Sri Lanka in November: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for November
Average temperature across Sri Lanka in November.
City Weather in November
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 31° | 24° | 333 mm | very high | Hot |
| Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia | 31° | 23° | 345 mm | very high | Hot |
| Maharagama | 31° | 23° | 358 mm | very high | Warm |
| Jaffna | 29° | 24° | 368 mm | very high | Warm |
| Moratuwa | very high | ||||
| Negombo | 30° | 23° | 301 mm | very high | Warm |
| Pita Kotte | 31° | 23° | 348 mm | very high | Hot |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Southwest Coast & Lowlands (Colombo, Galle, Bentota)
November is a transition month with unpredictable weather-some days are bright and beach‑friendly while others see severe, short‑lived storms. Tourist crowds are thin and prices are lower, making it a good booking window if you’re flexible. Surf season for the southwest begins picking up toward the end of the month; bring reef shoes for snorkeling as visibility improves between showers.
Central Highlands (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Horton Plains)
November usually brings more settled, cool days and clearer long‑distance views returning to Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains. Trails dry quickly between showers, and the railway scenery is at its greenest after the rains. Nights remain chilly; bring thermals if you plan on dawn hikes. This month is popular with local tourists and photographers because the air is crisp and flowers are abundant.
North Central & Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya)
November begins to settle with clearer skies and pleasantly warm days-an excellent time for photo‑packed visits to the major sites before the northeast monsoon starts affecting the far north and east. Water levels in the ancient tanks are improving and wildlife disperses more broadly across the plains. Temperatures are still hot; mornings and evenings are the best times to explore the ruins comfortably.
East Coast & Trincomalee / Arugam Bay (Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay)
November brings more frequent rain as the northeast monsoon establishes itself-Trincomalee and Batticaloa see heavier spells and the sea gets rougher, making island diving and boat trips unreliable. Many beachfront businesses scale back and some small guesthouses close for a brief low season. Pack a rain jacket and expect calm inland sightseeing days rather than long stretches on the sand.
Northern Peninsula (Jaffna, Mannar, Delft Island)
November often has a few heavy downpours as the northeast monsoon begins to influence the far north, but many days are still dry and hot-make early morning plans for outdoor exploration. Roads can be dusty after dry spells, turning quickly muddy after rain; waterproof footwear and a spare set of clothes are useful. Nighttime temperatures remain warm and cooling sea breezes are welcome.