Sri Lanka in January: Things To Do, Places To Visit, Festivals

Although Sri Lanka is a popular tourism hub offering a multitude of destinations and attractions in every corner of the country, tourism can sometimes be affected by rainfall. Fortunately, Sri Lanka in January is relatively dry when compared to the rest of the year, thanks to the fact that the northeast and southwest monsoons don’t occur in this month.

The average temperature in Sri Lanka in January is a moderate 30° C. This makes it a suitable time to visit almost every attraction in the country; no wonder it is rather busy in terms of tourism.

Things to Do in Sri Lanka in January

1) The Perfect Beachfront Vacation

Plenty of sunshine and warm weather welcome tourists at nearly every beach along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka in January. These include the beaches at Bentota, Galle, Mirissa, Weligama and Tangalle. Party and ring in the New Year one of these highly sought-after beaches. One can also enjoy a plethora of water sports, such as surfing, snorkelling, whale watching and windsurfing at these towns, especially in Weligama and Mirissa.

2) Trekking in Adam’s Peak

Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka in January — Source

A popular pilgrimage site in the country, January is a great time to climb Adam’s Peak. The mostly clear weather, coupled with illuminated trails facilitate a more leisurely ascent to the top. The food stalls along the path are also open at this time. Keep in mind that this is also the pilgrimage season so that the trails might be a tad busy during the weekend and poya (full moon days).

3) Safaris at the National Parks

Yala NP Safari, Sri Lanka in January — Source

Since Sri Lanka in January receives little rainfall, the fauna frequently gathers at the lakes and watering holes in the national parks, making the month an ideal time for wildlife safaris or to simply hike in the widerness. Visit Yala, Udawalawe, Horton Plains and Bundala National Parks for a chance to spot a wide range of fauna, from elephants and leopards to several migratory birds.

4) Explore the Cultural Triangle and Hill Country

The historical sites of the famous Cultural Triangle such as Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa witness little rains in January, which is excellent for an all-day excursion. Marvel at the remains of the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, and monuments such as the Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla’s cave temple complex, Mihintale’s ruins of Buddhist structures, and much more.

The hill country, composed of colder and utterly scenic locations such as Kandy, Ella, Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya are also worth touring in this month. Whether you choose to enjoy the panorama at World’s End, take a train ride across the Nine Arch Bridge, or visit the tea estates, gardens and lakes, there is certainly no shortage of natural beauty in this region of Sri Lanka in January.

Festivals in Sri Lanka in January

Duruthu Poya, Sri Lanka in January — Source

A couple of ceremonies of different faiths are celebrated in Sri Lanka in January. Duruthu Poya is the first full moon day of the year; the festival commemorates the event of Lord Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka, nine months after he achieved enlightenment. Thai Pongal, an occasion celebrated with the worship of the sun god, is a Hindu festival of harvest.