Sri Lanka in March
Hot, dry and still excellent on every coast but the east
March is the last full month of the south coast dry season. It's hotter and more humid than January, and a few afternoon showers arrive late in the month, but the sea is still calm and crowds start thinning out.
Weather around the island in March
South & west coast
GreatHot (up to 32°C) and mostly dry. Occasional late-afternoon showers toward month end.
East coast
GoodDrying out. Trincomalee and Pasikudah start to come into season.
Hill country
GreatDry and pleasant. A good escape from the coastal heat.
Cultural triangle
GreatDry and hot — start climbs early and carry water.
The sea on the south coast
Mostly calm. Visibility for diving and snorkelling around Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna is usually at its best.
Best things to do in March
- Diving the wrecks and reefs off Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna
- Last good weeks for whale watching from Mirissa
- Turtle-watching walks at Rekawa near Tangalle
- Medin Poya temple observances on the full moon
Festivals, holidays and seasons in March
- Religious FestivalMedin PoyaMarch 14, 2025 · March 3, 2026 (Full Moon Poya) — Marks Buddha's first visit to his father's palace after enlightenment.
- Religious FestivalGood Friday & EasterApril 18-20, 2025 · April 3-5, 2026 — Christian holy days observed by Sri Lanka's Catholic community.
- Religious FestivalEid ul-Fitr (Ramazan Festival)March 30, 2025 · March 20, 2026 (end of Ramadan) — Celebration marking the end of Ramadan — feasting, charity, and prayers.
- Wildlife & NatureCoral Spawning SeasonMarch - April (around the full moon) — Rare underwater spectacle — coral reefs release eggs and sperm simultaneously.
- Food & HarvestMaha Rice HarvestMarch - April (annually) — The major rice harvest season — paddy fields turn golden across the island.
Where to go on the south coast in March
What to pack
- Breathable clothing
- Electrolyte sachets
- A hat — the midday sun is fierce
Local tip
✦ Do your sightseeing before 11am and after 3:30pm. Galle Fort's ramparts are beautiful at sunset and brutal at noon.
Travelling in March?
Tell us your dates and we'll plan a day-by-day route around the weather, festivals and the places that are at their best that month.
Plan my trip