I would like to find out more about the weather in Galle Sri Lanka as I plan to make a trip there. My trip will be planned according to the weather there, so that is why it's important to know about the weather as I don't want to end up going at the wrong time when it's too hot or the rainy season.
Hello, @Purhoit, welcome to the forum! Overview Galle is a city in the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, considered as the headquarters of the Galle district and also the Southern Province. What makes Galle stand out as a destination is that it is situated around an old fortification area made by the Dutch. This gives Galle this old-world charm, quite a different vibe from the more modern cities of Colombo or Negombo. Galle is that place that seems to be stuck in time, that place where you feel like you're in another era or even a European destination, but you're still right at Sri Lanka. And for those making their itineraries for Sri Lanka, it is vital to understand that climatic patterns of the country, in order to plan your trip more accurately. For this guide, we would highlight the climate and weather conditions in Galle all throughout the year and which would be the best time for visiting this unique destination in Sri Lanka. Weather in Galle in Sri Lanka Galle is a small town, just under 17 kilometres in distance, from one point to the other. The Laccadive Sea is located to its west, while the town of Unawatuna is located to its southeastern side. Generally, Galle experiences a tropical equatorial climate almost all-year round. What this means is that there is little variation when it comes to the city's temperatures all around the year. Rain showers are very common as well, as such, you can't really designate a true dry or winter season for the city. We can divide Galle's climatic conditions into three, namely: dry season, inter-monsoon season, southwest monsoon season and inter-monsoon season. 1. Dry Season (December to February) - The dry season of Galle extends from December to February. Though technically, this season still receives rainfall, the amount of rain is relatively less as compared to the other months, hence it can be termed as Galle's driest season. Temperatures usually remain around 30°C, with night time temperatures around the high 20°C mark. January is usually the coldest and driest month, along with the month of February. This is considered as the peak tourist season in Galle so make sure you book your hotel room or flight in advance. During this season, sightseeing is very much possible. The best sites to explore during this season are Galle's heritage sites. There's the Galle Fort, which was built by the Portuguese during the 16th century but was further strengthened by the Dutch during the 17th century. The fort surrounds the Old Town of Galle, and you can explore the little market areas quite extensively during the dry season. The Clock Tower and Galle Lighthouse are other structures worth visiting during this time, as you take advantage of the sunny weather. Galle in itself doesn't have beaches but you can explore the nearby beaches of Unawatuna instead. Known As - Peak Tourist Season Best For - Sightseeing and Beach Frolicking 2. Inter-Monsoon Season (March to April) - This is the interlude season before the southwest monsoon hits the city of Galle. Technically, it can be considered as the summer season of Galle, as it also receives minimal rainfall, but still higher as compared to the previous season. This is still a good time to visit Galle, especially if you want to avoid the crowds of tourists during the peak tourist season. Still, have your umbrella ready as sudden rain showers are not uncommon. Temperatures are around 30°C still but can plummet downwards during night time. As April approaches, heavier rains can be experienced, though they're more pronounced during early morning or late afternoon, so you can still enjoy sightseeing during the day. You can indulge in sightseeing in the attractions mentioned above as well. Beaches are relatively calm, especially around the beginning of March and April. Known As - Interlude Summer Season Best For - Avoiding Crowds, Sightseeing and Beach Frolicking 3. Southwest Monsoon Season (May to September) - The southwest monsoon season of Galle extends from May to September. This is considered as an off-peak tourist season as the city is ravaged by heavy rainfalls. Temperatures remain around 28°C to 30°C during this season. May is usually the wettest month, with an average annual rainfall of around 290 mm. The succeeding months receive great rainfall too, making the seas a bit rougher for swimming or enjoying. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can avail of discounted hotel rates, as well as travel packages during this time. Indoor attractions like Japanese Peace Pagoda, Dutch Reformed Church and Meera Mosque are best visited during this time. For adventure seekers, the Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a great destination for nature trailing and trekking. Known As - Off-Peak Tourist Season Best For - Budget Travellers and Sightseeing (Indoor Attractions) 4. Inter-Monsoon Season (October to November) - The last season is another interlude season, extending from October to November. Now, this interlude season receives quite heavy rainfall still, with the month of October having an average annual rainfall beyond 300 mm. However, though rain showers are strong, they remain shorter in duration so you can still indulge in some sightseeing. Seas might still be rough during this time, only suitable for surfing. Temperatures remain around the 28°C so they're still very mild. You can enjoy the lush greenery surrounding the areas of Galle though. Further, you can explore the beautiful waterfalls of Galle during this time, the Lankagama Duwili Ella Waterfalls and Gal Oruwa Ella Waterfalls. They're located a bit further from the city centre so you need to travel a bit to reach them. They become fuller during this season, truly enticing for the nature lovers. Known As - Interlude Season Best For - Nature Lovers and Sightseeing (Waterfalls) Conclusion The different seasons of Galle provide for different reasons for visiting it. If you want the most pleasant weather and climate, opt for the dry season, which extends from December to February. If you are okay with a bit of rain and want to get away from the crowds, then the first inter-monsoon season, from March to April, would be a good option. The southwest monsoon season proper is not a good time to visit especially if you want to do some sightseeing or beach exploring. The last inter-monsoon season is a good option for the nature lovers who want to see a greener side of Galle. I hope this helps!
