Weather in Sri Lanka in March
Late peak season — hot, dry and excellent for wildlife. Hot, sunny and mostly dry across the whole island. Waterholes shrink, so wildlife viewing peaks. Late-month brings first inter-monsoon thunderstorms.
Sea temperature averages ~28°C — warm enough for swimming across all Sri Lankan coasts.
What Sri Lanka is Best For in March
- Wildlife safaris (best month for leopard spotting in Yala)
- Cultural Triangle and Sigiriya
- Hill country hiking (Ella, Horton Plains, Adam’s Peak)
- South-coast beaches
- Diving in Hikkaduwa and Kalpitiya
Best Regions to Visit in March
✅ Go here
- Yala
- Udawalawe
- Wilpattu
- Cultural Triangle
- South coast
- Hill country
❌ Skip this month
- East coast
What to Avoid in March
- East coast beaches (still off-season)
Festivals & Events in March
- Medin Poya (full moon) — commemorates Buddha’s first visit to his father
- Maha Shivaratri — Hindu festival, especially at Koneswaram in Trincomalee
What to Pack for Sri Lanka in March
- Lightweight cottons
- Wide-brim hat
- Swimwear
- Light rain jacket for late-month showers
- High-SPF sun cream
For a full packing checklist, see our Sri Lanka packing guide.
Recommended Tours for March
- Sri Lanka Wildlife Safari Packages — March is the peak leopard-spotting month.
- 7-Day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour — Excellent weather with lower prices than Feb.
- Private 7-Day Sri Lanka Tour — Great value private tour before shoulder season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is March a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes — especially for wildlife safaris. Weather is hot but mostly dry across the classic circuit.
Is March hotter than February in Sri Lanka?
Yes, by about 1–2°C, and humidity rises as the south-west monsoon approaches in April/May.
When does the rain start in Sri Lanka?
The first inter-monsoon thunderstorms usually appear in the second half of March, especially in the afternoons.
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