Weather in Sri Lanka in April

Travelling to Sri Lanka in April? Here’s a detailed overview to help understand the weather in Sri Lanka in April. The tropical climate of the country makes it the perfect time to visit this island in April. Sri Lanka has a complex weather pattern with two monsoon seasons that affect different regions at different times of the year. The Yala monsoons hit the south and south-west coast in the months from May to September. The Maha monsoon winds, on the other hand, bring rainfall to the east and north-east coast from December to February. The weather in Sri Lanka in April is pleasant throughout the country. The south and south-west coasts start to experience light showers as May approaches and the north-east and east coasts fall completely out of the monsoon season and experience plenty of sunshine. So if you’re looking to hit the beaches and explore all the other regions that Sri Lanka has to offer, April is the time to go.

For an authentic Sri Lankan experience, go on a fishing excursion in Negombo, the fishing village of Sri Lanka.

South and west coast of Sri Lanka in April

The south and west coast of the country primarily receives rainfall from May to September with the inter monsoonal winds affecting the entire country in October and November. If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka in April you’ll experience some sunny days and light rainfall towards the end of the month. The temperatures are usually 25-35 degree celsius. February, March and April are the best months to plan a whale watching trip to Mirissa along with a wildlife safari to Yala National Park as you can spot the animals that come out to drink water given the drop in water levels. April is also a great time for thrill seekers looking to indulge in water sports like surfing at beaches like Bentota, Mirissa, Weligama and Hikkaduwa.

Relaxing by one of the many beach bars in Unawatuna. April, being peak tourist season, is the best time for all those party animals looking to party by the beaches of Sri Lanka.

East and north-east coast of Sri Lanka in April

The east and north east coast receives rainfall between the months of October to January/February. April is the ideal time to visit this coast of the island, since the wildlife parks of the east are warm and skies are clear. The weather makes it easier to spot the animals roaming around in the open. It’s also a great time to visit Trincomalee, a beach town known for its serene beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli. Whether you’re looking go diving, whale watching or simply looking to relax in the tropical climate of this gorgeous coast, April is the time to go.

Diving at Pigeon island in the beach town of Trincomalee in Sri Lanka

The Hill Country and Cultural Triangle in April

Heading towards the inland, the hill country region around Nuwara Eliya and Ella are predominantly dry. Rainfall in this region is almost negligible. The temperature in this region fluctuates between the mid 20 degree celsius. April is also ideal for trekking the popular Knuckles mountain range. It is also a great time to visit the cultural triangle including the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Sigiriya Rock is another unmissable site this time of the year. However, for the ideal experience, you. must commence your climb early morning or just before closing hours. This helps avoid the large crowds during the day and also provides a panoramic view of the cultural triangle, at sunrise or sunset.

Polonnaruwa – A UNESCO World heritage site and the ancient capital city, set in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka

National Parks of Sri Lanka in April

Its best to visit the national parks of Sri Lanka in the dry season. The month of April is completely dry along the east and north east coast of Sri Lanka. Hence Minneriya National Park in this region is a must visit, if you’re looking to spot a huge density of elephants. It is also the ideal month to visit national parks in the south. National parks like Yala National park and Udawalawe, offer high chances of spotting rare wildlife species.

Spot herds of Elephants at Minneriya National Park

To sum it up

The monsoon season starts in full force in the southern and south western coast in May. The end of April might experience light showers here, but they are short lived and sporadic. There is enough sunshine to enjoy some beach time. With this month, it is mainly knowing what region to visit in order to escape the showers and have a pleasant experience. The east and north east coast experience prime tourist season in the month of April. All in all, travelling to Sri Lanka in April is a good idea. However, make sure to read our guide on the best time and best places to visit Sri Lanka for a detailed insight on planning your trip. Get in touch with us and we’ll take the load off you, We’ll help curate the ideal trip that reflects your travel style and caters to all your requirements.