Looking places to visit in Sri Lanka in August?
If you’re a vacationer seeking a unique destination to blow your mind away with an assortment of holiday offerings, Sri Lanka is most likely your answer. This relatively small island country packs an unrivaled punch in leisure and adventure options. Often called ‘the Pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ Sri Lanka is truly a unique and exciting holiday destination. It’s sure to capture your eyes and heart with its exceptional blend of natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, illustrious wildlife, delectable culinary creations, and unending adventure.
There are many reasons tourists and other holidaygoers obsess over Sri Lanka. The country boasts immaculate natural attractions, including misty mountains, golden beaches, and soaring ocean waves. The countless picturesque landscapes and water attractions offer breathless sights and opportunities for adventure enthusiasts, such as mountain climbers and surfers, to explore.
Moreover, Sri Lanka has numerous stunning wildlife, including giant whales, gigantic elephants, and stealthy wild cats. The country prides itself on its vibrant and friendly cultures, historic architectural feats, and tasty culinary traditions. This island offers a charming recipe for vacations featuring:
- Sun-kissed beach adventures and sports
- Sightseeing at lush and misty mountains
- Wildlife watching safaris
- Ocean wave surfing, sea swimming, white-water rafting, snorkeling, and jet skiing
- Adrenaline-thrusting adventures such as hikes, mountain, and rock climbing
- Pilgrimages to historic sites
- Colorful cultural and natural festivals
- Scrumptious culinary delicacies like exotic fruits, spicy foods, numerous sweetmeats, and gratifying tea
Best of all, Sri Lanka’s relatively small size means all the fun and adventure is closely packed, so your next adventure is often just a stone-throw away.
August Weather Conditions in Sri Lanka
August is usually a great and convenient time to visit Sri Lanka and explore its countless holiday opportunities, as most parts of the country experience nearly perfect weather during this month. Nevertheless, depending on the region, you can expect varying weather conditions in Sri Lanka in August.
For instance, the average daytime temperatures stretch between 30°C to 35 °C (86°F to 95°F) in most coastal lowland areas. In comparison, places like Arugam Bay and Trincomalee in the Northeast region enjoy dry and sunny weather, with the average daytime temperatures ranging between 27°C to 32°C. On the other hand, the central highlands region (places like Nuwara Eliya and Kandy) experiences cool weather accompanied by high rainfall with temperatures swinging 18°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F).
Humidity
In August, Sri Lanka experiences relatively high humidity levels, especially in the low-lying areas and coastal regions. The blend of high humidity and warm temperatures sometimes causes muggy and uncomfortable weather conditions, particularly during the hottest time of the day.
Rainfall
Coastal regions in Sri Lanka may experience regular rain showers and thunderstorms in August, while the western and southwestern regions are usually wet in August, the peak of the southwest monsoon season.
Sunshine
Despite frequent rain showers, Sri Lanka still enjoys sunshine in August, particularly in the northern and eastern regions. Nonetheless, vacationers should prepare for sporadic rain showers and overcast skies that can reduce visibility and foil outdoor adventures.
Winds
Due to the southwest monsoon, the high-elevation areas and coastal regions of Sri Lanka naturally experience strong winds in August. Consequently, these areas often have cooler temperatures and rough sea conditions this month.
State of the sea
The southwest monsoon often contributes to bumpy and choppy sea waves in Sri Lanka in August, especially along the western and southwestern coasts.
5 Must-Visit Places in Sri Lanka in August
Although Sri Lanka has countless holiday destinations, the island offers irresistible vacation gems you can’t resist visiting. Including these five unique destinations in your itinerary will leave you with unforgettable fond memories and make it worth your money:
Trincomalee
Trincomalee, often shortened to Trinco, is a port city situated on a peninsula in Trincomalee Bay along the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Considered one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, Trincomalee rests on one of the best natural harbors. It boasts extensive expanses of white sand beaches, a laid-back altitude, and clear waters, and it is home to some of Sri Lanka’s oldest historic gems and cultures.
Its strategic location and convenient geographical attributes, coupled with its rich Hindu culture, tasty seafood delicacies, and beachfront resorts and hotels, make Trincomalee an ideal vacation destination for holidaygoers looking for a quiet place to seep in Sri Lanka’s coastal attractions, sample spicy cuisines, and explore its rich historical and cultural heritage without the usual hustle and bustle common in most port cities.
While visiting Trincomalee in August, here’s what you can enjoy:
- Unwind and enjoy drinks up to sunset on the sandy beaches of Uppuveli or Nilaveli
- Beach Leisure
- Surf the waves at the tranquil beaches
- Lounge in hot springs
- Swim alongside turtles on Pigeon Island
Visit and explore various religious sites, ancient ruins and architectural feats, historic temples, and war memorials and museums, including Fort Frederick, Maritime & Naval History Museum, Koneswaram Temple, Gokana Temple, Trincomalee War Cemetery, and Sri Pathrakali Amman Temple, among other attractions.
- Enjoy snorkeling trips and adventures in coral islands such as Pigeon Island.
- Take whale and dolphin-watching boat tours.
- Treat yourself to scuba diving exploits if you’re an expert, or take guided scuba diving lessons and courses.
- Enjoy a relaxing beach vacation at the numerous bays, beach resorts, and hotels.
- Try out various seafood cuisines and delicacies.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is unlike any other place in Sri Lanka. Nestled in the verdant southern part of the hilly central region of Sri Lanka among lush tea plantations on hills and enchanting green landscape, this city is the perfect gem for vacationers seeking peaceful getaways spruced with adventure. The city’s alluring landscape, natural splendor, mild, rainy weather, and colonial-style architectural designs on most buildings have earned Nuwara Eliya a striking resemblance to England- it’s often called ‘Little England’ or ‘Mini London.’
If your ideal vacation package features hiking, outdoor exploration, romantic getaways, family trips, and ‘local’ town experiences, Nuwara Eliya is worth your every minute. The best attractions and fun activities for visitors in Nuwara Eliya include:
- Visiting and relaxing in Victoria Park.
- Picnicking at Kandy Lake, Gregory Lake, Hakgala Botanic Gardens, and Royal Botanical Gardens.
- Enjoying the stunning views of waterfalls, including Bomburu Ella Falls, Lover’s Leap Waterfall, Devon Falls, Ramboda Waterfall, Ravana Ella Falls, Diyaluma Falls, Laxapana Falls, Aberdeen Falls, and St. Clair’s Falls, along with the lush surrounding landscapes and vegetation.
- Take a trip to national parks such as Horton Plains National Park, Galway’s Land National Park, Glaway’s Land National Park, and Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
- Watching elephants at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
- Excursions and sampling delicious tea at tea estates like Pedro Tea Factory, Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, and Tea Garden.
- Hiking through the picturesque landscape and hills.
- Visiting historical and religious sites such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sita Temple, and Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple.
- Hiking to the Adam’s Peak
- Visiting the Nuwara Eliya Post Office
- A visit to the moon plains.
Ella
Tucked away in the Badulla District of Uva Province in Sri Lanka, Ella is a small town whose size sharply contrasts with its countless tourist attractions. With its elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level (3,415 feet), Ella is relatively cooler than the surrounding lowland areas. Nevertheless, it boasts countless natural attractions, including spurting waterfalls, lush green hills, tea plantations, and fascinating mountain forests.
Ella wows visitors with its cool climate, enchanting natural landscapes, mesmerizing geographical features, including cascades and caves, and several captivating architectural feats with rich cultural, historical, and religious heritage.
The weather in Ella in August is typically comfortable, warm, and breezy, with the average daily temperatures ranging between 22°C and 30°C (71°F and 85°F) accompanied by little precipitation. There’s plenty you can enjoy in Sri Lanka in August, including:
- Hiking to the Little Adam’s Peak
- Adrenaline-pumping adventure at the Flying Ravana Mega Zip Line
- Sightseeing at the Rawana Falls.
- Hiking the Ella Rock Trailhead
- Climbing Ella Rock
- Visiting the Dhowa Rock Temple,
- Taking a safari or train ride through the scenic Uva Province
- Touring tea plantations
- Visiting the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery
- Exploring Ravana’s Cave
Yala National Park
Often touted as Sri Lanka’s most renowned national park, Yala National Park is an expansive area in the southeastern region of Sri Lanka consisting of grassland plains, forest, scrub, and salty lagoons. The area typically experiences warm and breezy weather in August, with an average daily temperature range of 25°C-30°C (77°F-86°F).
The park is famous for being home to numerous wildlife species, including leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. The best tourist attractions in Yala National Park in August include:
- Wildlife safaris
- Nature tours and day trips
- 4WD jeep tours
- Spotting trails
- Buduruwagala statues
- Okanda Devalaya landmark
- Kebiliththa- Siyambalawadevalaya ancient and sacred shrine
Arugam Bay
Known locally as Arugam Kudah, Arugam Bay lies in Sri Lanka’s dry region along the country’s southeast coast along the Indian Ocean. Often christened a surfers’ paradise, Arugam Bay is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Among its legendary tourist enticements are fascinating wildlife species like crocodiles, elephants, and monkeys due to its proximity to Yala National Park. Additionally, it boasts golden sandy beaches, scenic sunsets, reliable beachfront accommodation facilities, and gracious residents.
In August, Arugam Bay enjoys sunny, dry, and warm weather with daily temperatures averaging between 26°C and 31°C (79°F and 88°F) with occasional gentle breezes. During this season, the waves are often at their peak, making Arugam Bay an exceptional surfing and beach party destination. The best attractions in August include:
- Arugam Bay Beach
- Crocodile Rock
- Elephant Rock
- Whiskey Point
- Pottuvil Point
- Peanut Farm
- Okanda
- Kumana National Park
Contact Sri Lanka Tour Guides to book Sri Lanka tour packages.
