Asia

Sri Lanka in March

Still excellent on the south and west coasts with fewer crowds. The east coast is starting to dry out.

BestHot, highs near 89F (32C), mostly dry, humidity rising

Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lanka — Sri LankaPhoto: Maadhil, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Sri Lanka. Still excellent on the south and west coasts with fewer crowds. The east coast is starting to dry out.

Weather: Hot, highs near 89F (32C), mostly dry, humidity rising
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Sri Lanka

March is still excellent on the south and west coasts, with fewer crowds than earlier in the year. It is hot, with highs near 89F (32C), mostly dry, and humidity rising. The east coast is starting to dry out. Whale watching off Mirissa continues, and prices begin to soften.

It suits travelers who want great beach and safari weather at better value. Families will find it a little less busy than February. Plan outdoor sights for early morning and late afternoon. If you want to add the east coast, wait for May through September.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Sri Lanka this month.

Beach days on the south coast

Protected bays like Unawatuna and Hiriketiya are calm and good for young swimmers.

Whale season continues

Blue whales are still seen off Mirissa in March, with calmer seas than later in the year.

Fewer crowds at Sigiriya

The rock fortress and the Pidurangala rock next door are quieter than in peak months.

What to pack for March

Breathable clothes and a wide-brim hat
A refillable water bottle
Swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen
Modest clothes for temple visits

Our timing tip

Climb Pidurangala at sunrise in March for a view of Sigiriya itself, then visit Sigiriya in the last two hours before closing.

Book Sri Lanka for March.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sri Lanka
Opens a hotel search for Sri Lanka in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
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Vacation rentals in Sri Lanka
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Sri Lanka
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sri Lanka for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Adam's Peak pilgrimage season

Roughly December to May, from the Unduvap to the Vesak full moon

Paths are lit and tea stalls are open for night climbs. Weekends and full moon days are very crowded.

Things to do in Sri Lanka

Full guide

Sigiriya

Climb at opening, around 7am, before the heat and the tour groups. The climb takes about one to two hours up and down.

Tickets and tours →

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site. Visit during the morning or evening puja ceremony and dress in white or modest clothing.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kandy to Ella train

Cyclone Ditwah damaged the line in late November 2025 and it has reopened in stages, with the Nanu Oya to Ella stretch back first. Check current Sri Lanka Railways service before booking; when it runs, reserve seats well in advance.

Tickets and tours →

Galle Fort

A walled Dutch colonial town. Walk the ramparts at sunset. Best from December to April.

Tickets and tours →

Yala National Park

Leopards and elephants, best in the dry months. The park often closes for part of September and October; check dates before you book.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Whale watching at Mirissa

Blue whale season is roughly December to April. Choose operators that follow the viewing guidelines.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Follow the monsoons, not the calendar. In July and August, when Europe's summer holidays fill Galle and Ella, spend more of your time on the dry east coast.
Climb Sigiriya at opening or in the last two hours, and consider the Pidurangala rock next door for the view of Sigiriya itself.
If the hill country train is running on your dates, book reserved seats as far ahead as allowed. Unreserved carriages in peak season are standing room only.
Avoid full moon (Poya) weekends at pilgrimage sites like Adam's Peak and Anuradhapura, when they are packed with pilgrims.

Know before you go

Every full moon (Poya) day is a public holiday. Alcohol sales are banned, and some shops and restaurants close.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid April closes many businesses for several days. Plan transport and meals ahead.
Yala National Park often closes its main zone for part of the dry period, roughly September to mid October, to let the park recover.
Rough seas during the southwest monsoon (May to September) close many beaches on the south and west coasts to swimming and stop some whale-watching boats.

Sri Lanka in March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

March is one of the best months of the year to visit Sri Lanka. Still excellent on the south and west coasts with fewer crowds. The east coast is starting to dry out.

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka in March?

Hot, highs near 89F (32C), mostly dry, humidity rising.

Is Sri Lanka crowded in March?

Crowds in Sri Lanka are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Sri Lanka in March?

Adam's Peak pilgrimage season (roughly december to may, from the unduvap to the vesak full moon).