The best time to visit Sri Lanka’s South Coast, including Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, and Tangalle, is between December and April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and perfect for beach holidays. The peak travel month is February, offering clear skies, low humidity, and long days of sunshine — ideal for surfing, snorkeling, whale watching, and relaxing in beach cafés.
While the southwest monsoon brings rain from mid-April to mid-June, you can still find calm weather in Tangalle and Deep South areas during July and August, as they are often drier than the Galle coast. Even during the wet season, evenings are warm and welcoming, and beach life continues with fewer crowds.
The north-east monsoon from October to mid-December also causes some rainfall, especially during inter-monsoonal October. Yet, the southern coast, particularly further east, often experiences better weather than western beaches. Tangalle, for example, is about 25% drier than Galle year-round.
The chart below highlights the seasonal suitability for visiting the South Coast:
Green (December to April): Peak season with clear skies and beach-perfect weather.
Yellow (May, July, August, September): Quieter but often sunny in Tangalle and Deep South.
Orange (October, November, June): Rainy or mixed weather with tropical charm and fewer crowds.
