Sri Lanka is so-so in June because…

• Generally speaking, June is not a great time to visit Sri Lanka. The monsoon weather brings rain and rough seas to the south and west coasts. This makes going to the beach unpleasant and swimming impossible.
• The east coast beaches will be enjoying blissfully sunny weather during this time. So, if you’re looking for a bit of sea and sand then make sure you stick to the east. You can also spot whales in Trincomalee.
• Tea country is generally wet and cold in June but the Cultural Triangle will have much better weather. June is a good time to explore some of Sri Lanka’s best cultural spots as the temperature is high and rainfall low.
• The good news is that its low season, so you ought to find cheap accommodation and in general save money, but still get the good weather now that you know where and when to go.

Some key places: Trincomalee (beach), Arugam Bay (beach), Kandy, Passekudah.

June has monsoon season in full swing along the south and west coasts so the main beach destinations are generally out of action. The highlands are also hit by rain and best avoided. With the monsoon still affecting the south and west coast, popular beach places such as Bentota, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa should be avoided. Galle, Tea Country and Colombo are also not great in June.

Fortunately, wildlife spotting is a year round activity so if you do decide to travel in June you will find animals in abundance. For more wildlife spotting opportunities head over to Minneriya, Wasgamuwa or Gal Oya for excellent chances of seeing elephants and sloth bears. Yala and Uda Walawe are also great for spotting exotic and endemic animals in June. You can also spot whales in Trincomalee in June.

All main sites in the highlands are hit by rain and best avoided (cold, rainy and windy; horrible hiking conditions). Adam’s Peak will be less popular as pilgrimage season tails off but the weather won’t be ideal for hiking and the view may be obscured by mist.

Poson Poya is the second most important Poya, after Vesak, which takes place in May. This day honours the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka and is celebrated by mass trips to the ruins of Anuradhapura.