Sri LankaVisiting Sri Lanka in June
Weather
June is when the monsoon that begins in the Bay of Bengal reaches the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka. Although rain is frequent, these regions still experience high humidity and temperatures that average above 28°C. Similarly, the hill-country becomes quite chilly due to the monsoon rains.
On the other hand, the weather on the east coast tends to ease up with low rainfall, making the seas calmer and ideal for water sports. The Cultural Triangle also experiences a similar weather pattern to that of the eastern coast.
Things to do
The east coast of the island becomes the hub for water sports-related activities during this time. The shores of Trincomalee and Arugam Bay become the prime destinations for diving, snorkelling, surfing and swimming.
You can also explore the captivating history of the island when you visit the cities located in the Cultural Triangle. Marvel at the ruins of the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The Minneriya National Park, situated in close proximity, is a great change of pace, as it allows you to go on a safari and catch a glimpse of the diverse flora and fauna.
The hill-country gets slightly colder with frequent rainfall, so hiking in the mountains can be a bit tricky. However, there are a few places, such as Hunnasgiriya and parts of the Knuckles Mountain Range that are accessible during this time. This also a great time to explore the famous tea plantations of Sri Lanka.
Water sports can still be enjoyed on the southern and western coasts, however, we recommend caution as many areas experience choppy waters. Always ask your tour operator or tour guide for advice on which areas are best to head to depending on which activities you want to enjoy.
Where to go
Since the east coast is the ideal place to be, the coastal towns of Trincomalee, Arugam Bay, Batticaloa, Passikudah, and Kalkudah should on the top of your travel itinerary. The opportunities for exciting water sports are endless here.
Do not forget the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa as well, since they provide great insights into the island’s intriguing past. The hill-country, in the central region of the island is a great place to relax and enjoy cool climes. Towns such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Mahiyanganaya, and Hatton are some of the best cities to visit in the highlands.
The national parks of Minneriya, Wasgamuwa and Kaudulla should also be added to your itinerary as you are bound to see an amazing array of biodiversity on your safari.