Sri Lanka in June: Strong Hold of the Yala Monsoon
Sri Lanka in June is in the firm grip of Yala, its annual southwesterly monsoon. As the name suggests, rainstorms soak the southern and western stretches of the country. But the northeastern territories are virtually untouched by the monsoon. The Cultural Triangle also sees minimal rainfall around this time. June is also a perfect time to head to the idyllic beaches of Niluveli or Uppuveli near Trincomalee for a relaxing holiday. The month also sees Sri Lankan Buddhists celebrating Poson Poya in the ancient capital of the country, Anuradhapura, a Unesco World Heritage site. Visitors will have no shortage of places to visit, as well as fun and festivity if they travel to Sri Lanka in June.
Sri Lanka Weather in June
Owing to its equatorial positioning, Sri Lanka's temperature does not fluctuate according to seasons. Its weather pattern is governed by its two monsoon cycles: Maha and Yala. Yala showers are sporadic and occur in bursts. But water conditions on otherwise idyllic beaches of the south and west are dicey during this time. So, swimming is not encouraged. There is a chance of intermittent sunny days, so sunbathing is still a possibility.
The capital city of Colombo, located on the coast, is hot and humid in June. Daytime high here reaches the maximum average of 31°C and dips to a minimum of 26°C. High altitude areas like Nuwara Eliya enjoy pleasant temperatures with a maximum of 19°C and a minimum of 14°C. Jaffna, situated in the north, has a hot and dry climate with an average high of 33°C. The temperature in Trincomalee, on the eastern shore of Sri Lanka, hovers around an average of 35°C.
To know what other months are suitable to travel here, visit our guide on the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Weather in Sri Lanka in June - 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 June
Though Sri Lanka is ideally a year-round destination, travelers often get discouraged by its monsoon months. Still, there are some seasonal benefits of traveling to Sri Lanka in June. Here are some:
- Lesser Crowd: Since the well-known tourist hotspots of Sri Lanka are concentrated in its south and west where Yala rages in June, holidaymakers who only focus on water-based activities and sunbathing often skip Sri Lanka in June. So, if relaxation tops your priority and deserted resorts with no rush tempt you, June is the month when you can make the most of a crowd-free Sri Lanka. You can also enjoy various activities in its dry and sunny northeastern beaches and cute colonial towns.
- Better Cost: June in Sri Lanka is a great bargain month because of its low and slow tourism. Expect to pay half the price for high-end properties and save money to splurge elsewhere like other destinations or activities.
- Festival: June in Sri Lanka is a month of well-being, spiritual, mental, and physical. Poson Poya is celebrated to mark the introduction of Buddhism in Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. It is the second most important Buddhist festival in the country, which is marked by colorful rituals and prayer ceremonies. Apart from Anuradhapura, the festival can also be attended at other important sites like Polonnaruwa, Kandy's Temple of the Tooth, and Kelaniya Vihara in Peliyagoda.
Where to Go and What to Do
June in Sri Lanka is one of the best months for game-viewing in Yala National Park. Yala is at its driest in June (and also its hottest). With lesser jeeps to compete with and more animals congregating around waterholes to beat the heat, expect to get a more immersive safari experience in June.
The Tea Country also receives ample rain during Yala and is mist-coated and atmospheric. If you do not mind the moisture, Nuwara Eliya will offer some cozy stays at its colonial-era properties. Moreover, rainy hikes in the tea gardens are always refreshing.
The Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka offers mostly sunny weather and less crowd in June. Visit Dambulla and Mihintale and amble through their fascinating ruins. Thrill seekers should go to Pasikuda for watersports and Arugam Bay for surfing. June is also the right time to see huge herds of Asian elephants in the forests of Udawalawe National Parks and Minneriya.
Sri Lanka in June gives you a diverse range of travel experiences, provided that you know where to go. Monsoon here does not mean continuous heavy downpours or confirmed flooding. Pack rain gear to keep dry and enjoy a budget trip to this island country. There is one caveat, though. Be wary of its ongoing civil unrest, and exercise enough caution while traveling.
Contact our local travel experts for a customized trip to Sri Lanka. Or check out tours in Sri Lanka in June for more information.
