Weather in Sri Lanka in October
You might experience some rain during your Sri Lanka holiday in October. Usually, the weather in the first half of October is better compared to the weather in the second half of October. This month is particularly not a good time to visit the northern coastal regions of Sri Lanka, such as Jaffna.
Thunderstorm like rains can be seen all over Sri Lanka in October, but they are limited to the afternoons and evenings.
The beaches on the east coast of Sri Lanka tend to be sunnier and calmer in October compared to the beaches in the south and the west.
Average daytime temperatures in the coastal lowlands of Sri Lanka in October range from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 89.6°F). Average daytime temperatures in the central highlands of Sri Lanka in October range from 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F).
Sri Lanka itineraries for October
It is hard to find regions that do not receive any rain in October in Sri Lanka. However, avoiding the northern coastal regions, and choosing an east coast beach instead of a down south beach will improve your odds of having good weather during your Sri Lanka holiday in October.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is October a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
There is some risk of rainy weather in Sri Lanka in October. If your tour dates are flexible, choose a different month (except November and May) to visit Sri Lanka. If your tour dates are not flexible, try to schedule your tour towards the first half of October to improve your odds of having good weather.
2. How are the crowds and costs in Sri Lanka in October?
October is not a busy month for Sri Lanka. If you prefer to discover the country when it is less crowded, you will not be disappointed in October. It is also one of the least expensive months to visit Sri Lanka as hotels and airlines charge low rates in this month.
How is the weather in Sri Lanka in October compared to adjacent months?
According to the rainfall data, October is a rainier month compared to September. However, it is not as rainy as November.
3. Can you surf in Sri Lanka in October?
Yes, you may surf in Arugambay in October. However, it is the tail end of the surfing season in Arugambay. Waves might not be as fun as in July, August, and September.
4. What to do in Sri Lanka in October?
It is highly unlikely that you experience rainy weather throughout your holiday in Sri Lanka in any given month. However, since the weather in October is unpredictable, it is advisable to prioritize excursions that are least affected by rainy weather when travelling Sri Lanka in October. The Kandy Temple of the Tooth, Gangarama temple, Kandy dance show, Colombo Museum, jeep safaris are some of the excursions that fall into this bracket.
5. Are there any local festivals in Sri Lanka in October?
In some years Deepawali is celebrated in Sri Lanka in October. (In other years it is celebrated in November. The exact date of the festival change from year to year, as it is determined according to a lunisolar calendar.)
On Deepawali day, Hindus make offerings to goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth), light candles, set off fireworks, eat special holiday sweets and decorate their homes with Rangoli paintings.
If your Sri Lanka tour falls during the Deepavali festival, make sure to visit a Hindu temple to witness this amazing festival.
Vap Poya is another important religious day in Sri Lanka in October. On this day, Buddhists visit temples dressed in white clothes for prayers and meditation.
More Tips for Your Holiday
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