The short answer
When to go to Arugam Bay
The best months are May to September, when Pottuvil's rainfall is lowest and the surf season is under way. Daytime highs are hot, about 33 to 35 degrees C, so plan outings early and late. April and October are shoulder months. From about October to January heavy north-east monsoon rain arrives, and most hotels and restaurants close from November to March. Older travellers should choose June to August only with air-conditioning, and book ahead since it is also peak season.
Month by month
Arugam Bay weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 22°C | 263 mm | Heavy north-east monsoon rain; many places shut | |
| February | 31°C | 23°C | 137 mm | Still wet; most seasonal businesses closed | |
| March | 32°C | 23°C | 61 mm | Drying out but town still quiet | |
| April | 33°C | 25°C | 68 mm | Season starting; some places reopening | |
| May | 35°C | 25°C | 48 mm | Dry, hot; surf season under way | |
| June | 35°C | 25°C | 14 mm | Driest and hottest; good for wildlife and surf | |
| July | 34°C | 25°C | 17 mm | Dry, busy peak season | |
| August | 34°C | 25°C | 19 mm | Dry and busy; book ahead | |
| September | 34°C | 25°C | 52 mm | Still dry; crowds ease | |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 135 mm | Rains return; services winding down | |
| November | 31°C | 23°C | 308 mm | Wettest period; most places closed | |
| December | 30°C | 23°C | 307 mm | Very wet; floods can disrupt roads |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Arugam Bay seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: May, June, July and August
- May: Dry, hot; surf season under way
- June: Driest and hottest; good for wildlife and surf
- July: Dry, busy peak season
- August: Dry and busy; book ahead
Good, with small trade-offs: April and September
- April: Season starting; some places reopening
- September: Still dry; crowds ease
Possible, with planning: February, March and October
- February: Still wet; most seasonal businesses closed
- March: Drying out but town still quiet
- October: Rains return; services winding down
Best avoided with parents or children: January, November and December
- January: Heavy north-east monsoon rain; many places shut
- November: Wettest period; most places closed
- December: Very wet; floods can disrupt roads
Useful answers
Best time to visit Arugam Bay: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Arugam Bay?
May, June, July and August are the best months to visit Arugam Bay, with April and September also good. The best months are May to September, when Pottuvil's rainfall is lowest and the surf season is under way. Daytime highs are hot, about 33 to 35 degrees C, so plan outings early and late. April and October are shoulder months. From about October to January heavy north-east monsoon rain arrives, and most hotels and restaurants close from November to March. Older travellers should choose June to August only with air-conditioning, and book ahead since it is also peak season.
Which months should I avoid in Arugam Bay with elderly parents?
January, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heavy north-east monsoon rain; many places shut Wettest period; most places closed
When does it rain most in Arugam Bay?
November is the wettest month, with about 308 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is June, with average highs around 35°C.