Best time to surf in Sri Lanka
May to December for intermediate surfers, November to April for beginners, and August for the biggest waves. Month by month below, from 2 years of hourly wave and wind model data at 26 spots. Updated 3 November 2026.
| Month | Good days (intermediate) | Beginner days | Good days (advanced) | Typical waves | Water | Best region |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4 | 16 | 2 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Southern Province |
| February | 5 | 16 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Southern Province |
| March | 4 | 17 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 29 °C | Southern Province |
| April | 1 | 16 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 30 °C | Southern Province |
| May | 2 | 9 | 2 | 1–1.4 m | 30 °C | Southern Province |
| June | 1 | 9 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 29 °C | Southern Province |
| July | 1 | 9 | 0 | 1–1.4 m | 28 °C | Eastern Province |
| August | 2 | 12 | 0 | 1–1.6 m | 28 °C | Eastern Province |
| September | 1 | 10 | 1 | 1–1.4 m | 29 °C | Southern Province |
| October | 5 | 13 | 4 | 1–1.4 m | 29 °C | Southern Province |
| November | 6 | 15 | 3 | 0.9–1.3 m | 29 °C | Southern Province |
| December | 5 | 20 | 1 | 0.8–1.2 m | 28 °C | Southern Province |
Days per month at the best third of the spots for each level, rated the way the app rates them. Model data, not observations. Method.
By region
| Region | Intermediate | Beginners | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Province | August | August | 27–30 °C |
| Southern Province | April to December | December to April | 27–30 °C |
| Southern Province (west coast) | October | April, October to December | 28–30 °C |
Questions
What is the best month to surf in Sri Lanka?
November, with about 6 good days for an intermediate surfer at the best spots. The best run of months is May to December.
When is the best time to surf in Sri Lanka for beginners?
November to April, when the beginner spots have the most days of small, clean waves.
When are the biggest waves in Sri Lanka?
August has the biggest typical surf (about 1–1.6 m at the spots we follow).
Can you surf in Sri Lanka in summer?
Mostly small: June to August average about 1 good day a month for intermediate surfers, better for learning than for good waves.
How warm is the water in Sri Lanka?
About 28 °C in January (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 30 °C in April (Boardshorts / rash vest).
More: all surf spots in Sri Lanka · this week's forecast · wetsuit by month · why the swell period matters.