Climate & the two monsoons
Sri Lanka has a unique double monsoon system — meaning there is always good weather somewhere on the island:
| Monsoon | Period | Affected | Dry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest (Yala) | May – September | West & South coast, Highlands | East & North coast |
| Northeast (Maha) | October – January | East & North coast | West & South coast |
Temperatures: On the coast year-round 27–32 °C. In the Highlands (Nuwara Eliya) significantly cooler: 15–25 °C during the day, down to 5 °C at night. The Cultural Triangle in the dry zone is hot year-round (30–35 °C).
