Best Time to Visit Kandy - practical advice with names and honest picks.
The best time to visit Kandy is December to April. Offers the driest weather with clear mountain views, though February-March can be crowded during peak tourist season. The months to avoid: The wettest months are May and October to December, with 17 to 27 wet days a month (Open-Meteo averages, 2015 to 2024). The table below sets all twelve months side by side: temperature, rain, crowds and prices. Each month links to its own page with events and what to pack.
The best time to visit Kandy is December to April. Offers the driest weather with clear mountain views, though February-March can be crowded during peak tourist season. The months to avoid: The wettest months are May and October to December, with 17 to 27 wet days a month (Open-Meteo averages, 2015 to 2024). The table below sets all twelve months side by side: temperature, rain, crowds and prices. Each month links to its own page with events and what to pack.
Month by month
| Month | High / low | Rainy days | Crowds | Prices | Should you go? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27C / 20C | 8 | medium | high | Yes: cool, dry weather makes it one of the best months to visit, with clear mountain views and comfortable walking temperatures |
| February | 29C / 20C | 9 | high | high | Yes: peak dry season continues with excellent weather, though expect higher prices and crowds during Esala Perahera if it falls this month |
| March | 31C / 21C | 12 | medium | medium | Yes: still excellent weather before the heat builds, with fewer crowds than February but dry conditions continuing |
| April | 31C / 22C | 20 | low | medium | Maybe: transitional month with increasing heat and humidity, plus the start of intermittent rains, but New Year celebrations offer cultural appeal |
| May | 29C / 22C | 24 | low | low | Maybe: monsoon season begins with heavy afternoon rains, but also brings the important Vesak festival and lush green landscapes |
| June | 28C / 22C | 21 | low | low | No: peak monsoon month with heavy rains, high humidity, and potential flooding, though accommodation prices hit rock bottom |
| July | 27C / 22C | 23 | high | high | Maybe: monsoon continues but with the striking Esala Perahera festival, making it worth enduring wet weather for cultural enthusiasts |
| August | 27C / 21C | 21 | low | medium | Maybe: monsoon begins to weaken but humidity remains high, with fewer crowds and lower prices as tourist season winds down |
| September | 27C / 21C | 23 | low | medium | Maybe: transitional weather with decreasing rains but still high humidity, offering better conditions than peak monsoon months |
| October | 27C / 21C | 27 | low | medium | Maybe: weather improving but still humid with occasional rains, marking the transition toward better travel conditions |
| November | 27C / 20C | 24 | medium | medium | Yes |
| December | 27C / 20C | 17 | high | high | Yes: excellent weather returns with cool, dry conditions, though tourist numbers and prices begin climbing toward peak season |
Best months for what you want
- Least rain: January to February, with around 8 rainy days a month.
- Fewest people: April, May, June, August, September and October.
- Lowest prices: May to June.
- Busiest: February, July and December. Book rooms ahead for these months.
Events worth planning around
- Esala Perahera (July-August).
- Poson Festival (June): Buddhist celebration marking the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
When to avoid
The wettest months are May and October to December, with 17 to 27 wet days a month (Open-Meteo averages, 2015 to 2024). October has about 27 rainy days. Occasional heavy downpours still possible. May has about 24 rainy days. Heavy afternoon and evening rains.
More on Kandy
Start with the main Kandy page if this is your first read. The Kandy travel guide is the longer read.
We plan trips to Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.