Weather in Sri Lanka in June

The weather in Sri Lanka in June differs depending on the region you pick.  The south and south west coast of the island  experiences rainfall as opposed to the East coast which is dry. It is essential to understand the complicated weather pattern of this island country, in order to plan your trip. Sri Lanka witnesses two monsoon seasons – the Yala monsoons that hit the south and south west coast between May to October. And The Maha monsoons that hit the east and north east coast between October to February. If you plan on travelling to Sri Lanka in June, your itinerary has to account for the weather in different regions of the country.

To avoid the monsoons, explore the less touristed yet pristine and vibrant East coast of Sri Lanka. Make most of the white sand beaches, local culture and tons of adventure activities during this time.  

Explore the gorgeous white sand beaches on the East coast of Sri Lanka in June.

South and south-West Coast of Sri Lanka in June

The island’s Capital city, Colombo, located on the west coast, experiences a good amount of rainfall in the month of June. The temperature varies between 24 to 29 degree celsius with about 186 mm of rainfall. However, these rains are not consistent. They are more like intermittent light showers throughout the day. Swimming and other water sports are generally not recommended during this time along the coast. June would be an ideal time to visit this region if you are looking to escape the crowds and soak in peace and solace. Another advantage is the opportunity to bask in luxury at the best of hotels at affordable rates. If you’re looking for adventure and outdoor activities, travelling to Sri Lanka in June, to this region, may not be the best idea.

June is the best time to experience a stay in the luxury hotels along the south coast, given that it is off season.

East and North-east Coast of Sri Lanka in June

While the south and south-west coast receives heavy rainfall between May to September, the north-east and east coast completely falls out of the monsoon season between these months. Hence, May to September is a great time to visit this part of the country. It is the perfect time to explore the gorgeous  beaches along this coastline, especially Trincomalee, a beach town with the two popular beaches of Uppuveli and Nilaveli, that have a local charm, reasonable accommodation and are a lot less crowded even in season time unlike the south coast beaches. These beaches also have a number of water activities like surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving that you can indulge in, during this time. Arugam Bay on the East coast also known as the surfers paradise attracts surfers from across the world to catch some great waves while ensuring it doesn’t get over crowded and ruin the authenticity of the experience. 

Indulge in the water sports along the east and north-east coast of Sri Lanka in June, making for a fun experience. 

The Hill Country and Cultural Triangle in June 

Travelling to Sri Lanka in June? Well, the weather in the hill country region is affected by both the monsoons winds that hit the island. The weather here, during this time, is cooler compared to rest of the island, given the altitude. The best time for treks in this region would be between January to April. June on the other hand, despite the cool weather, may not be the best time to trek given the slippery terrain. The region though is like having set foot in Paradise with lush green plantations and cool winds with minimum crowds and an intoxicating vibe. 

The three regions of the Cultural triangle consist of the island’s ancient capital cities – Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The weather in the cultural triangle in June is pleasant with little or no rainfall, but still cloudy. Having said that, visiting Sri Lankas cultural triangle in June is definitely a great idea. The pleasant weather allows you to explore it all, from the ancient ruins to the Buddhist temples. To avoid the heat due to a possible rise in temperature by noon, it’s best to start your day early and explore the various sites on foot as opposed to taking public transport. 

Explore the beautiful Cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, home to ancient ruins and stunning temples. 

National Parks of Sri Lanka in June

The trees of the Yala and Wilpattu National parks bear fruits in the months of May, June and July. Thus, the sloth bears come out to hunt for fruits making it easy to spot them. Wilpattu National Park also experiences drought from May to September and animals are drawn out in search of waterholes. 

“The Gathering” is an event that takes place once a year in the dry season of Sri Lanka. In the months from June/July to September, the elephants of Minneriya and Kaudulla National parks come together. This gathering takes place in order to find water in the large reservoirs, as the rivers tend to dry up. Therefore, June is a great month to spot wildlife in the national parks all over the country. Often locals will try and send you to the Hurulu Eco Park, but avoid falling prey to this scam. The park has no restrictions on number of jeeps entering the park. This also causes a nuisance or invasion of personal space for the large mammals who eventually go into hiding.  

June is a great month to spot wildlife in the National parks as the animals come out to hunt for fruits and water, making it easier to spot them. 

To sum it up

The weather in Sri Lanka in June makes it is a good time to visit the east and north-east coast of the country. It is advisable to avoid the south coast due to the rainfall pattern. However, it also has its benefits like off-season discounts and escaping large tourist crowds. June is also a good time to witness the rich wildlife diversity of this country. Besides that, the cultural triangle is another gem worth exploring in the pleasant climate during this time of the year. If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka in June you could also witness the lush green landscapes of the gorgeous Hill country. Treks may not be possible given the slippery terrain, but simply basking in natures paradise, makes it worth the visit. If you’re flexible with the time period, take a look at our guide on the best time to visit Sri Lanka. An insight into understanding the weather pattern of the island and how to make the most of it.