Sri Lanka Travel Info
Everything you need to know before you go — visas, best time to visit, flights, climate, and health tips.
Entry Visas to Sri Lanka
A visit visa is an entry permit signifying the consent of the Sri Lankan Government for the admission of a foreign national to the country. The visa specifies the permitted period of stay and the conditions of entry.
Tourist Visit Visa
Issued to bona-fide tourists who want to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing, excursions, relaxation, visiting relatives, or yoga training for a short period of time.
Business Purpose Visa
Issued to foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka for business purposes for a short period of time. This visa may be issued for single or double journeys.
Contact the Sri Lankan High Commission or consulate in your country. A 30-day tourist visa can usually be obtained without difficulty.
Department of Immigration and Emigration
Best Time to Visit
West & South Coasts
The best time to visit is from December to March, when the weather is dry and sunny. This period is ideal for beach activities and exploring coastal towns such as Colombo, Galle, and Bentota.
East Coast
The best time to visit is from April to September, when the weather is dry and the sea is calm. This period is great for enjoying beaches such as Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, and Pasikudah.
Hill Country
The best time to visit the hill country — including Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella — is from December to March and from June to September. These months offer pleasant weather, ideal for hiking, exploring tea plantations, and enjoying cooler temperatures.
Airlines Serving Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is served by a wide range of international airlines connecting to the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo.
Temperature Chart
| City | Jan – Apr | May – Aug | Sept – Dec |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kandy | 30°C / 22°C | 30°C / 24°C | 29°C / 22°C |
| Nuwara Eliya | 31°C / 17°C | 29°C / 21°C | 28°C / 18°C |
| Trincomalee | 21°C / 14°C | 18°C / 16°C | 18°C / 15°C |
| Colombo | 32°C / 24°C | 33°C / 25°C | 33°C / 23°C |
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The coastal areas are hot and humid, while the central hill country is cooler.
Climate & Seasons
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical climate without extremes of temperature, with averages of 27°C (80°F) in Colombo and its suburbs, rising to as much as 38°C (100°F) in the semi-arid northwest, and cooling to 16°C (61°F) at higher elevations of the central hill country. The country experiences two monsoon periods, which bring continuous rains for several months. The southwest monsoon affects the southern, western, and central regions from May to July, while the northeast monsoon brings rain to the north and east from November to January. Positioned at the edge of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka benefits from its warm tropical waters, making it a pivotal point between the Indian subcontinent and the southern reaches of the ocean.
Health & Safety
Emergency medical treatment can be handled by most tourist hotels in Sri Lanka. Throughout the country, government hospitals are located in almost all cities, ranging from well-equipped base hospitals to district hospitals. Private hospitals are also present in many cities, offering a wide range of medical services for visitors.
- Drink filtered, mineral, or bottled water. The yellow king coconut is a popular and refreshing alternative.
- Apply sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially when outdoors.
- Carry basic first-aid supplies and any personal prescription medication.
- Contact your country's embassy or high commission in Sri Lanka if you need consular assistance.