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

The jewel island of Sri Lanka, embedded in the Indian Ocean, is an alluring destination that charms its visitors with its picturesque monuments and rich collection of spices. As August falls in the shoulder season, there are fewer crowds and affordable accommodations, perfect for exploring popular destinations. In August, Sri Lanka is best experienced on the country's east coast. Here are some aspects of Sri Lanka in August.

The weather in Sri Lanka in August

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.

Is August the best month to travel to Sri Lanka?

August is considered to be one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka. This is because tourists mainly visit the destination from January to June. This results in crowded beaches, price hikes for accommodation, waiting queues for famous hotels and restaurants, and a generally overcrowded feel for all kinds of activities.

But during August, as it's less crowded, visitors can get not only easy but also early access to almost all tourist destinations in the country. Even flight tickets and hotels are priced at lower rates. The temperature also favors the tourists in this month. The sea temperature ranges from 27 degrees Celsius to 29 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for exploring the cool, blue waters of Sri Lanka without getting sunburnt. There is also 9 hours of sunlight, so the tourists can wander and explore the country without any hassle and tension.

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.