Sri Lanka’s monsoon season is a fascinating time to visit the island, bringing dramatic changes to its weather and landscapes. Here’s a detailed overview of the monsoon season in Sri Lanka:
Monsoon Seasons in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka experiences two main monsoon seasons, which are influenced by the southwest and northeast monsoon winds:
- Southwest Monsoon (Yala Season)
- Timeframe: Typically from May to September.
- Impact: This monsoon affects the southwestern part of the island, including cities like Colombo, Galle, and Kandy. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rains to these areas, causing lush green landscapes and filling up rivers and lakes.
- Weather: Expect frequent rain showers, high humidity, and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures generally remain warm, with daytime highs around 27-32°C (81-90°F).
- Northeast Monsoon (Maha Season)
- Timeframe: Typically from December to February.
- Impact: This monsoon affects the northeastern part of the island, including cities like Jaffna and Trincomalee. It brings rain to these regions, although it is usually less intense compared to the southwest monsoon.
