Sri Lanka in June offers warm temperatures with occasional monsoon rains, especially on the southwest coast. Despite the moderate–high rainfall, cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle remain popular tourist destinations, offering cultural events and spectacular beauty.
In June, you should expect lush landscapes and fewer crowds, making it the best time to explore the island's historical sites, tea plantations, and lively festivals.
This guide covers weather information for June in Sri Lanka and tips to help you plan a great trip.
Sri Lanka Weather in June: Overview
Averages:
- Temperature range: 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 13 cm (5 inches)
- Rainy days: 13
- Sunshine hours/day: 7
- Humidity: 79% (oppressive)
In June, Sri Lanka experiences warm temperatures that range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The humid atmosphere is usually oppressive at 79%. Rainfall is common, with around 13 cm (5 inches) spread across 13 rainy days, primarily affecting the southwest coast.
Despite the June rainfall, Sri Lanka still experiences around 7 hours of daily sunshine, allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor activities.
June Climate Comparison for Sri Lanka's Top Tourism Areas
| City/Area | Temperatures | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | Warm–Hot | High |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | Mild–Hot | Moderate |
| Galle (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | Warm–Hot | High |
| Yala (SL's top national park, elephants, leopards, beach) | Warm–Very hot | Semi-arid |
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | 31°C (88°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | 28°C (82°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| Galle (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | 29°C (84°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| Yala (SL's top national park, elephants, leopards, beach) | 33°C (91°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| City/Area | Rain (cm) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | 20 | 8 |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | 13 | 5 |
| Galle (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | 18 | 7 |
| Yala (SL's top national park, elephants, leopards, beach) | 2 | 1 |
In June, Sri Lanka's top tourism regions experience diverse temperatures and varying rainfall.
Colombo and Galle experience warm to hot temperatures, with significant high rainfall due to the southwest monsoon. Kandy, with mild to hot temperatures, also sees moderate rainfall while balancing between wet and dry periods. Yala, a semi-arid region, remains very dry in June with the hottest temperatures.
The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in June
Beyond the main tourism areas like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Yala, consider visiting Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya hills of central Sri Lanka, Jaffna on the northern tip of Sri Lanka, and Anuradhapura on the north central plains of Sri Lanka.
1. Dive into Trincomalee's Pristine Waters
Trincomalee in June experiences warm and sunny weather, with minimal rainfall. When the weather is dry, you can unwind on the serene shores of Nilaveli and Uppuveli Beaches, some of Sri Lanka's best beaches, located about 16 km (10 miles) northwest of the city of Trincomalee. The sunshine in June is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, diving, and whale watching.
For those who like history, Trincomalee has unique cultural sites like the early-modern Koneswaram Temple near Swami Rock. This sacred Hindu temple offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean and a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.
Learn about the Top 5 Beaches in Sri Lanka
2. Chase Waterfalls in Nuwara Eliya
known as "Little England" for its misty, cool weather, Nuwara Eliya experiences relatively mild weather with occasional rain showers in June.
In June, visitors can explore Nuwara Eliya's tea plantations to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy fresh brews. Horton Plains National Park is famous for its trekking opportunities near the World's End cliff and Baker's Falls.
Check out our 7-Day Best of Sri Lanka Tour: All the Top Sights
3. Discover Ancient Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura in June offers a mix of cultural and historical exploration. Although temperatures can be warm, the region experiences relatively low rainfall. You should expect fewer crowds during this off-peak month, guaranteeing a peaceful environment to explore the city.
Among the top attractions is the Sacred Bodhi Tree (Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi). Locals believe that this tree is the oldest living tree planted by humans. When visiting this location, you can check out the stupas of Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya, which are impressive remnants of Sri Lanka's early Buddhist civilization.
Recommended tour: 12-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour
4. Experience Jaffna's Unique Culture
The weather in Jaffna in June is usually warm, with minimal rainfall. This creates ideal conditions for exploring the region's attractions.
One of the best things to do in Jaffna is visiting Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a Hindu temple that is famous for its beautiful architecture. You can also explore other nearby religious sites like Nagadeepa Purana Vihara, famed as a site that Lord Buddha visited and situated on an island just off the coast. The calm seas in June makes the boat trip to the island enjoyable.
Suggested Further Reading
Crowds and Cost
There are two significant holidays in June in Sri Lanka: Eid al-Adha and Poson Poya.
Eid al-Adha is a major Islamic holiday that can induce crowds, particularly in areas with many Muslims (Eastern Province and urban centers). On this day, visitors should anticipate increased activity in markets and public spaces, plus potential traffic due to holiday celebrations. The next Eid al-Adha holiday will be celebrated on June 7th, 2025.
Poson Poya, which will occur on June 10th in 2025, is another important Buddhist holiday. It is often marked by pilgrimages and religious observances. On this date, sacred sites such as Anuradhapura and Mihintale might be crowded with devotees. Also, many shops and businesses close on Poya days, with the sale of alcohol and meat prohibited. Always keep in mind when planning your activities on this date.
Due to these holidays, tourists may find both increased crowds and higher costs in some areas.
What to Wear in Sri Lanka in June
When visiting Colombo and Galle in June, we recommend packing warm and lightweight breathable clothing because these cities receive frequent showers with mild to hot temperatures. A waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-dry clothing is essential for staying comfortable during downpours.
In Kandy, layering is essential because the city receives moderate rainfall and the temperatures are a bit cooler. Always carry light sweaters or long-sleeved shirts for the cooler evenings. We also recommend carrying waterproof gear for rainy days and walking shoes for exploring the city's cultural sites.
For Yala, a semi-arid and hot destination in June, you need to have loose-fitting clothing to staying cool. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection during outdoor activities and safaris.
Recommended Tours for Sri Lanka in June
In June, Sri Lanka's weather creates the best conditions for exploring its natural and cultural wonders. Here are the best south Asia tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan for your next trip.
Our top recommendations include:
- 14-day Sri Lanka Highlights Tour: Best for First-Timers
- Top Sri Lanka Private Tours 2025
- 17-Day India and Sri Lanka Tour
You could also see more Sri Lanka tours or get in touch with us for a personalized itinerary and quote.
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