Home › Galle › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Galle: month by month
Short answer
December to April is the best time, when the south-west coast is drier and the sea is calmer, with highs of about 28–30°C. From May to September the south-west monsoon brings more rain and rough seas, though showers often pass quickly and prices fall. It is warm all year, with lows of about 23–25°C.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28°C | 23°C | 23 | very high |
| Feb | 29°C | 23°C | 18 | high |
| Mar | 30°C | 24°C | 25 | high |
| Apr | 30°C | 25°C | 25 | medium |
| May | 29°C | 25°C | 30 | low |
| Jun | 29°C | 25°C | 30 | low |
| Jul | 28°C | 25°C | 29 | medium |
| Aug | 28°C | 25°C | 30 | medium |
| Sep | 28°C | 25°C | 29 | low |
| Oct | 28°C | 24°C | 30 | low |
| Nov | 28°C | 23°C | 26 | medium |
| Dec | 29°C | 23°C | 25 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs of about 29–30°C, the hottest time of year; March and April are still good for the beach, and the monsoon arrives around May.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 28–29°C and lows of 25°C, with frequent monsoon rain and rough sea; quieter and cheaper.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs of about 28°C; September and October are often wet, and conditions improve from November, when whale-watching season begins.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of about 28–29°C and lows of 23°C; the main dry season, calm sea and the busiest period, especially at Christmas and New Year.
Events worth planning around
- Galle Literary Festival — late January, held in some years
- Sinhala and Tamil New Year — 13–14 April
- Vesak, the Buddhist festival of lights — May full moon
When to avoid
Avoid May to September if you want calm sea for swimming and snorkelling. Christmas to New Year is the most crowded and expensive time, so book early.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
What is the best month to visit Galle?
January to March, with dry, sunny weather, calm sea and highs of about 28–30°C.
Is it worth visiting Galle in the monsoon?
Yes for the Fort and lower prices, but the sea is often rough from May to September.
When can I see whales near Galle?
From about November to April, on boats from Mirissa, about 1 hour away.