The short answer
- Month
- August
- Verdict
- Very good
- South and west coasts
- Changeable
- East coast
- Dry and sunny
- Cultural Triangle
- Dry
- Hill country
- Showers
August is Sri Lanka's festival month. In 2026 the Kandy Esala Perahera ran from 18 to 28 August, and Jaffna's Nallur festival also falls around now. Elephant numbers at Minneriya peak.
Where it is dry in August
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so one coast is usually dry. The map opens on August; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
August
East coast and Cultural Triangle at their best; elephant gathering at Minneriya.
- North (Jaffna) (best)
- Cultural Triangle (best)Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa
- East coast (best)Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay
- Yala (best)south east safari parks
- West coast (mixed)Colombo, Negombo, Bentota
- Hill country (mixed)Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella
- South coast (mixed)Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa
August across the year
How August compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is August.
Swipe sideways to see all 12 months →
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South and west coastsGalle, Mirissa, Bentota | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best |
| East coastTrincomalee, Arugam Bay | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult |
| Cultural TriangleSigiriya, Polonnaruwa | Mixed | Best | Best | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult |
| Hill countryKandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed |
| NorthJaffna | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult |
| Yalamain blocks | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best |
Where to go in August
- Kandy: The Esala Perahera, if the dates fall in August.
- Minneriya and Kaudulla: Peak elephant Gathering.
- The east coast: Beaches and whale watching off Trincomalee.
What to avoid in August
- Arriving in Kandy without a hotel during the Perahera.
Festivals and events in August
- Kandy Esala Perahera: In 2026, 18 to 28 August. See our Kandy guide.
- Nallur festival, Jaffna: A 25 day Hindu festival, usually in August.
Weather in August
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with August highlighted.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Colombowest coast | Gallesouth coast, Mirissa is similar | Kandy500 m | Nuwara Eliya1,890 m, Ella is warmer | SigiriyaCultural Triangle, dry zone | Trincomaleeeast coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31° / 23°60 mm | 30° / 23°95 mm | 28° / 18°120 mm | 20° / 9°140 mm | 29° / 21°100 mm | 27° / 23°180 mm |
| Feb | 31° / 23°70 mm | 30° / 23°80 mm | 30° / 18°70 mm | 21° / 9°70 mm | 31° / 21°50 mm | 28° / 23°80 mm |
| Mar | 32° / 24°130 mm | 31° / 24°130 mm | 31° / 19°100 mm | 22° / 10°90 mm | 33° / 22°80 mm | 30° / 24°50 mm |
| Apr | 32° / 25°250 mm | 31° / 25°240 mm | 31° / 21°190 mm | 22° / 12°170 mm | 34° / 24°180 mm | 32° / 25°50 mm |
| May | 31° / 26°380 mm | 30° / 26°350 mm | 30° / 22°150 mm | 21° / 13°200 mm | 33° / 25°70 mm | 34° / 26°60 mm |
| Jun | 30° / 26°190 mm | 29° / 25°210 mm | 28° / 22°130 mm | 18° / 14°290 mm | 32° / 25°15 mm | 34° / 26°30 mm |
| Jul | 30° / 25°130 mm | 29° / 25°140 mm | 28° / 21°130 mm | 18° / 14°250 mm | 32° / 25°25 mm | 34° / 26°50 mm |
| Aug | 30° / 25°110 mm | 29° / 25°130 mm | 28° / 21°120 mm | 18° / 13°200 mm | 32° / 24°30 mm | 33° / 25°90 mm |
| Sep | 30° / 25°160 mm | 29° / 25°240 mm | 28° / 21°150 mm | 19° / 12°180 mm | 33° / 24°60 mm | 33° / 25°100 mm |
| Oct | 30° / 24°370 mm | 29° / 24°350 mm | 28° / 20°280 mm | 20° / 12°250 mm | 32° / 23°250 mm | 31° / 24°210 mm |
| Nov | 30° / 24°310 mm | 29° / 24°280 mm | 28° / 20°260 mm | 20° / 11°240 mm | 30° / 22°280 mm | 29° / 23°360 mm |
| Dec | 30° / 23°150 mm | 29° / 23°170 mm | 28° / 19°200 mm | 20° / 10°200 mm | 29° / 21°220 mm | 28° / 23°360 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 12 day trip for August
Our suggestion for August: Sigiriya, Minneriya, Kandy for the Perahera, Ella, then the east coast. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates, or try your own route in our trip planner.
Tip: Buy reserved Perahera seats through your hotel or tour operator.
Want a August trip made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 12 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about July or September? See Sri Lanka in July and Sri Lanka in September, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Rather have a trip to Sri Lanka made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is August a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, for festivals, the Minneriya elephants and the east coast.
Sources we checked
Sri Lanka month by month
More Sri Lanka guides
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