The short answer
When to go to Kandy
January to March is the most reliable window: the driest months of the year, with warm days around 27 to 30 degrees and mild nights. July and August are good for the Esala Perahera, the annual procession honouring the tooth relic, but accommodation fills and prices rise. April to June and September bring regular showers, and October and November are the wettest, with leeches on forest paths. Older travellers should avoid the Perahera crowds and favour the first quarter of the year.
Month by month
Kandy weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | 18°C | 79 mm | Driest stretch of the year; comfortable for sightseeing | |
| February | 28°C | 18°C | 74 mm | Dry and warm; the most reliable month for temples and gardens | |
| March | 30°C | 18°C | 71 mm | Warmest and still drier; afternoons can be hot | |
| April | 30°C | 20°C | 188 mm | Inter-monsoon rains build; showers most afternoons | |
| May | 29°C | 20°C | 144 mm | Wet and humid; carry a rain cover | |
| June | 28°C | 20°C | 132 mm | Southwest monsoon; showers but cooler air | |
| July | 27°C | 20°C | 128 mm | Esala Perahera season begins; book early and expect crowds | |
| August | 28°C | 19°C | 113 mm | Perahera crowds peak; moderate rain | |
| September | 28°C | 19°C | 155 mm | Rain increases; fewer crowds | |
| October | 28°C | 19°C | 264 mm | Second inter-monsoon: heavy rain and leeches on forest paths | |
| November | 27°C | 19°C | 296 mm | Wettest month; frequent heavy showers | |
| December | 27°C | 18°C | 196 mm | Rain easing; festive crowds toward month-end |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Kandy seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and February
- January: Driest stretch of the year; comfortable for sightseeing
- February: Dry and warm; the most reliable month for temples and gardens
Good, with small trade-offs: March, July and August
- March: Warmest and still drier; afternoons can be hot
- July: Esala Perahera season begins; book early and expect crowds
- August: Perahera crowds peak; moderate rain
Possible, with planning: April, May, June, September and December
- April: Inter-monsoon rains build; showers most afternoons
- May: Wet and humid; carry a rain cover
- June: Southwest monsoon; showers but cooler air
- September: Rain increases; fewer crowds
- December: Rain easing; festive crowds toward month-end
Best avoided with parents or children: October and November
- October: Second inter-monsoon: heavy rain and leeches on forest paths
- November: Wettest month; frequent heavy showers
Useful answers
Best time to visit Kandy: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Kandy?
January and February are the best months to visit Kandy, with March, July and August also good. January to March is the most reliable window: the driest months of the year, with warm days around 27 to 30 degrees and mild nights. July and August are good for the Esala Perahera, the annual procession honouring the tooth relic, but accommodation fills and prices rise. April to June and September bring regular showers, and October and November are the wettest, with leeches on forest paths. Older travellers should avoid the Perahera crowds and favour the first quarter of the year.
Which months should I avoid in Kandy with elderly parents?
October and November are the months to avoid with older travellers. Second inter-monsoon: heavy rain and leeches on forest paths Wettest month; frequent heavy showers
When does it rain most in Kandy?
November is the wettest month, with about 296 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is March, with average highs around 30°C.