If you want a month with long sunny days, calm seas, and easy travel conditions, March is a strong choice.
Seasonal Highlights in March
- Peak Beach Weather on the South Coast
Mirissa, Unawatuna, Weligama, and Hiriketiya enjoy bright sunshine, warm water, and consistently calm seas. - Whale Watching in Mirissa
March remains one of the best months for blue‑whale sightings, with stable ocean conditions. - Surfing for All Levels
Beginner‑friendly waves continue in Weligama and Hiriketiya, while more advanced surfers can head to Midigama and Ahangama. - Warm, Dry Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Polonnaruwa are reliably dry, making March ideal for sightseeing. - Clear Hill Country Mornings
Ella, Haputale, and Horton Plains often get excellent visibility, though temperatures begin to warm slightly.
Weather Overview
March brings warm, dry weather to most of Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts enjoy long sunny days, low rainfall, and calm seas — perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and beach time. Inland, the Cultural Triangle remains hot and dry, ideal for exploring ancient sites. The Hill Country is still cool in the mornings but warmer than January and February, with clear views and comfortable hiking conditions.
The east coast is still off‑season, with rough seas and lingering monsoon effects, though conditions slowly begin to improve toward April.
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Places to Visit in March
March remains a solid month for travel in Sri Lanka, with stable weather continuing along the south and west coasts and comfortable conditions in the hill country. The Cultural Triangle stays dry and easy to explore, and the seas along the southwest remain calm, making it a good time for beaches, cultural sites, and scenic train journeys.
March is especially good for:
- South Coast: Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Hiriketiya, Tangalle
- West Coast: Negombo town, Bentota, Kalutara, Hikkaduwa
- Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya Town for Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temples, Polonnaruwa
- Hill Country: Kandy town, Ella town, Nuwara Eliya
These regions all offer predictable weather and smooth travel conditions.
Need itineraries? Check out my 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary or my Cultural Triangle itinerary for inspiration.
National Parks in March
March is an excellent month for wildlife viewing across Sri Lanka. Many of the major parks are their dry season, which means animals gather around shrinking water sources, visibility improves, and safari conditions are generally smooth and predictable. Roads inside the parks are dry and easy to navigate, and early‑morning drives often deliver some of the best sightings of the year.
Excellent Conditions
- Udawalawe — reliable elephant sightings year‑round
- Yala — peak season; dry ground and high leopard activity
- Wilpattu — dry, accessible, and active wildlife
Decent Conditions
- Minneriya / Kaudulla / Hurulu — good wildlife, though not “Gathering” season
- Kumana — in season, but not peak season yet
Book in Advance
March is still high season along the south coast, though slightly less busy than January and February. Accommodation prices remain elevated, and popular hotels and train routes can book out early. Temperatures rise across the island, especially in the Cultural Triangle, so early‑morning sightseeing is more comfortable.
Accommodation
book ahead with Booking.com
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Book tours and experiences with klook
book transport with 12goConsider booking your travels through my links — it supports the site at no extra cost to you. You can secure most accommodation, tours, and transport easily through the major platforms below.
Verdict: Should You Visit Sri Lanka in March?
March is an excellent month to visit Sri Lanka. The south and west coasts offer perfect beach weather, the Cultural Triangle is reliably dry, and the Hill Country provides clear mornings ideal for hiking. Wildlife viewing is strong across major national parks, and travel conditions are smooth and predictable. If you’re looking for sunshine, warm seas, and easy planning, March is a great choice.
Want to compare all the months? Check out my guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka, or explore another month in depth below.
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