Weather in Sri Lanka In September
September marks the transition from the southwest monsoon to drier weather in the west and south, while the northeast monsoon has yet to begin in the eastern regions. The Sri Lanka weather in September is a mix of short rains, sunny spells, and high humidity, with occasional strong winds adding a refreshing breeze, particularly along the coastlines.
1. Southwest Sri Lanka (Colombo, Galle, Bentota, Mirissa)
Weather Highlights:
- Rainfall is heavier here, averaging 200-300mm (7.87-11.81 inches), especially during the first half of the month.
- Daytime temperatures hover around 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F), with humidity levels exceeding 85%.
- Windy conditions and rough seas make swimming unsafe in many locations.
Activities: While beach activities may be limited due to rough seas, historical explorations in Galle Fort and city tours in Colombo remain excellent options.
2. East Coast Sri Lanka (Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay)
Weather Highlights:
- This region enjoys its last dry month before the northeast monsoon arrives, with light rainfall around 100-150mm (3.94-5.91 inches).
- Temperatures reach a comfortable 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F) during the day.
- Lower humidity at 75-80%, combined with sunny skies, makes it perfect for outdoor activities.
- Breezy conditions along the coast, averaging 20 km/h (12 mph), ideal for surfing in Arugam Bay.
Activities: September is the last month of the East Coast’s dry season, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling at Nilaveli Beach, and whale watching.
3. Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Anuradhapura)
Weather Highlights:
- Minimal rainfall, averaging under 100mm (3.94 inches), ensures ideal conditions for sightseeing.
- Daytime temperatures reach 30°C to 33°C (86°F to 91°F), with moderate humidity of around 70-75%.
Activities: Dry weather makes September an excellent time to explore Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Dambulla Cave Temples, and the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
4. Central Highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Kandy)
Weather Highlights:
- Rainfall is moderate, averaging 150-200mm (5.91-7.87 inches), often occurring in the late afternoons or evenings.
- Cooler temperatures range from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F) during the day, dropping to 14°C to 18°C (57°F to 64°F) at night.
- Humidity is lower than in the lowlands, making trekking and tea plantation visits comfortable.
- Stronger winds in the highlands, reaching 25-35 km/h (15-22 mph).
Activities: Hike Ella Rock, visit tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, or ride the scenic train from Kandy to Ella. Cooler weather makes trekking more enjoyable.
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Is September a Good Time to Travel to Sri Lanka?
September is an okay month to plan one's visits to the country if you want to avoid the crowd. This is because not many tourists visit Sri Lanka in September due to the onset of monsoons, and thus, tourists can easily access various famous tourist spots. It is also an excellent time to experience a quieter, more budget-friendly Sri Lanka. While occasional rains can be expected, they are often short-lived and leave behind fresh, vibrant landscapes. Tourists tend to visit the east coast, which receives less rain than the rest of the country this month.
Pros:
- Fewer tourists at major attractions
- Affordable accommodations and travel deals
- Lush greenery and cool, fresh air after rains
- East Coast beaches remain sunny and accessible
Cons:
- Unpredictable rain showers, particularly in the southwest
- Rough seas on the southern and western coasts
What to Do and Where to Go?
Because of the rains in September, you might not be able to enjoy all the tourist spots, but there are some that are quite enjoyable even in the rain. Some of the temples, such as the cave temple and the Budhha temple, are such that the tourists can not only pray in the temples but also admire the intricate hand-made designs and learn more about the culture and the tradition. On non-rainy days, tourists can visit beaches as the water temperature is ideal for a perfect beach day.Not only that, but they can also go explore the mangroves on little boats and learn more about the beautiful life that exists within those dense mangroves. The tourists can also go to spice gardens and get unadulterated spices. They can even get to taste the special spices, i.e., tea, which is a very famous local delicacy in Sri Lanka. The visitors can also explore museums and other historical destinations to learn more about the culture, tradition, and history of the country, which various rulers and kingdoms ruled.
Festivals in Sri Lanka In September
1. The Binara Poya festival
The Binara Poya festival includes food, dance, lights, and storytelling. The festival marks the journey of Gautam Buddha. People dress up and participate in traditional dances, prepare skits, play different roles, and enact the life story of Gautam Buddha and how he showed the path of peace and enlightenment. Locals also make various special dishes and desserts that are usually consumed after the dances and plays.2. National Festival of Kites
This annual festival paints the skies with colorful kites of all shapes, sizes, and designs. Kite-flying competitions and workshops are held along the beaches, creating a fun-filled atmosphere for families and travelers alike. Cultural performances and street food stalls add to the festive vibe. It is held in Negombo.
Sri Lanka, even though it is a small country, has so much to offer and so much to explore and admire that tourists always leave wanting more. The country must be visited at least once as it is not only for an insightful first-hand experience but also because it is not worth a miss.
