We recommend that you check the weather forecast prior to your departure so that you can pack accordingly. Generally, casual clothes are recommended. Loose fitting, lightweight cotton materials are the most comfortable for humid weather, while layers of warmer clothes are advised for cooler evenings. A waterproof jacket will be required for the wetter conditions in April. The dress code throughout the tour is casual; however, it is important that all passengers dress conservatively.
- Your travel documents and passport; including a photocopy of your passport in case it is lost or stolen while you are abroad. Keep one photocopy at home and take another photocopy on your trip with you.
- Main luggage and luggage padlocks
- Light bag/ hand luggage - it will be useful to take this with you during anytime spent in the countryside.
- ‘Day bag’ - a smaller bag to carry with you during the day, both while driving and sightseeing. E.g. drinking water, hat, sunscreen, toilet paper, insect repellent, camera and spare batteries, jacket.
- Money belt to carry passport, cash, credit cards, airline tickets, etc.
- Trousers (or long skirts for women) – please remember to respect local customs (knee length is recommended).
- Shirts or long-sleeved tops of light cotton material
- Walking shoes and socks – it is important to have sturdy and comfortable shoes for hikes and long walks sightseeing every day.
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen and lip balm
- Personal medical kit including insect repellent - visit Travel Health
- Any medications in original packaging and doctors slip for prescribed medication
- Antibacterial wipes and/or hand sanitiser to clean hands before eating
- A water/windproof jacket
- Light jumpers/thermals are great for layering, including gloves and scarf
- A ‘modesty shawl’ or sarong to wear in religious or conservative areas (for women)
- Universal adaptor/conversion plugs
- Chargers, cables and portable power bank.
- Scarf or bandana – useful to protect your face against dusty winds at high altitude
- Spare glasses – it is difficult to get any prescription lenses repaired or replaced in Sri Lanka
- Toiletries (soap, shampoo, lotion) – for personal use during homestays.
- Toilet paper or tissues – not all public toilets will provide toilet paper
- Snacks – tea bags/coffee, milk powder or sachets, instant soups or noodles, or anything else you can’t live without!
- Camera and memory card
- A supply of face masks
Average Temperature & Rainfall
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons, wet and dry, with two monsoon seasons; the “Yala season” from mid- May to October and the “Maha season” from December to March. The “Yala” season brings heavy rain from the Indian Ocean to the south and west coasts and the Central Highlands, with the northern and eastern parts of the country a little drier. The “Maha” season brings rain from the Bay of Bengal and causes heavy rain in the northeast of the country. The average temperature throughout the country varies from 26-28ºC, with 14-16ºC in the Central Highlands. November to January are the cooler months, with February to May being the hottest.
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
