April in Anuradhapura averages 34C by day and 25C at night, with 109 mm of rain over about 17 wet days. It is the 5th wettest month of the year. April is hot and, around the New Year, packed with domestic pilgrims rather than foreign tourists. The upside is watching Sri Lankans celebrate at the sites they come to see. The downside is higher prices and fuller guesthouses for about a week.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 34C by day, 25C at night |
| Rainfall | 109 mm, about 17 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year (mid-April, nationwide holiday with local festivities and temple visits)
What to Do This Season
- Join local families visiting Sri Maha Bodhi during New Year week for a look at living religious practice
What to Watch Out For
- Hotels and guesthouses fill up around New Year - book weeks ahead
- Many local shops and some restaurants close for several days around 13-14 April
What to Wear
Light cotton, sun hat, and a light waterproof layer for brief afternoon rain.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Maybe - Sinhala and Tamil New Year (mid-April) brings heat and domestic crowds, so visit early or late in the month instead.
More on Anuradhapura
Flexible on dates? Compare Anuradhapura in March and Anuradhapura in May. The best time to visit Anuradhapura sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Anuradhapura. The main Anuradhapura page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Anuradhapura and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.