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Best time to visit Ella: month by month
Short answer
January to April is usually the driest and clearest period, with highs of about 23–25°C and cool nights of about 16°C. Ella is mild all year, at about 23–27°C, but the data show rain on 16–28 days a month, so plan hikes for early morning.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23°C | 16°C | 20 | high |
| Feb | 24°C | 16°C | 16 | high |
| Mar | 25°C | 16°C | 21 | high |
| Apr | 25°C | 17°C | 24 | medium |
| May | 26°C | 18°C | 22 | low |
| Jun | 26°C | 18°C | 21 | low |
| Jul | 27°C | 19°C | 20 | medium |
| Aug | 27°C | 18°C | 23 | high |
| Sep | 26°C | 18°C | 23 | low |
| Oct | 25°C | 18°C | 26 | low |
| Nov | 24°C | 17°C | 28 | low |
| Dec | 24°C | 17°C | 23 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
About 25–26°C by day and 16–18°C at night; March and April can still be clear, with more showers from April.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
About 26–27°C with rain on 20–23 days a month during the southwest monsoon; mornings are often clear.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
About 24–26°C and the wettest period, with rain on 23–28 days a month.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
About 23–24°C by day and 16–17°C at night; February has the fewest rainy days, about 16.
Events worth planning around
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year (13–14 April), when many local businesses close
- Vesak, the Buddhist festival of lights (May full moon)
- Poya full-moon holidays every month, when alcohol sales are restricted
- Esala Perahera in Kandy (July or August)
When to avoid
October and November are the wettest months, with frequent cloud on the viewpoints; around the April New Year trains and rooms fill with local travellers.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit Ella?
January to April, usually the driest and clearest period.
Is Ella good in the monsoon?
Yes, if you hike early; mornings are often clear before cloud gathers.
Is Ella cold?
Days are about 23–27°C, but nights drop to about 16–19°C, so bring a warm layer.