Sri Lanka in March offers warm to hot temperatures with moderate rainfall. Visitors are recommended to explore Colombo's vibrant city life, Kandy's rich cultural heritage, Galle's beaches, and Yala's thrilling wildlife safaris.
Expect comfortable weather across these top destinations, ideal for sightseeing, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, promising a memorable trip.
Sri Lanka Weather in March: Overview
Averages:
- Temperature range: 23°C to 31°C (74°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 8 cm (3 inches)
- Rainy days: 7
- Sunshine hours/day: 8
- Humidity: 72%
In March, Sri Lanka experiences warm-to-hot and somewhat-humid weather. The temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F). Rainfall is moderate, averaging 8 cm (3 inches) over 7 rainy days, meaning that brief showers are common but not persistent.
Most parts of the country receive about 8 hours of sunshine daily, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The humidity level rises to 72%, creating a muggy atmosphere, particularly in coastal regions.
March Climate Comparison for Sri Lanka's Top Tourism Areas
| City/Area | Temperatures | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | Warm–Hot | Moderate |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | Mild–Hot | Low |
| Galle (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | Warm–Hot | Moderate |
| Yala (SL's top national park, elephants, leopards, beach) | Warm–Hot | Low |
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | 30°C (86°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| Galle (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | 32°C (90°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| Yala (SL's top national park, elephants, leopards, beach) | 31°C (88°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| City/Area | Rain (cm) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | 10 | 4 |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | 7 | 3 |
| Galle (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | 9 | 3 |
| Yala (SL's top national park, elephants, leopards, beach) | 7 | 3 |
In March, Sri Lanka's climate varies slightly across its cities.
Colombo experiences hot temperatures between 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F). Rainfall is moderate in the inter-monsoon season. Humidity remains high, but the coastal breezes provide some relief.
Kandy, in the central highlands, has cooler temperatures. March is an ideal month to explore cultural and historical sites because the rainfall is lower than in the monsoon months.
Galle, on the southwestern coast, receives the same temperatures as Colombo. However, rainfall is slightly higher, but sunny days are still prevalent, perfect for visiting the beach and exploring Galle Fort.
Yala National Park in the southeast enjoys dry weather in March, with temperatures ranging between 25°C (77°F) and 31°C (88°F). March is the best time to experience wildlife safaris becausein the driest conditions of the year, just before the first monsoon begins, you can spot animals around water sources.
The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in March
The dry season in March offers sunshine and warm breeze in Sri Lanka's top tourism areas — Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Yala.
Here are the most popular places we would recommend visiting in Sri Lanka in March
1. Colombo's Urban Vibes: Culture and Architecture
When the weather is warm and dry, you can begin your journey at the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area. This complex has been restored and now has shopping, dining precinct, contemporary boutiques, cafes, and restaurants to try out.
A visit to Pettah Market is a must for those looking to experience the vibrant local life in March. The market has fresh produce to intricate textiles. Tourists can walk through the narrow streets and engage with friendly vendors. Pettah Market is also the best place to find beautiful souvenirs.
Lastly, you can go an learn about Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and history at the Colombo National Museum, any day of the week. Established in 1877, the museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, including ancient manuscripts, royal regalia, and centuries-old sculptures.
Recommended tour: 10-Day Classic Sri Lanka Summer Tour
2. Kandy's Cultural Treasures: History and Heritage
In March, the weather in Kandy ranges between mild to hot with temperatures fluctuating between 18°C (64°F) and 30°C (86°F). It is the best time to explore the city's rich cultural heritage. One popular location to visit is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses a sacred Buddhist relic. This temple attracts pilgrims and tourists.
Located approximately 4 miles (6 km) west of Kandy, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens houses an expansive garden. In March, visitors can wander through the gardens, which boast over 4,000 species of plants, including exotic orchids, medicinal plants, and towering palm trees when the weather is favorable. The gardens are a haven for nature lovers.
Through architectural and historical sites, Kandy also offers a view of its colonial past. Strolling around Kandy Lake provides breathtaking views that lead to the British Garrison Cemetery and the Royal Palace. The comfortable March climate improves the experience, making it ideal to explore the city's outdoor attractions.
For a family trip, consider our 12-Day Sri Lanka Family Tour to allow your children to enjoy themselves.
3. Galle's Coastal Charm: History and Beaches
The iconic Galle Dutch Fort stands as a living testament to Sri Lanka's colonial past. In March, tourists can stroll along its well-preserved ramparts, exploring the charming streets which have colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and cafés.
March also makes for an ideal time to enjoy Galle's pristine beaches. Unawatuna Beach has golden sands and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and trying out water sports like surfing and snorkeling. Beachside cafés and bars also offer refreshing drinks and local cuisine, boosting the coastal experience.
Beyond the fort and beaches, visitors can witness traditional stilt fishing at nearby Koggala. The Maritime Archaeology Museum within the fort provides insights into the region's maritime history and underwater treasures.
For other available options, check out our guide to The Top 5 Beaches in Sri Lanka
4. Yala's Wild Adventures: Safaris and Wildlife
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka's premier wildlife sanctuary. This location offers safari experience in March when the weather is typically dry and warm. You can see different animals such as elephants, elusive leopards, and numerous birdlife that gather around waterholes in the pre-monsoon water scarcity.
Apart from the rich wildlife, Yala Park is home to the ancient Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, located in the Hambantota District. This temple offers visitors a chance to explore its historic stupas, cave temples, and ancient rock inscriptions. The temple is set amidst the park's stunning natural landscape, and tourists can combine their wildlife adventure with a visit to this sacred site.
The other unique highlight of Yala National Park is its secluded coastline. The park's beaches offer a peaceful retreat where travelers can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Indian Ocean in March. While swimming is not recommended due to strong currents, the beach provides a perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet walk along the shore.
Recommended tour: 12-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour
Crowds and Cost
Tourism in Sri Lanka during March experiences moderate crowds and fluctuating costs due a significant holiday.
- Madin Full Moon Poya is a Buddhist holiday marked by a national holiday. Shops and businesses close on this particular day and there is prohibition of alcohol and meat sales. Crowds gather at temples for prayers and meditation, thus causing normal service interference and higher accommodation prices in temple-rich areas. Note that 2025 Madin Full Moon Poya will be celebrated on Thursday, 13th of March.
What to Wear in Sri Lanka in March
Sri Lanka in March experiences warm to hot weather, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) in Kandy to 32°C (90°F) in Galle and Colombo. There is also a slight increase in humidity and occasional showers.
So, here's what to wear in March.
- For hot days, wear breathable, lightweight fabric like cotton or linen shirts, shorts, and sundresses.
- In the evening when it is slightly cooler, wear a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt for higher altitude areas.
- While March is a drier month, occasional rain showers are still possible. So, bring an umbrella or poncho for unexpected downpours.
- Lastly, remember to pack clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, especially if you will visit Buddhist temples and religious sites.
Recommended Tours for Sri Lanka in March
Explore Sri Lanka with our recommended tours in March. These tours offer a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
We are ready to tailor-make your trip, maybe starting from one of our popular tours below.
- 10-Day Classic Sri Lanka Summer Tour
- 12-Day Sri Lanka Family Tour
- 12-Day Sri Lanka Wildlife Tour
- 14-Day Sri Lanka Romantic Tour
- 17-Day India and Sri Lanka Tour
For more travel tips, check out How to Plan a Trip to Sri Lanka and How to Fly into Sri Lanka
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