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

March is an excellent time to visit Sri Lanka. It brings dry weather with a lot of Sunshine, perfect for beachgoers and outdoor activities. The cultural triangle's dryness makes it a great time to visit and immerse yourself in the unique and beautiful culture and heritage of legendary temples, colonial fortresses, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife.

Weather in Sri Lanka in March

Sri Lanka is a tiny island country but has varied climatic conditions throughout the year. There are two short monsoons that affect both sides of the country at different times of the year, which means you can enjoy the tropical climate at almost any time during the year!

In March, Sri Lanka generally has warm and dry weather. Coastal areas like Colombo experience high humidity, with temperatures ranging from 28 to 32°C. There is a significant decrease in rainfall as the transition from Northeast Monsoon happens during March. 

In Central Highlands, places like Nuwara Eliya and Kandy experience pleasant and cool weather with temperatures ranging from 18 to 24°C and the night drops to 10 to 15°C. Overall, March falls under peak tourist season as you can explore the beach destinations of coastal areas and lush green tea plantations of Central Highlands.

Things to do in March

1) Surf to your heart's desire on the ocean waves

Surfing in Sri Lanka in March is one of the best things that you can do in this tropical country. Instead, Sri Lanka is also known as the beginner surfer's paradise. Many expert surfers are also found riding the ocean waves in the country.

Explore the south and southwest coasts of the country, which offers the ideal setting for surfing with almost zero rainfall. Hikkaduwa is one of the favorite spots on the south coast for surfing. The wave size is also plenty, which is mostly overhead with very little chance for an off day. The crowd is also not that much of a problem, since it is less crowded in March, especially towards the end weeks.

2) Explore the underwaters- Go scuba diving!

Sri Lanka has the advantage of being an island nation, which comes with a lot of options for scuba diving. Embark on an adventure of vibrant beauty, colorful coral reefs, and sea creatures of the deep waters. In Sri Lanka, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to scuba diving, and March is one of the best months to enjoy this thrilling experience.

3) Soak in the aroma and the taste of the tea

Sri Lanka is a land that boasts of its natural beauty through its tropical sandy beaches and lush green tree plantations. Sri Lanka is one of the biggest tea producers in the world, with a stunning hillside. One of the best places to sip tea is in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.

With the lush green nature and the smell of fresh air, Sri Lanka in March is one of the best places to sip some authentic tea and get mesmerized by the aroma of the tea leaves. You can visit an old plantation, drink tea, and enjoy baked goods, ushering you with one of the most luxurious experiences that you will cherish forever.

4) Uncover the explorer in you- Go trekking!

If you are someone who loves to explore the outdoors and enjoy going for a hike in a while, head out to Sri Lanka. March is one of the best months to go trekking because of its ideal weather conditions. You walk through the jungles cross the river plains and tea estates to climb up the mountains for an adrenaline-pumping adventure. 
Some of the best places to head out for a hike include Horton Plains National Park or Adam's Peak. Hiking to Adam's Peak also does not require any expert skill, but it will just be like a heavy workout. It is one of the most sacred sites, and legend says that it was the first place where Adam stepped foot on earth.

5) Get amazed by the wildlife

The country offers a great variety of national parks from Yala National Park in the south to the Wilpattu National Park in the north. Witness the animals in their natural habitat by planning a wildlife safari tour. You will not be able to witness the spectacle of flora and fauna in their natural habitat but also embark on a magical adventure through the bumpy paths.

6) Relax on the beach

A visit to Sri Lanka's magnificent beaches is a must-do. The southern coast offers some of the best beaches in March in Sri Lanka for one to pamper themselves, relax, take a cooling dip in the ocean or sip some refreshing cocktails by the beach. Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Kosgoda are some famous beaches, but you can still find secluded beaches all along Sri Lanka's coast.

Best places to visit in March

1) Bentota

Bentota is an exotic beach town that will leave you wanting more. The city has white sandy beaches and coconut trees, making it the perfect place to soothe your mind and soul. Here, you will find some of the best beaches to visit, especially in March. You will also find a sea turtle hatchery, which makes extraordinary efforts to preserve the sea turtles along with the rare Albino species. Apart from its relaxing beaches, the town also boasts of its rich cultural heritage in the form of temples, Buddhist places, and fortresses to add that old-world charm!

2) Kandy

Kandy, popularly known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is also declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is rich in wildlife, and you will find tropical rainforests which envelop the town. You will also find many eateries and markets to experience the local culture of Sri Lanka. With an average temperature of 26 Celsius, Kandy is one of the ideal places to visit in March in Sri Lanka.

3) Colombo

Colombo will make your eyes glisten with the glam of the commercial as well as the financial capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo was under the rule of the Dutch, Portuguese, and British, which makes it a unique blend of the different cultures that can be seen in every corner of the city. You can enjoy shopping, beach hopping, heritage walks, and museum visits.

4) Galle

The colonial city of Galle offers you picturesque views, which will leave you awestruck. Dutch-era houses dot the streets of the town, along with World Heritage Sites, to gain a lifetime of memories.

Festivals in Sri Lanka in March

1) Maha Shivaratri Festival of Shiva

The festival takes place throughout the country and is the celebration of the Hindu God Shiva. The devotees fast and take a filtration bath at dawn. They also participate in meditation rituals where they chant the mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya'. The statue is later bathed in milk and honey and covered in red vermillion to represent the purification of the soul.

2) Medin Poya

Medin Poya is the festival which is celebrated when Gautama Buddha visited his father after he became the Enlightened One. Returning after many days, Buddha was able to preach Dhamma to the king, who later attained Sothapanna a few days before he died.

The day is a National Holiday in Sri Lanka, where many devotees flock to the temples with flowers to meditate and listen to the teachings of Dhamma. The festival is sure to fill you with peace and warmth.

So go ahead and add Sri Lanka to your list of places to visit on the next trip, and do plan out the trip in March to Sri Lanka to make the most of your experience.