Weather in Sri Lanka in July
July is a nice and sunny month in Sri Lanka. You can expect to have clear blue skies and warm weather pretty much all around the country. Only exception to this would be the southwest quarter of Sri Lanka where it is slightly rainy due to the southwest monsoon winds.
The average daytime temperature in July in Colombo (which represents the coastal lowlands of Sri Lanka) is 30°C (86°F). The same figure for Nuwara Eliya (which represents the central highlands of Sri Lanka) is 19°C (66.2°F).
During this time of the year beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka (Nilaveli, Pasikudah, Trincomalee, etc.) are the best for relaxation, snorkelling and sea swimming. If surfing is what you are after, head towards the Arugambay. It is one of the best months for surfing in this well-renowned surfing destination.
In some years, the famous Kandy perahera festival is held in July.
Sri Lanka itineraries for July
You can travel pretty much anywhere in Sri Lanka in July without facing any heavy rains. As mentioned earlier, the east coast is the ideal choice for beach stays in July. However, if you are pressed for time, you may even have your beach stay in a down south coastal area and enjoy some decent weather in this month. Here are a couple of itineraries suitable for July Sri Lanka tours.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How are the crowds and costs in Sri Lanka in July?
July is a bit busy month for Sri Lanka as Sri Lanka is a popular destination for summer vacations.
The increased demand for accommodation and airlines makes it a bit more expensive than in May and June. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka this month, make sure to book your holiday well in advance to get good deals for your holiday.
2. How is the weather in Sri Lanka in July compared to adjacent months?
The weather in Sri Lanka in July is comparable to August. They are both nice and sunny months and can be equally recommended for Sri Lanka trips. The weather in Sri Lanka in June tends to be a little rainier compared to July due to the southwest monsoon winds.
3. What to do in Sri Lanka in July?
June/July to September is the dry season in Minneriya. When the ponds and waterholes dry up in the region, hundreds of elephants start to gather around the Minneriya lake for water and tender grass. If you are visiting Sri Lanka in July, make sure to visit Minneriya national park to enjoy this amazing sight.
In addition to Minneriya national park, you may enjoy any of the excursions in Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala, Udawalawe, and Jaffna in July. Please refer to the above itineraries to learn more about the excursions in these locations.
4. Are there any local festivals in Sri Lanka in July?
Kandy Esala Perahera is one of the main festivals in Sri Lanka celebrated in July and August. The dates of this 10-day festival are determined according to a traditional lunar calendar. Therefore, the exact dates change from year to year.
Check if the Kandy Esala Perahera is held during your Sri Lanka holiday in July. If yes, make sure to book a night or two in Kandy to enjoy this colourful procession which features traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants dressed in colourful clothes.
The lesser-known Kataragama Perahera is also celebrated in July and August. Similar to Kandy Perahera, the exact dates of the festival change from year to year. Kataragama Perahera features traditional dancers, drummers and elephants. Some devotees perform extreme feats such as walking on hot coals or piercing their skin with hooks during this festival.
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