The short answer
When to go to Mirissa
December to March is the best window: the driest months on the nearby Galle climate table, with February lowest in rain, and the period when whales are mostly reported. April brings heat and humidity, May to November is wetter and the sea rougher, and October is the wettest month at over 340 mm. Whale boats are small and can be unpleasant when the swell is up, so older travellers should choose a calm morning and avoid the monsoon months.
Month by month
Mirissa weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 23°C | 87 mm | Dry and warm; whale season and calm seas on most days | |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 71 mm | Lowest rain of the year; good whale and beach weather | |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 90 mm | Dry and hot at midday; whale season is winding down | |
| April | 31°C | 25°C | 202 mm | Hotter and more humid; showers frequent, end of whale season | |
| May | 30°C | 26°C | 316 mm | Southwest monsoon sets in; heavy rain and rough sea | |
| June | 29°C | 26°C | 184 mm | Monsoon showers; beaches and boats often rough | |
| July | 29°C | 25°C | 173 mm | Showery; sea swimming often unsafe | |
| August | 29°C | 25°C | 162 mm | Showery with bright spells; quiet beaches | |
| September | 29°C | 25°C | 261 mm | Rain increasing; plan flexible days | |
| October | 29°C | 25°C | 345 mm | Wettest month of the year; storms likely | |
| November | 30°C | 24°C | 283 mm | Heavy rain and thunderstorms, but whale season begins | |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 176 mm | Drier again and busy; whale season under way |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Mirissa seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February and March
- January: Dry and warm; whale season and calm seas on most days
- February: Lowest rain of the year; good whale and beach weather
- March: Dry and hot at midday; whale season is winding down
Good, with small trade-offs: December
- December: Drier again and busy; whale season under way
Possible, with planning: April, June, July, August, September and November
- April: Hotter and more humid; showers frequent, end of whale season
- June: Monsoon showers; beaches and boats often rough
- July: Showery; sea swimming often unsafe
- August: Showery with bright spells; quiet beaches
- September: Rain increasing; plan flexible days
- November: Heavy rain and thunderstorms, but whale season begins
Best avoided with parents or children: May and October
- May: Southwest monsoon sets in; heavy rain and rough sea
- October: Wettest month of the year; storms likely
Useful answers
Best time to visit Mirissa: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Mirissa?
January, February and March are the best months to visit Mirissa, with December also good. December to March is the best window: the driest months on the nearby Galle climate table, with February lowest in rain, and the period when whales are mostly reported. April brings heat and humidity, May to November is wetter and the sea rougher, and October is the wettest month at over 340 mm. Whale boats are small and can be unpleasant when the swell is up, so older travellers should choose a calm morning and avoid the monsoon months.
Which months should I avoid in Mirissa with elderly parents?
May and October are the months to avoid with older travellers. Southwest monsoon sets in; heavy rain and rough sea Wettest month of the year; storms likely
When does it rain most in Mirissa?
October is the wettest month, with about 345 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is March, with average highs around 32°C.