Sri Lanka in August: Weather, Things to Do, Places To Visit

In August, Sri Lanka experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Popular destinations like Colombo and Galle experience warm weather with a mix of sun and clouds, and you can also expect occasional rain showers. The daytime temperatures are 27 to 31°C. In the Northeast region, places like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay experience dry, sunny weather perfect for beach days. The daytime temperatures are 27 to 32°C. Places like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, in the central highlands, experience cool weather and high rainfall, with temperatures ranging from 14 to 21°C.

Humidity: Humidity levels remain relatively high in Sri Lanka in August, particularly in coastal areas and low-lying regions. The combination of warm temperatures and humidity can make the weather feel muggy and uncomfortable at times, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

Rainfall: August is one of the wettest months in Sri Lanka, as it falls within the peak of the southwest monsoon season. Heavy rainfall is common throughout the island, particularly in the southwestern and western regions. Coastal areas, including popular tourist destinations such as Colombo, Galle, and Bentota, may experience frequent rain showers and thunderstorms during this time.

Sunshine: Despite the rainy weather, August still offers some opportunities for sunshine and outdoor activities, particularly in the eastern and northern parts of the island. However, visitors should be prepared for overcast skies and intermittent rain showers, which can affect visibility and outdoor excursions.

Sea Conditions: Sea conditions along the coasts of Sri Lanka can be rough and choppy in August due to the influence of the southwest monsoon. Swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports may be restricted or less enjoyable during this time, especially along the southwestern and western coasts where the waves are stronger.

Wind: Strong winds are common in August, especially in coastal areas and higher elevations. These winds are typically associated with the southwest monsoon and can contribute to rough sea conditions, as well as cooler temperatures in some parts of the island.

Things To Do In Sri Lanka in August

As the weather is ideal, tourists can visit beaches on the East Coast, such as Arugam Bay, Trincomalee Beach, Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island National Park, and many more. These beaches not only provide tranquilizing cool waters, but they also have various water sports activities that would keep one engaged. Some beaches also have turtle preservation sanctuaries, wherein turtle eggs are preserved, and the turtles are returned to the sea when they are old enough to take care of themselves. Injured and sick turtles are also kept at the sanctuary and are well taken care of.

Other than the beaches, the tourists can also visit gardens and spice mountains. Geoffrey and Bawa's Gardens are some of the beautiful gardens in Sri Lanka that entice tourists with their lively, colorful, and picturesque ambiance. Apart from the gardens, the country is also known for its production of spices such as cinnamon. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of cinnamon, and the country also exports the spice to other foreign countries. Tourists can visit these Spice Mountains and witness their cultivation and production.

On rainy days, tourists can visit indoor monuments of the country, such as the Cave temple and the Negombo library. The cave temple in Dambulla is world-renowned, and devotees from all parts of the world come to visit the temple. The Negombo library is also one of the most important heritages of the country. It is home to some of the oldest manuscripts and books that are not available anywhere else in the world.

Festivals in Sri Lanka in August

August is a great time for tourists to visit Sri Lanka because of the festivals that take place in this month. Tourists can attend these festivals and not only know more about the country but also explore and learn more about the people and their traditions and culture from first-hand experience. The festivals celebrated in the month of August are mentioned below:

1. Esala Perahera

Esala Perahera is an age-old tradition that celebrates the tooth of Buddha. The festival is meant to pay homage to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, which has been kept in Kandy. The festival includes elephants which are adorned with huge ornaments and clothing items. Various dancers put on costumes and celebrate the festival of the tooth. There is also a water-cutting ceremony that takes place at the end of the festival. The festival takes place from July to - August beginning.

2. Nikini Poya

The Nikini Poya is another Buddhist festival celebrated in August. During this festival, various ceremonies are held,, and the sale of alcohol and meat is prohibited. Because it occurs on a full moon night, the full moon is considered to be a very auspicious sign by the devotees. During the festival, the monks and the devotees practice fasting.

3. Vel festival

One of the most important festivals in Tamilian and Hindu traditions is the Vel festival. The most celebrated festival celebrates the Hindu god Lord Muruga. The devotees take to the streets to celebrate the festival. Chariot parades are held while wearing bright-colored clothes, and with bells, a ceremonial offering dance takes place for the god. The festival takes place mostly at the end of July, but it usually lasts up to the beginning of August.

All in all, August is one of the best months to visit the country and explore its charming self. With one visit to Sri Lanka, the visitors would create beautiful memories that would allure them to return to the country for a relaxing trip again.