Sri Lanka is affected by two monsoons that sweep over parts of the country at different times. In general, there are two seasons Monsoon and Dry, with the climate remaining hot, humid and wet throughout the year. Rain is common all year round and an umbrella is useful whatever time you visit. Sri Lanka has no marked seasons. A special feature is that the hot and humid lowlands and the salubrious hill country are separated by a few hours motoring.

Southwest Monsoon - arrives in May bringing heavy rains to south and central areas. During this time, temperatures can soar above 35oC in the coastal regions of the south.

Northeast Monsoon - arrives in October and lasts until January. The wet season turns the northern countryside lush green with tropical vegetation and the vibrant colours can make this a wonderful time to visit despite the rain.

Inter-Monsoon - heavy rain and thunderstorms are commonplace in south and central areas during September and November.

It is advisable to carry a lightweight jumper as it can be chillingly cold inside air-conditioned buildings.

The South & Southwest

Monsoon Season - the Southwest Monsoon brings heavy rain, which tends to fall in short bursts and usually at night.

Swimming in the sea may not be possible in some areas during the Monsoon Season, as the Indian Ocean can become extremely rough. However, if you do choose to visit Sri Lanka at this time, the countryside is at its most lush, the seascapes are most dramatic and the reef actually protects certain beaches such as at Hikkaduwa.

The hottest temperatures tend to be recorded from March to June straddling both the Dry and Monsoon Seasons.

Best time to visit: During the Dry Season as humidity levels do not rise until the monsoon months.

The Central Hill Country

The moderate climate here provides the perfect weather for the surrounding tea plantations that are famous around the world. The weather feels cool and damp all year, which can be a pleasant change after the heat of the lower lying lands and the coastal regions.

Kandy - which lies at the foot of the hill country, is only slightly cooler and wetter than the coastal areas but once you ascend into the lush hill country, you will definitely need a warm sweater and thicker clothes, especially at night.

Best time to visit: During the Dry Season when there is less rainfall and cooler temperatures.

The Northeast

Dry Season - in the northeast is longer and temperatures are marginally higher on average.

Monsoon Season - this area of Sri Lanka suffers from a different, shorter monsoon to other parts, namely the Northeast Monsoon, which brings wet and humid weather to the area. Again, the scenery is lush and vibrant but views can be hampered by the intense downpours that occur.

Best time to visit: Although temperatures remain high throughout, there is less rainfall during the Dry Season.

Weather Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Lies between 6 - 10 of North Latitude and Between 80 - 82 of East Longitude. It has a Maximum Length of 432 km (Devundara to Point Peduru) and Maximum Breadth 224 km (Colombo - Sangamankanda) . The Land Area is 65,525 Sq. km. The Area Excluding the Inland Water 62,336 Sq. km. The hills appear in the center and the south of Center. Sri Lanka is generally a warm country.

Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.7 C (80 F) and 19.7 C (66.50 F) in the hill country. In Colombo, the commercial capital, situated on the west coast, the temperature varies from 26.4 C (79.5 F) to 27.8 C (82.12 F). Relative Humidity varies from 70% during the day to 90% at night. In the lowlands the climate is typically tropical with an average temperature of 27?C in Colombo. In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16?C at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters. Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season.

The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.