Sri Lanka in April: Weather, Places to Visit & Tips

Sri Lanka is one of the popular destinations for its beaches, landscapes, tea plantations, and rich culture & history. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka in April, then you must be willing to know if it is the best month.

Why Visit Sri Lanka in April

April is one of the most fascinating months to visit Sri Lanka. As the island transitions from one monsoon season to another, you get to enjoy a blend of warm sunshine, occasional rains, vibrant cultural festivals, and fewer crowds in certain areas.

April offers a unique mix of experiences from serene beaches on the east coast to festive celebrations across the country. One of the biggest draws of traveling to Sri Lanka in April is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, an important national holiday that brings local communities together through cultural rituals, traditional games, and feasting.

Moreover, the east and north regions begin to experience drier weather, opening up lesser-visited destinations for exploration. Whether you are into surfing, wildlife, or cultural tourism, April is a transitional month offering a bit of everything.

Weather in Sri Lanka in April: What to Expect

Sri Lanka has a tropical climate. It has two major monsoons: the Yala Monsoon (southwest) from May to September and the Maha Monsoon (northeast) from October to January. April lies between these seasons, making it a relatively dry month in several parts of the island, though pre-monsoon showers can occur.

Regional Breakdown:

• West & South Coasts (Colombo, Galle, Bentota): Warm and humid with occasional short rain showers. Temperatures hover between 28°C and 32°C.
• Hill Country (Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Ella): Cooler due to elevation. Daytime temperatures range between 18°C and 24°C; nights can get chilly.
• North & East (Trincomalee, Jaffna, Arugam Bay): Mostly dry and sunny with rising temperatures—perfect beach weather.
• Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura): Hot and dry, averaging around 32°C during the day.

Overall, while some areas may begin to feel the onset of the southwest monsoon by late April, much of the country especially the north and east remains accessible and enjoyable for tourists.

Top 6 Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in April

Kandy

This cultural capital offers cooler temperatures and a wealth of historical and spiritual sites. Witnessing the Kandyan Dance Show is something you cannot miss. Other things include-

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya

• Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: 3,000 LKR for adults; 1,500 LKR for children under 12
• To do: see more than 4,000 plant species, including orchids, spices, and medicinal plants

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri DaladaMaligawa)

• Opening Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Entry Fee: 1,500 LKR for foreigners
• To do: visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, a pilgrimage destination

Kandy Spice Garden

• Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free (you may donate)
• To do: Learn about Sri Lanka’s rich spice heritage with guided tours, cooking demonstrations, and traditional Ayurvedic treatments.

Ella

Nestled in the Hill Country, Ella is a great retreat in April, with its relatively cool weather and breathtaking views. Take the train from Kandy to reach Ella and enjoy the most unforgettable views.

Little Adam’s Peak

• Opening Hours: Open all the time, best visited early morning or late afternoon.
• Entry Fee: Free.
• To do: A moderate 45-minute hike through tea plantations and villages leading to panoramic views of Ella Gap and the surrounding mountains.

Ella Rock

• Opening Hours: Open daily; recommended to start the hike by 5:45 AM.
• Entry Fee: Free.
• To do: A challenging 2-hour hike offering breathtaking views of the valley and tea estates.

Nine Arches Bridge

• Opening Hours: Accessible at all times.
• Entry Fee: Free.
• To do: See a colonial-era railway bridge known for its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings.

Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory

• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Entry Fee: Approximately LKR 3000.
• To do: experience a guided tour through one of Sri Lanka’s largest tea estates, showcasing the tea production process with opportunities to sample various teas.

Nuwara Eliya

Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya comes alive in April with its annual April Season—a series of horse races, flower shows, and golf tournaments.

Victoria Park

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: LKR 300 for foreigners
• To do: see the park featuring lush greenery, exotic bird species, and a serene atmosphere. Best for morning walks or a relaxed afternoon

Gregory Lake

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Entry Fee: LKR 200 for foreigners
• To do:
  • Paddle boating: LKR 500
  • Bicycle rental: LKR 100 per hour
  • Pony rides: LKR 300 for 15 minutes

Strawberry Gardens

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Under LKR 100
• To do: Explore local strawberry farms, pluck fresh strawberries, and enjoy the cool climate

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is best to visit in April before the heavy rains of the southwest monsoon arrive.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress (Lion’s Rock)

• Opening Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 6:30 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM)
• Entry Fee: US$35 for foreign adults; US$20 for foreign children (6–12 years)
• To do: Climb the iconic rock to explore ancient frescoes, the Mirror Wall, and the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace.

Sigiriya Museum

• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Included with Sigiriya Rock Fortress ticket
• To do: Gain deeper insights into the history and archaeology of Sigiriya through informative exhibits and artifacts.

Dambulla Cave Temple

• Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entry Fee: LKR 1,500 for foreign adults
• To do: Explore a complex of five caves adorned with over 150 Buddha statues and intricate murals, showcasing Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Arugam Bay

This East Coast gem starts its surfing season in April. Perfect for surf enthusiasts and beach lovers. Arugam Bay offers laid-back vibes, pristine beaches, and opportunities for wildlife safaris.

Surfing at Arugam Bay Beach

• Best Time: Early morning (5:30 AM – 8:00 AM) or late afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
• To do: Arugam Bay is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, attracting surfers from around the globe. The main point offers consistent right-handers suitable for various skill levels. Surf schools and rental shops are abundant along the beach.

Pottuvil Lagoon Boat Safari

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Duration: 1–2 hours
• Entry Fee: Approximately $20–$30 per person
• To do: Embark on a tranquil boat ride through the mangroves of Pottuvil Lagoon, where you can spot crocodiles, elephants, exotic birds, and monkeys in their natural habitat.

Lahugala National Park

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Entry Fee: Approximately $10–$15 per person; additional guide fees may apply
• To do: Explore this lesser-known park, home to large herds of Sri Lankan elephants, deer, wild boars, and a variety of bird species. The park offers a quieter and more intimate wildlife experience compared to Sri Lanka’s more crowded national parks.

Jaffna

Relatively untouched by mass tourism, Jaffna in April is warm, dry, and welcoming.

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil (Hindu Temple)

• Opening Hours: 4:15 AM – 5:15 AM, 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 6:15 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• To do: see this iconic temple existing in some form since 948 AD. The detailed carving of golden gopuram is the main attraction, and iso is the inside of the temple with shrines to Ganesh and other gods interspersed with interesting brasswork and murals.

Jaffna Fort

• Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: Free
• To do: Explore this fort built in 1618 by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. It has the Governor’s house, the Queen’s house, and several other old buildings. 

Sri Lanka’s April Festivals: Sinhala & Tamil New Year

April starts one of the most important cultural celebrations in Sri Lanka—the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (AluthAvurudu and Puthandu). These are celebrated around the 13th and 14th of April. It signifies the end of the harvest season and the beginning of a new year according to the traditional solar calendar.

Key Features of the Festival:

• Rituals & Auspicious Times: From lighting the hearth to preparing traditional sweets like kavum and kokis, families observe specific rituals based on astrology.
• Games & Community Gatherings: Villages host games like pillow fights, tug-of-war, and climbing greased poles, bringing communities together in joyful competition.
• Cultural Dress & Music: People wear traditional attire, play the raban drum, and enjoy folk dancing.

This can be your golden chance to witness—and even participate in—Sri Lankan traditions. However, note that many businesses and shops are closed during the holiday period.

Best Beaches to Visit in Sri Lanka in April

April is the perfect time to start exploring the east coast beaches as the monsoon patterns shift.

Arugam Bay

Famous for its surf breaks, Arugam Bay comes alive in April as surfers from around the world begin to arrive. It also has a relaxed vibe with plenty of beachside cafes and yoga spots.

Nilaveli & Uppuveli (Trincomalee)

These beaches offer calm waters, white sand, and excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving, particularly around Pigeon Island Marine Park.

Pasikudah

One of the safest beaches for swimming, Pasikudah has shallow waters extending far out into the sea, making it ideal for families and casual beachgoers.

Tangalle

If you’re on the southern coast early in April, Tangalle offers a peaceful retreat with scenic bays and fewer crowds than nearby Mirissa or Unawatuna.

April Wildlife & Nature Hotspots

Despite the increasing heat, April still offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Yala National Park

This top safari destination remains accessible, with a high chance of spotting leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. However, Yala begins to partially close in May, so April is the final good month for full access.

Udawalawe National Park

Famous for its large elephant population, Udawalawe is drier in April, increasing your chances of good sightings near waterholes.

Horton Plains National Park

Ideal for hiking in April’s mild weather. Trek to World’s End, a dramatic escarpment with panoramic views, and spot unique wildlife like the sambar deer and purple-faced langur.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is best explored before the monsoon rains begin. Join a guided trek to discover endemic flora and fauna in one of the island’s last remaining rainforests.

Travel Tips for Sri Lanka in April

• Book Early: Domestic travel increases during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, so book trains, buses, and accommodations in advance.
• Participate in Festivities: Ask locals or your hosts if you can join New Year celebrations—many will be happy to include you.
• Pack for Heat & Rain: Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a compact raincoat are essential. The heat can increase.
• Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly during temple visits and when participating in festivals.
• Stay Hydrated: Always carry bottled water, especially when traveling in hot regions like the Cultural Triangle or the east coast.

Conclusion

April offers a wonderful window into Sri Lanka’s diverse geography, culture, and traditions. From vibrant New Year festivals to budding surf spots and tranquil wildlife sanctuaries, the island provides an unforgettable travel experience.

Contact Ceylon Empire Travels a travel agency in Sri Lanka to book Sri Lanka tour packages.