Quick answer
Hikkaduwa is driest and calmest roughly from December to April, when the coral sanctuary is clear for snorkelling and the surf breaks are in season. From about late May to September the southwest monsoon brings showers, strong wind and rough, murky water, and October and November bring heavy afternoon storms. Hikkaduwa receives roughly 2,000 to 2,300 mm of rain a year, with daytime highs of about 29 to 31 °C and a sea of about 27 to 29 °C.
Key takeaways
- Hikkaduwa's season runs roughly from December to April, for snorkelling, surf and swimming.
- The southwest monsoon brings rough, murky water and heavy surf from roughly late May to September.
- The coral sanctuary is clearest from about January to March, on calm mornings.
- October and November bring heavy afternoon storms; the season restarts in late November.
- Daytime temperatures stay around 29 to 31 °C all year.
Hikkaduwa's climate in brief
Hikkaduwa lies on the southwest coast, about 20 km north of Galle, in the wet zone. It receives roughly 2,000 to 2,300 mm of rain a year, with the same seasons as the rest of the southwest: a dry season from December to April, a monsoon from late May to September and storms in October and November.
The town faces west and southwest, straight into the southwest monsoon. That gives it good surf in the dry season, when swells arrive from distant storms in the southern ocean, and heavy, messy surf in the monsoon, when the wind blows straight onshore.
The coral sanctuary sits in a shallow lagoon behind an outer reef, which gives some protection in moderate swell. In full monsoon conditions the reef is overwhelmed, the water turns brown with sand, and the sanctuary is closed to boats on the roughest days. Visibility recovers within weeks of the swell dropping.
- →Annual rain: roughly 2,000 to 2,300 mm.
- →Days: about 29 to 31 °C all year.
- →Sea: about 27 to 29 °C.
December to April: the season
From December, Hikkaduwa's weather settles into dry, sunny days with light winds. January to March are the most reliable months. The coral sanctuary, a shallow reef just off the main beach, is at its clearest on calm mornings, and green sea turtles feed close to shore.
The surf breaks, including the Main Reef and Benny's, have consistent, clean waves through the season, suitable for intermediate surfers, and the beach breaks suit beginners on smaller days. April is hotter, with afternoon storms, but the sea stays mostly calm.
The season is busy from Christmas to March, with the town's restaurants and bars at their liveliest.
- →Clearest water: about January to March.
- →Surf: roughly November to April.
- →Busiest: Christmas to March.
Late May to September
The southwest monsoon arrives in the second half of May. Late May and June are the wettest weeks; July and August are lighter, with long bright spells between showers. The wind blows onshore for most of the season.
The sea becomes rough and murky. The coral sanctuary is churned up and visibility drops, the surf is big and disorganised, and swimming on the open beach is unsafe on most days. Many dive and surf schools reduce their services.
The town is quiet and good value, and Galle Fort, the Kottawa rainforest and the moonstone mines around Ambalangoda are within easy reach.
- →Sea: rough, murky, red flags.
- →Reef: poor visibility.
- →Town: quiet, lower prices.
October and November
October is one of the wettest months, with heavy afternoon and evening storms, often with lightning. November follows, with most of its rain in the first half. Mornings are usually dry.
The sea calms gradually, and by late November the surf breaks are working cleanly again and the reef starts to clear. Many visitors time their arrival for the first week of December.
- →October: wettest month for many years.
- →Late November: season restarting.
- →Mornings: usually dry.
Planning a Hikkaduwa stay by season
Plan a Hikkaduwa stay from December to April for snorkelling, surf and swimming, with January to March the best. In the monsoon months, Hikkaduwa works as a quiet base for Galle and the inland sights, but not for the sea.
Lankan Stays & Trails plans Hikkaduwa for snorkelling and surf from December to April and arranges lessons with local schools in the calmest weeks.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hikkaduwa?
Roughly December to April, when Hikkaduwa is dry, sunny and calm, with January to March the most reliable. The coral sanctuary is clearest, the surf breaks are in season and the sea is swimmable on most days. Late November is a good-value start.
When is the surf season in Hikkaduwa?
The main surf season runs roughly from November to April, when swells arrive from the southern ocean and the wind is light or offshore in the mornings. From late May to September the monsoon makes the waves big, onshore and messy, suitable only for experienced surfers on the right days.
Can you snorkel in Hikkaduwa in the monsoon?
Rarely. From late May to September the southwest monsoon churns up the water, visibility over the coral sanctuary drops sharply and the sea is rough. Snorkelling is best from about January to March on calm mornings, when turtles are often seen close to shore.
When is the rainy season in Hikkaduwa?
The main rainy season is the southwest monsoon, from roughly late May to September, wettest in late May and June. October and November bring heavy afternoon storms. The dry season runs roughly from December to April.
What is the weather like in Hikkaduwa in June?
June is in the southwest monsoon, with regular showers, onshore wind and rough, murky water. Long sunny spells still happen. Swimming and snorkelling are not advised on most days, but Galle Fort and the inland sights are close by.
How hot is Hikkaduwa?
Daytime highs are about 29 to 31 °C all year, with nights of about 24 to 26 °C. April is the hottest and most humid month. The sea is roughly 27 to 29 °C, so there is no cold season, only wet and dry ones.
How does Lankan Stays & Trails plan Hikkaduwa stays?
Hikkaduwa is planned for snorkelling, surf and swimming from December to April, with lessons arranged through local schools in the calmest weeks. In the monsoon months, it is used only as a quiet base for Galle, with beach time moved to the east coast.
Can you see turtles in Hikkaduwa all year?
Green sea turtles feed on the reef at Hikkaduwa through much of the year, but they are easiest to see from about December to April, when the water is calm and clear. In the monsoon months, rough, murky water makes sightings from the shore or by snorkelling much less likely.