Weather in Sri Lanka in September
September is not the sunniest month in Sri Lanka, but it has plenty of sunshine for a very enjoyable holiday.
In the first half of September, the entire country enjoys perfect weather. In the second half of September there can be some rain in the central highlands and in the coastal areas of the south and west.
The sunniest beaches in Sri Lanka in September are found on the east coast. If you wish to enjoy sea swimming or snorkelling in Sri Lanka in September, visit Nilaveli, Trincomalee or Pasikuda. If surfing is what you are after, choose Arugam Bay.
The average daytime temperatures in Sri Lanka in September range from 29°C to 34 °C (84.2°F to 93.2°F) in the coastal lowlands. The daytime temperatures in the central highlands range from 19°C to 26°C (66.2°F to 78.8°F) in this month.
Sri Lanka itineraries for September
You can travel pretty much anywhere in Sri Lanka in September without facing heavy rains. However, focusing your itinerary on the cultural triangle, east coast and northern Sri Lanka will improve your odds of having great weather. Following are some of the itineraries that are recommended for Sri Lanka tours in September. If you are interested in surfing, you may also combine the Maldives into your trip in September.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is September a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, September is a good time to visit Sri Lanka. The cultural triangle, central highlands, northern parts of Sri Lanka and the east coast have reasonably good weather in this month.
If possible, schedule your Sri Lanka tour towards the first half of September. It will greatly improve your odds of having perfect weather during your Sri Lanka trip in September.
2. How are the crowds and costs in Sri Lanka in September?
September is not a very busy month for Sri Lanka. Most of the tourists who visited Sri Lanka for summer vacations are gone; hotels and resorts start to get less busy.
It is generally a very affordable time to visit Sri Lanka thanks to the lower rates charged by the hotels and airlines.
3. How is the weather in Sri Lanka in September compared to adjacent months?
As mentioned earlier, the weather in Sri Lanka in September is very enjoyable.
If we order August, September and October according to their weather, September will rank in second place. Out of the three months, August is the sunniest and October is the rainiest.
4. What to do in Sri Lanka in September?
September is a great time to enjoy excursions in Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Udawalawe, Jaffna, Colombo and Negombo. You will be able to learn about the excursions in these locations by referring to the above-mentioned itineraries.
Pro tips – Do not visit Yala national park in September, as it is usually closed in this month. Instead, visit the Minneriya national park.
(From June/July to September is the dry season in Minneriya. If you visit Minneriya national park in September, you will be able to witness hundreds of elephants gathering around the Minneriya lake to enjoy fresh water and tender grass.)
5. Are there any local festivals in Sri Lanka in September?
There are no major festivals in Sri Lanka in September. However, if you are in Sri Lanka on the Binara Full Moon Poya Day, you may visit a Buddhist temple to witness locals dressed in white clothes chanting pirith and worshipping the Lord Buddha.
The dates of Poya days in Sri Lanka are determined according to the Buddhist lunisolar calendar. Therefore, the exact date of Binara Poya changes from one year to another.
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