Holidays in January in Sri Lanka
January 6: Duruthu Full Moon Poya DayJanuary 15: Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Things to do in January 2024
Thai Pongal, Colombo - January 15: This harvest festival brings devotees together to temples including Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil and Sri Muthumariamman Kovil, which ultimately transforms into a colourful, vibrant, and lively atmosphere.Holidays in February in Sri Lanka
February 4: Independence DayFebruary 23: Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Boasting one of the best weather in Sri Lanka, not too hot or cold, it makes for the ideal time to go on a beach getaway or a hill station over the two long weekends you will be blessed with through this month.
Things to do in February 2024
Independence Day, Colombo - February 4:Upon breaking free from the British on February 4, 1948, Sri Lanka celebrates its national day throughout the country. Although a public celebration, it is highly revered in the capital city, Colombo. On this day, the Sri Lankan President hoists the flag, followed by a speech. There will be other public figures present during the event. The main ceremony features a military parade, with an aircraft and tanks. You will sometimes find elephants marching along with the parade along with other cultural performances, dance and music shows.
Holidays in March in Sri Lanka
March 8: MahashivratriMarch 24: Madin Full Moon Poya Day
March 29: Good Friday
Things to do in March 2024
Although March doesn't bring about many public holidays, you can still use the long weekend to get away from the city. There are plenty of places to explore in March. You can head to a jungle safari, go trekking in the tea estates or have an adventure underwater.Holidays in April in Sri Lanka
April 11: Id-Ul-FitrApril 12: Sinhala & Tamil New Year Eve
April 13: Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
April 23: Bak Full Moon Poya
Things to do in April 2024
Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Colombo - April 12 - April 13:A joyous occasion, Sinhala and Tamil New Year are celebrated by both Sri Lankan Tamil community and Sinhalese community to ensure the festival brings them great harvest, prosperity, and happiness. The common ritual here features bathing during the last day of the old year and moon watching before the new year begins. The temples are filled with drumbeat sounds, and the locals visit the temples to receive blessings and pay their respects to the monks. Visitors get to relish in Sri Lankan dish, pastries, and so many more. Along with this, visitors can indulge in plenty of traditional races, games, contests, and so much more.
Holidays in May in Sri Lanka
May 1 May: May DayMay 23 : Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
May 24: Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Things to do in May 2024
With full moons every month, Sri Lankan citizens can enjoy several local or international trips. The number of extended weekend vacations May brings in is plenty! So why not book your mini-vacation to the neighbouring country, India, maybe to Ladakh, or any other Asian countries? Nuwara Eliya is also perfect if you want to take a vacation locally.Holidays in June in Sri Lanka
June 17: Idul AdhaJune 21: Poson Full Moon Poya Day
June, sadly, only boasts two holiday. But, on the bright side, it falls on a Saturday, which makes it easier to plan a quick weekend getaway nearby. If you are planning a getaway, head to Mihintale in Sri Lanka for the annual Poson Poya celebration.
Things to do in June 2024
Poson Poya, Mihintale - June 21:An annual festival organized by the Buddhists from Sri Lanka, Poson Poya celebrates the rise of Buddhism in the teardrop island in 236 BC. The festival also marks the occasion of the full moon (Poya), which is the second important holiday for the Buddhists, first being the Vesak. During the festival, visitors can enjoy lighting paper lanterns, and watch dance and music performances.
Holidays in July in Sri Lanka
July 20: Esala Full Moon Poya DayJuly seems to be the saddest month when it comes to public holidays or even the long weekend. But it is not completely bad news. Because there are plenty of festivals that one can take part during the month.
Holidays in August in Sri Lanka
August 19: Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
Things to do in August 2024
August seems to compensate for the holidays you couldn't take in July. The best part about this month's public holidays is the fact that you won't have to take any off days at all. You can take a beach vacation to Trincomalee, or go chill in the hill at Ella. There are plenty of beautiful places to go on a long weekend away in Sri Lanka.Holidays in September in Sri Lanka
September 16: Milad-un-NabiSeptember 17: Binara Full Moon Poya Day
Things to do in September 2024
You'd get one extended weekend, only if you take sick leave on Monday. And when you do, make sure you explore the Maldives. The cold, turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, stunning sunsets, and the astounding underwater world. Looks breathtaking in your head, doesn't it? If you thought the Maldives is an expensive country, we have news for you. September is known to be a low season which results in meagre prices in the airfares, accommodations, etc.Holidays in October in Sri Lanka
October 17: Vap Full Moon Poya DayOctober 31: Deepawali
Things to do in October 2024
October brings another extended weekend, thanks to another Full Moon day. This month is perfect for exploring one of the Himalayan countries - Nepal.Holidays in November in Sri Lanka
November 15: Ill Full Moon Poya DayThings to do in November 2024
One of the biggest and best 2024 in both India and Sri Lanka, the festival of lights, Deepavali falls on a weekend. You can still make the most out of it by taking one day break either on a Friday or a Monday on both the public holidays and head to any of the hill stations, beach destinations, or both.Holidays in December in Sri Lanka
December 14: Unduvap Full Moon Poya DayDecember 25: Christmas
Things to do in December 2024
It's December! And 'tis the season! The holiday season brings you a five-day-long holiday, which means you can take that much-awaited Christmas vacation to any European destination. How about Prague, Croatia, Budapest, or even Vienna? These are some of the best destinations in Europe to experience the magic of Christmas. Although the ticket prices shoot way up through the roof during the holiday season, it doesn't mean you should skip these beautiful destinations. Now that you know on which day the holiday falls, you can advance-book your flight tickets to your favourite choice.Holidays keep us sane. They keep us motivated. With all the planning involved to go on any getaways, local and international, they keep us looking forward to something to wake up to, besides work and other responsibilities. And we know how clueless one can get while planning a sudden trip, out-of-the-blue. Hence, to make your challenge a tad bit easier, we have listed down all the public holidays in Sri Lanka, including the extended weekend options, so you plan and start saving up for all your much-needed vacations.
