Where to go in Sri Lanka in March

March continues the dry season on the south and west coasts and in the hill country, but temperatures climb noticeably as the island heads toward its hottest period. Beach weather from Bentota to Tangalle remains dependable, and whale watching off Mirissa is still productive, with the season generally running until April. In the Cultural Triangle, expect hot, dry days: plan Sigiriya and the ancient cities for early morning or late afternoon. The hill country stays pleasant and is a welcome escape from the coastal heat, with the Adam's Peak season continuing. Crowds thin compared with January and February, and prices soften slightly, making March good value for peak-quality weather. On the east coast, conditions steadily improve: seas calm through the month and Arugam Bay begins to stir ahead of its surf season, though it is not yet in full swing. Occasional pre-monsoon thunderstorms can build inland in the afternoons late in the month.

Where to go in March

Festivals & events

• ◆Maha Shivaratri celebrated at Hindu temples, notably Koneswaram in Trincomalee

Tips for March

• ✓Start Sigiriya climbs at opening time to beat both heat and crowds.
• ✓Hydrate seriously; March and April are among the hottest months in the lowlands.
• ✓It is a good-value month: peak-season weather with slightly lower prices than January and February.
• ✓Leopard spotting in Yala is often good in the dry heat as animals gather at waterholes.