in August. In areas like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, and Kandy, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and lush green landscapes. Ella is perfect for nature lovers, with its breathtaking views, tea plantations, and Ella Rock hiking trails. Nuwara Eliya offers a peaceful escape with its colonial architecture and cool climate, making it one of the best Sri Lanka hiking destinations.
While there might be occasional rainfall in Kandy in August, the city still offers a pleasant atmosphere for exploring its cultural and historical attractions, including the Temple of the Tooth.
If you want to explore less-traveled parts of Sri Lanka, Jaffna in the North is an excellent choice. This region experiences mostly sunny and dry weather in August, making it ideal for sightseeing. Visit the historic Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, and enjoy the local cuisine. The region is not as touristy as the South, providing a more authentic experience.
While the South Coast of Sri Lanka is affected by the South-Western monsoon in August, you can still visit places like Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Tangalle for a laid-back experience. The weather may be rainy, but the beaches are still beautiful, and you can enjoy relaxing at the cafes or exploring the local markets.
You should definitely pack for rain if you plan to visit Sri Lanka in August—it will definitely rain wherever you go!
August may bring very heavy rains, even if you are on the East Coast, which is in high season from May to September! I truly experienced this monsoon season when it truly poured on the East Coast!
In relation to monsoon rain, you should expect overcast days and monsoon rain if you want to visit Sri Lanka’s West or South Coast in August.
Oh, and due to the weather, there were a lot of mosquitoes in August on the South Coast, but fortunately not many on the East Coast!
When traveling to Sri Lanka in August, it’s essential to pack for rain. Here’s a list of things to pack:
Compact Raincoat or Travel Umbrella
Waterproof Bag or Dry Bags for electronics
Lightweight Clothing for warm days and layers for cooler evenings in the Highlands
Mosquito Repellent, especially if you’re staying near the beach or rainforests
Day 1:
Day 2:
Day 3:
Day 4:
Day 5:
Day 6:
Day 7:
Although August is the off-season in many parts of Sri Lanka, it still offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the East Coast and Highlands, where you can enjoy dry weather and breathtaking landscapes. With the right preparation and flexibility, your trip to Sri Lanka in August can be an unforgettable experience. Pack for rain, plan your activities around the weather, and explore some of the most beautiful and serene destinations that Sri Lanka has to offer.
If you can only visit Sri Lanka in August, September, June, or July, then by all means do so; but, be ready to be flexible about where you travel, pack for rain, and bring along some waterproof clothing.
