Sri Lanka in March

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.

In the north and east, October to February is monsoon season with up to 250 mm of rainfall per month and highs of 32°C ( 90°F), with many preferring to head inland to the country’s cultural triangle. The less culturally inclined can simply head to the stunning beaches and dives sites of the south, thus skipping the wettest of the northern monsoon.

The country’s west and southwest is dry and hot September through April, with temperatures between 25 and 31°C (77-88°F). The central hills and southwest coast are best between December and April, which is also fine for whale and dolphin watching. January to March is the time to be in the central hills or southwest Sri Lanka, as days are sunny and dry and the sea is usually calm. February to April are ideal for visiting Yala National Park as the water tables are low and animals, such as the Sri Lankan elephant, come out to the exposed lakes to drink.  Lovers of marine life should head to the south coast during these months to spot blue, sperm, fin and Bryde's whales, as well as many dolphin species, turtles, and tuna.

Suggested Itineraries

Classic Sri Lanka

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,500
See Itinerary

An Unforgettable Honeymoon: Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Qatar

Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,500
See Itinerary

Family Sri Lanka: Colombo to Kandy with Kids

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,400
See Itinerary

Family Sri Lanka: Trincomalee to Colombo with Kids

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $12,100
See Itinerary

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

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,000
See Itinerary

Historic Sri Lanka Odyssey

Duration
14 days / 13 nights
Price Per Person
From $13,100
See Itinerary

Into the Wild: National Parks of Sri Lanka

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,900
See Itinerary

North Sri Lanka Adventure

Duration
16 days / 15 nights
Price Per Person
From $14,000
See Itinerary

Sri Lanka through Geoffrey Bawa's Eyes

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $15,200
See Itinerary

Sri Lanka's East Coast

Duration
13 days / 12 nights
Price Per Person
From $10,200
See Itinerary

Recommended Festivals For Sri Lanka in March

Adam’s Peak Pilgrimage

December-May

Every year, thousands of pilgrims make the lofty journey to the summit of Adam’s Peak, or Samanalakande (Butterfly Mountain). Starting from Poya Day (in December) and running all the through to Vesak Festival in May the following year, worshippers don their walking boots for the grueling 7,000-foot climb to the peak’s Buddhist temple.

Location Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka

Navam Perahera

February-March

Both locals and tourists come to Colombo every year for Navam Perahera Festival. Perahera - meaning parade - is the focal point for all to see, with elephants, dancers and entertainers taking to the streets across two days. It’s held every full moon in February (sometimes March) near the glorious Gangaramaya Temple that overlooks the Beira Lake.

Location Colombo, Sri Lanka

Hot Air Balloon Festival

March

Every year for about 10 days in March, hot air balloons take to the skies above Sri Lanka, following a route covering Sigiriya, Kandy and the capital, Colombo. Participants come from all over the word to fly their colorful and unusual hot air balloons over the gorgeous Sri Lankan countryside.

Location Sigiraya, Kandy and Colombo, Sri Lanka

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