Quick answer
In February the best beaches in Sri Lanka are on the south and west coasts. Unawatuna, Jungle Beach and Mirissa suit swimming; Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Hiriketiya suit surfing; Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna suit snorkelling; Bentota and Tangalle suit relaxed, spacious stays; and Weligama and Bentota suit families. Seas are calm on most days, the water is around 27 to 28°C and rain is rare. The east coast beaches at Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay are better from about April or May.
Key takeaways
- The south and west coasts are at their best in February.
- Seas are calm on most days, with water around 27 to 28°C.
- Unawatuna, Jungle Beach and Mirissa are among the best for swimming.
- Weligama, Hikkaduwa and Hiriketiya suit surfers.
- East coast beaches are better from about April or May.
Why February suits the south and west coasts
The south-west coast is sheltered from the north-east monsoon and is in its dry season from December to April. February is one of the calmest months, with flat or gentle seas on most days, clear water and very little rain.
The water is warm, around 27 to 28°C, and the sun is strong. Humidity is relatively low by local standards, and a sea breeze keeps afternoons comfortable.
The east coast, by contrast, is still settling after its monsoon. Its beaches are best from about April or May to September.
- →South and west: dry season, calm seas.
- →Water around 27 to 28°C.
- →East coast: better from April or May.
Best for swimming
Unawatuna, near Galle, is a sheltered bay with calm water and a reef that protects it from waves. It is busy in February but excellent for swimming. Jungle Beach, a short walk or tuk-tuk ride away, is smaller and quieter.
Mirissa has a curved beach with calm water in the middle and gentler waves at the edges. It is also the base for whale watching. Tangalle's coves, such as Silent Beach and Goyambokka, are sheltered and good for swimming, while its long open beaches can have stronger waves.
Always swim where others are swimming and follow local advice. Some beaches have strong currents even in calm months.
- →Unawatuna and Jungle Beach.
- →Mirissa.
- →Tangalle's sheltered coves.
Best for surfing
February is in the south coast surf season. Weligama has a long, sandy bay with gentle waves, ideal for beginners, and many surf schools. Hikkaduwa offers reef breaks for intermediate surfers.
Midigama and Ahangama have a mix of reef and point breaks for intermediate and advanced surfers. Hiriketiya, a small horseshoe bay, has a beach break and a reef break and a relaxed scene.
Arugam Bay, on the east coast, is out of season in February.
- →Weligama: beginners.
- →Hikkaduwa: intermediate.
- →Midigama and Ahangama: intermediate to advanced.
- →Hiriketiya: mixed.
Best for snorkelling and turtles
Hikkaduwa has a coral reef close to shore and sea turtles that often feed in the shallows. Visibility is good in February. Unawatuna's reef, at the western end of the bay, is also good for snorkelling.
Jungle Beach has clear water and fish around the rocks. Coral Island near Polhena, close to Matara, is another option with turtles.
Avoid touching coral or feeding turtles, and choose operators that follow responsible practices.
Visibility is usually best in the morning, before the wind picks up. On calm February days it can reach 10 metres or more on the south-west coast, which is why dive centres in Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna run their busiest schedules in these months.
Best for relaxed stays and families
Bentota and Induruwa, on the west coast, have long, wide beaches with resort hotels, river trips and water sports. They are calm and good for families. Tangalle has long, quiet beaches and boutique hotels, ideal for relaxing.
Weligama's gentle waves and shallow water suit families with children learning to surf or swim. Kalametiya, near Tangalle, is very quiet.
Many travellers combine a lively beach with a quiet one, such as Unawatuna and Tangalle.
For a beach that feels truly remote, the stretch between Tangalle and Hambantota has long empty sands, fishing villages and lagoons full of birds. Facilities are limited, so it suits a stay at a self-contained boutique hotel rather than beach-hopping between cafes.
- →Bentota and Induruwa: families and resorts.
- →Tangalle: quiet and spacious.
- →Weligama: gentle waves for children.
Planning a February beach stay
Book beach hotels early, especially small boutique places, as February is peak season. The best rooms fill three to six months ahead.
The sun is very strong, so use high-factor sunscreen and avoid the midday hours on the beach. Reef shoes are useful at rocky entries.
The planners at Lankan Stays & Trails often suggest splitting beach time between two bases in February, such as the Galle area and Tangalle, for variety.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the best beaches in Sri Lanka in February?
The south and west coast beaches: Unawatuna, Jungle Beach, Mirissa, Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Hiriketiya, Tangalle and Bentota. Seas are calm on most days, the water is warm and rain is rare. East coast beaches are better from about April or May.
Is the sea calm in Sri Lanka in February?
On the south and west coasts, yes, on most days. February is one of the calmest months there. Some beaches still have currents, so swim where others are swimming and follow local advice. The east coast sea can still be choppy in February.
Where can I swim safely in Sri Lanka in February?
Unawatuna, Jungle Beach, Mirissa's central section and Tangalle's sheltered coves are among the safest for swimming in February. Always check local conditions, swim where others are swimming and avoid swimming alone or after drinking.
Which beach is best for families in February?
Bentota and Induruwa, with calm, wide beaches and resort hotels, and Weligama, with gentle waves and shallow water. Unawatuna is also good, though busy. Choose a hotel with a pool for days when the sea is rougher than expected.
Are east coast beaches good in February?
Not yet. Trincomalee, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay are still settling after the north-east monsoon, and the sea can be choppy. Their season runs from about April or May to September. In February, the south and west coasts are much more reliable.
What is the water temperature in February?
Around 27 to 28°C on the south and west coasts. The water is warm enough for long swims and snorkelling without a wetsuit. A rash vest is useful for sun protection during long sessions in the water.