Knuckles Mountain Range

Mountains Sri Lankan mountain range and UNESCO biosphere reserve

Sri Lanka’s Knuckles Range features jagged ridgelines, cloud forests and tea-country foothills; trekkers come for multi-day hikes, endemic species and village homestays.

Main image
Wikivoyage banner
All living being need.jpg
An elegant view of Knuckles Mountain Range.jpg
Apacalypto.jpg
Atanwala.jpg
Beauty of mount knuckles.jpg
Beehives at knuckles conservation forest 2.jpg
Beehives at knuckles conservation forest.jpg
Boarders of knuckles,SL.jpg
Central highlands of Sri Lanka.jpg
Cloudy Sky after the Sunrise.jpg
Knuckles Mountain Range
7.4000, 80.8000

How to Get to Knuckles Mountain Range #

The Knuckles Range is best reached from Kandy (roughly 35-50 km by road depending on the trailhead). Public buses and private vehicles go to towns such as Matale and Pussellawa; from there arrange local transport to the trailheads. Guided treks typically include pickup from Kandy.

Tips for Visiting Knuckles Mountain Range #

  • Hire a licensed local guide-many trails are remote and the range's microclimates can change quickly.
  • Do the Knuckles Traverse over several days if experienced; single-day hikes only for fit, well-prepared walkers.
  • Visit the nearby villages to learn about Kandyan agricultural practices and local folklore tied to the mountains.

Best Time to Visit Knuckles Mountain Range #

The knuckles are most appealing in the dry months (December-March) when trails are accessible and views are best.

Dry season
December-March · 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Cooler and clearer-best for trekking and camping.
Inter-monsoon
April-May & October-November · 18-30°C (64-86°F)
Short rains possible; flowers and streams are lively.
Southwest monsoon
June-September · 18-26°C (64-79°F)
Heavy rains, leeches and slippery trails-avoid unless prepared.

Weather & Climate near Knuckles Mountain Range #

Climate

Knuckles Mountain Range's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 13°C to 25°C. Heavy rainfall (2153 mm/year), wettest in December.

Best Time to Visit
MarchJuneJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
39°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (352 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
13° 22°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

352 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (163 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

163 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

77 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 24°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

116 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (185 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
15° 25°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

185 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

May

May is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (117 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
16° 24°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

June

June is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
17° 23°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 22°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 22°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

67 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 23°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

90 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Heavy rain (234 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
15° 22°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

234 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

November

November is mild with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (290 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
15° 22°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

290 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (428 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
14° 22°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

428 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

Nearby Attractions to Knuckles Mountain Range