Sri Lanka in February: Weather and Travel

February is the month to visit Sri Lanka if you like warm and sunny tropical weather with the lowest rainfall. February is an ideal time for travelers to visit Dambulla, Kandy, Yala, and Bentota.

This guide has weather information for February in Sri Lanka and tips to help you plan a great trip. Also, learn more about the best regions to visit in the country and what to expect in this month travel-wise.

Sri Lanka Weather in February: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
• Rainfall: 8 cm (3 inches)
• Rainy days: 5
• Sunshine hours/day: 8
• Humidity: 70%

Sri Lanka's weather in February is usually warm and pleasant. Temperatures range from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F) on average, providing a comfortable setting for relaxing and exploring the country's major attractions.

The country sees moderate rainfall, with an average of 8 cm (3 inches) spread over approximately 5 rainy days. This means plenty of dry, sunny days. On average, there are about 8 hours of sunshine daily, with humidity levels at around 70%.

February Climate Comparison for Sri Lanka's Top Tourism Areas

In February, Kandy enjoys cooler temperatures ranging from 18°C to 28°C (65°F to 82°F). The weather is driest, with far fewer rainy days compared to the monsoon season. Visitors can explore cultural sites or attend local festivals comfortably.

Galle and Colombo, situated along the southwestern coast, experience warmer temperatures, averaging between 24°C and 32°C (75°F to 90°F). Both destinations have higher humidity levels but enjoy plenty of sunshine with minimal rainfall. For visitors looking to explore the two cities in February, it is an excellent time for beach activities and exploring colonial architecture.

Yala, situated in the southeastern region, also boasts warm and dry weather in February. The temperatures are similar to Galle and Colombo, making it one of the best times to visit Yala National Park for wildlife safaris, as animals are more visible during the dry season.

The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in February

Sri Lanka in February offers a delightful mix of warm temperatures and minimal rainfall of about 5 days in the entire month. This means February is the best time to explore the island's top attractions.

For those interested in historical and archaeological adventures, visiting the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the northern Matale District near Dambulla can be a great idea.

Apart from that, visitors can also head to the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to learn the history of different Kandian kings and multiple historical and religious artifacts and religious items.

Read on to find out more about where we recommend going in February in Sri Lanka.

1. Explore Historical Sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple

Touring heritage sites in Dambulla in central Sri Lanka, such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Cave Temple, offers travelers more than a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage. The warm temperatures, low rainfall, clear skies, and fewer crowds make February an ideal time to visit these iconic landmarks.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 5th century during the reign of King Kasyapa (473–495). This ancient rock fortress has an impressive mirror wall with its frescoes, mesmerizing mid-water gardens, and the Lion's Gate, which once featured a giant lion sculpture.

Dambulla Cave Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. This temple has five main caves, each with intricate murals, and over 150 statues of Buddha, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings, and four statues of gods and goddesses (deities).

2. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy combines cultural immersion with spiritual significance. The temple was named after its Buddha tooth relic and is locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa. This temple is one of the most venerated cetiya relic sites in Buddhism.

February is a good time to visit the temple because the weather in Kandy is typically warm with minimal rainfall. The temple's architecture blends the Kandyan and Dravidian architectural styles, making it a stunning site to visit. Also, you can see intricate carvings, golden roofs, and beautiful paintings, depicting the rich history and religious importance of the temple.

Visitors should, however, expect a spiritual atmosphere, especially during the daily rituals. This usually happens at 9:30 a.m. and features a spectacular procession of elephants, dancers, musicians, fire-eaters, whip-crackers, and flag-bearers. That's not all, the morning and evening poojas (prayer ceremonies) are also captivating, offering a window into the vibrant religious practices and devotion of the local Buddhists.

3. Relax on the Southern and Western Pristine Beaches of Bentota and Hikkaduwa

In February, Bentota and Hikkaduwa beaches offer the best retreat for travelers looking to experience enjoyable beach activities by the sea. With temperatures that range from 23°C to 30°C and minimal rainfall, these beaches provide ideal conditions for surfing, tube riding, diving, water and jet skiing, canoeing, deep-sea fishing, and banana boating along the Bentota River.

Bentota is often known as "the paradise of Sri Lanka" and was once known by the European tourism association as "the most beautiful beach in the world". This beach is beautiful and has natural pristine sand, making it an excellent spot for nice walks and night beach parties in February.

Hikkaduwa, on the other hand, is the most developed beach resort in Sri Lanka. Visitors can enjoy surfing, snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottomed boat rides in February. The clear waters provide excellent visibility at Hikkaduwa Beach to explore the colorful marine life and intricate coral formations. Also, travelers can watch the sunrise or sunset and try local cuisines in bars and restaurants.

Check out our guide to The Top 5 Beaches in Sri Lanka.

4. Wildlife Safaris at Yala and Udawalawe National Park

For those interested in wildlife safaris, Yala and Udawalawe National Park are two of Sri Lanka's top wildlife destinations. These parks offer visitors extraordinary experiences, especially in February when the weather is dry and wildlife viewing is at its best.

Yala National Park, located in southeast Sri Lanka, is home to majestic leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. The park's diverse habitat also includes forests, grasslands, and lagoons, supporting different water bird species. Apart from leopards, visitors can expect to see and take photographs of elephants, rare sloth bears, spotted deer, and crocodiles in February.

Udawalawe National Park on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa and Uva Province is a sanctuary for large elephants. You can expect to see herds of elephants, sometimes numbering over a hundred, roaming freely in their natural habitat at the park's open landscape when the weather is favorable in February. Also, Udawalawe Reservoir attracts several other animals like water buffalos, Sri Lankan sambar deer, golden jackals, and numerous bird species.

Crowds and Cost

As one of the most affordable destinations in South Asia, February is considered a peak travel month in Sri Lanka because of the favorable weather.

While touring popular tourist destinations, it could mean encountering larger crowds, especially around the two major holidays.

• National Day, celebrated on February 4th, in Colombo particularly attracts higher accommodation demand.
• Navam Full Moon Poya on February 23rd brings another surge in activity, especially around Buddhist temples nationwide.

Beach resorts and hotels in tourist hotspots might also cost more because they expect many visitors in February. Nonetheless, less frequented areas like the northern and eastern regions can offer cheaper options.

Safari tours and cultural excursions also see price hikes because of the high demand.

For more travel tips, check out How to Plan a Trip to Sri Lanka and How to Fly into Sri Lanka.

What to Wear in Sri Lanka in February

Sri Lanka in February enjoys warm temperatures, making it essential to pack light and breathable clothing.

For beaches and coastal areas, wear light cotton or linen clothing, swimwear, flip-flops, or sandals. Also, don't forget to include sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect you against the strong sun.

For those interested in attending cultural, historical, and religious sites, we recommend wearing modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women may need a scarf or shawl to cover their shoulders. Easily-removable comfortable shoes can also be essential as you might need to go barefoot in the temples.

For wildlife safaris, we recommend wearing neutral-colored clothing to blend in with the surroundings and closed shoes or boots. Long sleeves and trousers are also essential to protect you against pesky insects.

Recommended Tours for Sri Lanka in February

February in Sri Lanka is an ideal month to enjoy a variety of tours that offer a blend of cultural, natural, and outdoor adventure experiences. Our custom-made travel service offers numerous options to suit every traveler's interests.

Here are our top recommendations:

• 14-Day Sri Lanka Romantic Tour
• 17-Day India and Sri Lanka Tour

 For more tours and travel info, check out our Sri Lanka Travel Guide.