Sri Lanka in April: Perfect Travel Weather
Exotic and alluring, Sri Lanka has been seducing travelers for centuries. Named ‘Serendib’ (the origin of the word ‘serendipity’) by early Arab traders, the endless beaches, timeless ruins, ancient cultures, diverse wildlife, and incredible cuisine have inspired almost magical regard for this tiny island country. April is the last month of the high season in Sri Lanka, making it one of the best times to visit. The weather is generally clear and dry all around, particularly in the central region of the country. This is also a perfect time to explore Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where the country’s top-visited sites are concentrated. And for beach lovers, the summer weather in Sri Lanka in April is a perfect excuse to check out its many beach resorts.
Sri Lanka Weather in April
The weather in Sri Lanka in April is just perfect for exploring the country’s inland gems as well as enjoying its coastal attractions.The central region is hot and dry during the day with cool evenings. Coastal areas, meanwhile, see hot and a bit humid conditions during the day and balmy nights. Expect a smattering of thunderstorms in the hill country and the southwest. The average temperatures across the country are more or less the same. In the capital city, Colombo, the mercury fluctuates between 25°C and 32°C with a few rainy days. In Kandy, mornings and evenings are a bit cooler than Colombo. If you head up into the mountains, the cooler it gets. For instance, the town of Nuwara Eliya sees temperatures between 12°C and 22°C.
For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Weather in Sri Lanka in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 87.8 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 89.6 | 87.8 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 | 86 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 71.6 | 73.4 | 75.2 | 77 | 78.8 | 78.8 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75.2 | 73.4 | 73.4 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 62 | 69 | 130 | 253 | 382 | 186 | 125 | 114 | 236 | 369 | 310 | 168 |
Why Visit Sri Lanka in April
April is a great time to visit Sri Lanka as the tail end of the high season offers visitors the chance to enjoy the country’s popular attractions and activities in relative peace and quiet of the peak tourist month. Here is a list of some of the top reasons why you should plan a trip to Sri Lanka in April:
- Sinhalese New Year (Avurudu): Celebrated by both Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka, this festival is one of the most important ones of the year. The new year begins at the sighting of the new moon, which marks the Sun God’s passage from Pisces to Aries, which according to Sinhalese astrology, marks the end of the harvest season and spring.
- Easter: Sri Lanka’s Christian population joins the rest of the world to celebrate Easter. You will find all the usual Easter traditions like chocolate eggs and bunnies everywhere.
- Hit the Beach: With lovely warm weather and fewer crowds around, April is a good time to hit the beaches. Head to Arugam Bay, on Sri Lanka's dry southeast coast, for a seaside paradise of coconut palms, golden sands and inviting waters.
- Whale Watching at Dondra Head: April is the last month to catch the migration of gigantic blue whales as they pass the Dondra Head on their journey from the Bay of Bengal to the western Indian Ocean.
Where To Go and What to Do
No place is off limits in Sri Lanka in April, as the weather all around the country is generally pleasant and it does not rain as much. The central and Cultural Triangle regions are warm and dry during this time. Colombo can get humid and muggy around this time, so those preferring cooler climes can head to Kandy. Once the capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, Kandy overlooks a lake and has many interesting attractions to explore. Wander through the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens and visit the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Housed in Kandy's teeming temple complex, the relic is thought to have belonged to Buddha himself and many wars have been fought over it. Light a votive candle and place a few petals to honor Buddha.
The season for the annual pilgrimage to the sacred mountain of Adam’s Peak comes to an end in April, so it is a good time to consider making the journey. The mountain is believed to hold the Sri Pada (sacred footprint) of Buddha. Every year, hundreds of devout followers climb the mountain to see and pay their respects to the footprint which is part of a rock formation near the summit.
Take an unforgettable train journey through Hill Country on the most beautiful rail route in the country. The iconic four-hour train trip departs from Nuwara Eliya and travels through vast tea plantations, dense forests teeming with birds and wildlife, and across the breathtaking Nine Arch Bridge to Ella.
Head to the Gal Oya National Park in the east of the country to see elephants in their natural habitat. Synonymous with Sri Lanka, elephants can be seen everywhere around the country, from working on tea plantations to leading parades. But there is no better place to see them than in the wild.
From hiking in the central highlands to hitting the stunning beaches in the south to attending local festivals, Sri Lanka in April offers an array of exciting experiences for visitors. With pleasant weather conditions all around, Sri Lanka’s top attractions and hidden gems are waiting to be explored and discovered in April.
Design your tailor-made itinerary with the expert guidance of our local travel experts who can customize your Sri Lanka trip to your needs. You can also check out our Sri Lanka tours in April for some inspiration.
