When is the best time to visit Kandy?

Kandy is lovely all year round. Kandy is in the Kandy & central area of Sri Lanka; its driest months are Jan–May, Jul–Sep, Dec.

What is Kandy like each month?

January — Heritage time: Pleasant and mostly dry; the Temple of the Tooth at its calmest. February — Heritage time: Dry, warm days; good for the spice gardens and Matale. March — Sun-soaked: Warm and bright; the hills around Kandy clear. April — Festival time: New Year in the hill capital; warm with afternoon showers. May — Festival time: Vesak lanterns around Kandy lake. June — Green season: Showers from the south-west; the Knuckles at their greenest. July — Festival time: The Esala Perahera begins — torches, drums and decorated elephants. August — Festival time: Perahera nights in Kandy (dates follow the moon). September — Quiet season: After the Perahera, Kandy is calm and green. October — Green season: Inter-monsoon rains; misty mornings over the lake. November — Green season: Green season — showers and full rivers. December — Heritage time: Showers fading; festive and pleasant.

Which festivals and special times are there around Kandy?

April: New Year in the hill capital; warm with afternoon showers. May: Vesak lanterns around Kandy lake. July: The Esala Perahera begins — torches, drums and decorated elephants. August: Perahera nights in Kandy (dates follow the moon).

Kandy – Sarisara Lanka

About Kandy

Kandy, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, is a charming hill city surrounded by lush forests and misty mountains. Famous for the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy beautifully blends spirituality, tradition, and scenic beauty. The serene Kandy Lake, vibrant Perahera festival, and colonial-era streets make it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking culture, nature, and timeless Sri Lankan heritage.

Driest monthsJan–May, Jul–Sep, Dec In NovemberGreen season Crowds nowQuieter — more space for you

The heart of Kandy

Heritage & sacredTemple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), KandyTime to give it: About 1 to 1.5 hours for the temple itself

Festivals & cultureKandy Esala PeraheraWhen: July – August

Nature & viewsRoyal Botanic Gardens, PeradeniyaTime to give it: 2 to 3 hours to see the main avenues, orchid house and river bridge at an easy pace; a full day for plant enthusiasts

When to visit Kandy

Sri Lanka is lovely all year round. Here is what each month brings to Kandy & central.