Sri Lanka in August

The beautiful island of Sri Lanka has warm tropical weather moderated by ocean breezes. Mean temperatures range from 17 °C (63 °F) in the central highlands, where frost may occur for several days in the winter, to a maximum of 33 °C (91 °F) in more low-altitude areas. The climate is defined by two monsoon seasons, May to July in the southwest, and October to February in the north and east.?

It is hot and dry in the country’s north and east during March through September, with highs of 32°F C (90°F ) in March, rising to 37°C (100°F) in July before falling back to about 33 °C (91°F ) in September, though the coast has a cooling effect so it does not seem so hot. April brings the start of the southwest monsoon, so the best place to be is in the north of the country, cultural triangle, or the eastern coast. The stunning northeast beaches are perfect in in July, August and September. There are also many festivals at this time in Sri Lanka, such as the Vesak Poya in May, which celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, and is marked with flowers, the lighting of lamps and burning of incense, as the country comes to life in ritual and ceremony

May to August and it is monsoon season in the country’s west and southwest, with rainfall of around 150 mm over these months. July and early August can be hot, between 25 and 31 °C (77-88 °F), but not unpleasant for traveling the island, which is invariably cooled by sea breezes. During these months it will be possible to see a great many elephants at the various game parks and preserves around Sri Lanka, with Yala National Park a highlight. It is home to many spectacular bird species, such as the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, crimson-fronted barbet, and black-capped bulbul, not to mention a vast array of reptiles endemic to the island, including the Sri Lankan flying snake, painted-lip lizard, Wiegmann's agama, and Bahir's fan-throated lizard.

Suggested Itineraries

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Intrepid

Historic Sites and Stunning Hikes: Exploring the Cultural Gems of Sri Lanka

On this two-week tour of beautiful Sri Lanka, discover the country’s hidden treasures, from historic colonial towns to its lush jungles, rainforests and tea terraces. Savor the views and allow yourself to be enchanted by ancient culture.

Interest Heritage

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Price Per Person: From $14,000

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North Sri Lanka Adventure

A unique region with a strong Indian presence, no stone goes unturned on this 15-day luxury Northern Sri Lanka adventure. This is the most luxurious tour you will find in the region – but this is not your typical 5-star service. You’ll experience the rare opportunity of seeing the country’s rebirth from the civil war.

Interest Wildlife

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 16 days / 15 nights

Price Per Person: From $14,000

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Sri Lanka's East Coast

It’s a sun-soaked adventure on this 14-day Sri Lankan east coast holiday. Give surfing a try on the famous Arugam Bay beach, bike through the lush Ceylon tea fields, view a tooth belonging to the revered Buddha and relax by the sea in luxury. Your incredible memories will last much longer than your golden tan.

Interest Diving

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Price Per Person: From $10,200

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Kinchigune to Kaltota: Camping and Trekking in Sri Lanka

Embark on a three-day, two-night adventure in the beautiful countryside of Sri Lanka. This trek will immerse you in rural village surroundings and plunge you into the rare flora and fauna of the country’s deepest, lushest rainforest, where you’ll camp out for an all-natural experience.

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Price Per Person: From $3,800

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On the Trail: Hiking and Cycling in Sri Lanka

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders as you hike and cycle your way through some of the island’s most beautiful and remote areas. From rainforest to dry brush, mountain escarpments to national parks, you’ll see the many and varied landscapes that make up this rich, verdant countryside.

Interests Bicycling, Trekking

Destination Sri Lanka

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights

Price Per Person: From $24,500

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Recommended Festivals For Sri Lanka in August

Elephant Gathering

August-September

An incredible spectacle happens every year during the end of August and start of September when around 300 elephant all converge on the banks of the Minneriya Lake, in the north of Sri Lanka. The phenomenon, known as ‘the Gathering’ is one of the highest concentrations of these Asian Elephants to be found anywhere in the world.

Location Minneriya Lake, Sri Lanka

Esala Perahera

July-August

One of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular and colorful festivals is Esala Perahera, a 10-day event in the central city of Kandy. Held to commemorate an ancient Buddhist tooth relic, this festival features processions through the streets, dancing, and music. It all ends with a peculiar ‘water cutting’ session (with swords) in the river.

Location Kandy, Sri Lanka

Vel Festival

July-August

Vel Festival sees the ceremonial chariot of the God of War, Skanda, pulled between two of Colombo’s major Hindu temples. Over two to three days, body painting and colorful outfits can be seen alongside painful displays of religious devotion, where participants dangle themselves by piercing their skin on their backs with metal hooks.

Location Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kataragama Festival

July-August

This important Hindu festival takes place in the pretty pilgrimage town of Kataragama in the south of the island. On the day/night of the full moon in July (somtimes in August), devotees subject themselves to various ritual torture techniques in a bid to appease their deities. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but certainly an unforgettable spectacle.

Location Kataragama, Sri Lanka

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

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A Luxurious Comeback for Sri Lanka

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The tiny island of Sri Lanka has endured a lot, both in the past and in recent memory. Torn apart by civil war and a devastating tsunami, this strong and determined little country has fought its way through the hard times and come out on the other side not only with its beauty and culture intact, but also with its eyes on bigger rewards.

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