The short answer
When to go to Polonnaruwa
The driest, most dependable months are February and March, and again from June to September, with August and September the most reliable for sightseeing. October to December bring the northeast monsoon rains, which make the stone slippery and can disrupt visits. Temperatures are hot all year, so the time of day matters more than the month: see the ruins at opening time, rest at midday and return in the late afternoon. Older travellers should favour February or August to September and keep a rest period built into every day.
Month by month
Polonnaruwa weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 22°C | 114 mm | Cooler but still wet from the northeast monsoon; showers can interrupt walks. | |
| February | 29°C | 22°C | 75 mm | Drying out with comfortable days; good for walking the ruins. | |
| March | 32°C | 23°C | 54 mm | Driest stretch of the year but hotter by midday; start early. | |
| April | 33°C | 24°C | 92 mm | Hot, with inter-monsoon thunderstorms arriving. | |
| May | 34°C | 26°C | 64 mm | Hot and humid; the stone is too hot for bare feet by late morning. | |
| June | 34°C | 26°C | 18 mm | Dry but hot; go early and rest at midday. | |
| July | 34°C | 26°C | 25 mm | Dry and hot; shaded rests matter. | |
| August | 34°C | 26°C | 34 mm | Dry and reliable for sightseeing; strong sun. | |
| September | 34°C | 25°C | 53 mm | Mostly dry; a good month for the ruins and reservoirs. | |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 182 mm | Heavy rain begins; paths and stone steps turn slippery. | |
| November | 29°C | 23°C | 238 mm | Wettest month; sightseeing is often disrupted. | |
| December | 28°C | 22°C | 207 mm | Wet and cloudy, though cooler; check forecasts closely. |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Polonnaruwa seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February, August and September
- February: Drying out with comfortable days; good for walking the ruins.
- August: Dry and reliable for sightseeing; strong sun.
- September: Mostly dry; a good month for the ruins and reservoirs.
Good, with small trade-offs: March, June and July
- March: Driest stretch of the year but hotter by midday; start early.
- June: Dry but hot; go early and rest at midday.
- July: Dry and hot; shaded rests matter.
Possible, with planning: January, April and May
- January: Cooler but still wet from the northeast monsoon; showers can interrupt walks.
- April: Hot, with inter-monsoon thunderstorms arriving.
- May: Hot and humid; the stone is too hot for bare feet by late morning.
Best avoided with parents or children: October, November and December
- October: Heavy rain begins; paths and stone steps turn slippery.
- November: Wettest month; sightseeing is often disrupted.
- December: Wet and cloudy, though cooler; check forecasts closely.
Useful answers
Best time to visit Polonnaruwa: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Polonnaruwa?
February, August and September are the best months to visit Polonnaruwa, with March, June and July also good. The driest, most dependable months are February and March, and again from June to September, with August and September the most reliable for sightseeing. October to December bring the northeast monsoon rains, which make the stone slippery and can disrupt visits. Temperatures are hot all year, so the time of day matters more than the month: see the ruins at opening time, rest at midday and return in the late afternoon. Older travellers should favour February or August to September and keep a rest period built into every day.
Which months should I avoid in Polonnaruwa with elderly parents?
October, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heavy rain begins; paths and stone steps turn slippery. Wettest month; sightseeing is often disrupted.
When does it rain most in Polonnaruwa?
November is the wettest month, with about 238 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 34°C.