Quick answer
In November the northeast monsoon arrives on the east and north coasts, which become wet and rough, with Trincomalee averaging roughly 300 to 380 mm of rain. The west and south coasts still have inter-monsoon storms early in the month, with Colombo averaging roughly 250 to 320 mm, and usually dry out in the second half. The hills are wet and the Cultural Triangle has frequent showers.
Key takeaways
- November is wet across much of the island, but the pattern shifts from the southwest to the east during the month.
- The east and north coasts get the northeast monsoon, with heavy rain and rough seas from November to January.
- The south and west coasts usually start drying out in the second half of November.
- Whale-watching from Mirissa usually starts again in November as the south coast sea calms.
- The Cultural Triangle and the hills are wet, and cyclone risk is at its highest from November into December.
November at a glance
November combines the end of the second inter-monsoon with the start of the northeast monsoon. In the first half of the month, storms can hit any region. In the second half, the northeast wind settles in, bringing rain to the east, the north and the eastern slopes of the hills, and leaving the southwest in an increasingly dry rain shadow.
November is also the peak of the Bay of Bengal cyclone season. Most storms pass to the north, towards India, but a depression or cyclone close to Sri Lanka can bring days of heavy rain and strong wind, especially to the east and north.
The practical picture for visitors is that the south coast season opens in November, while the east coast season closes.
- →West and south coasts: early storms, drying from mid-month.
- →Hill country: wet on both sides, misty.
- →Cultural Triangle: frequent showers, green.
- →East coast and north: northeast monsoon, rough sea.
The west and south coasts
Colombo averages roughly 250 to 320 mm of rain in November, most of it in the first half. The south coast follows the same pattern, and by the last week of November many days at Galle, Mirissa and Tangalle are dry and sunny. The southwest sea calms through the month.
Whale-watching from Mirissa usually restarts in November, and the south coast surf season gets going at Weligama and Midigama. Beach hotels reopen and rates rise towards the December peak. Early November can still bring a run of wet days.
Temperatures are around 29 to 30 °C, with high humidity that eases late in the month.
The hill country
The hills are wet in November, with Nuwara Eliya averaging roughly 200 to 250 mm and Kandy roughly 250 to 300 mm. The eastern side, including Ella and Badulla, starts to receive northeast monsoon rain on top of the inter-monsoon storms. Mist and cloud are common.
Long rain can bring landslide warnings to hill roads and the railway. Mornings remain the best time for views. Nuwara Eliya has daytime highs around 19 °C and nights around 11 °C.
- →Nuwara Eliya: roughly 200 to 250 mm, misty.
- →Ella and Badulla: wetter as the northeast monsoon arrives.
- →Kandy: roughly 250 to 300 mm, frequent storms.
The Cultural Triangle
The dry zone receives most of its annual rain between October and January, and November is one of its wetter months. Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa average roughly 200 to 280 mm, with heavy afternoon storms and some longer rainy spells. The landscape turns bright green and the tanks start to fill.
Climbs are best done early, and ruins at Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are easier with a morning start. Highs are about 30 °C, slightly cooler than earlier in the year.
- →Rainfall roughly 200 to 280 mm.
- →Morning starts for climbs and ruins.
- →Tanks filling, paddy planting.
The east coast and the north
November is the start of the east coast's wet season. Trincomalee averages roughly 300 to 380 mm of rain, Batticaloa more, and the northeast wind brings rough seas onto Nilaveli, Uppuveli and Pasikudah. Many beach hotels on the east close or reduce services from November to March.
The north is also wet, with Jaffna averaging roughly 300 to 400 mm in November, one of its wettest months. Flooding on low-lying roads is possible in the east and north when a depression passes.
- →Trincomalee: roughly 300 to 380 mm, rough sea.
- →Jaffna: one of its wettest months.
- →Many east coast hotels close until March.
Planning around November weather
A November trip works best with a route that ends on the south or west coast in the second half of the month, after the Cultural Triangle and the hills. The east coast is best left for another season.
Flexibility helps: keep driving days short, check forecasts for depressions, and have indoor options in the hills. Lankan Stays & Trails plans November routes to reach the south coast in the second half of the month, as its season opens.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Sri Lanka in November?
November is wet across much of Sri Lanka. The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas to the east and north, while the west and south coasts have storms early in the month and usually dry out in the second half. The hills and the Cultural Triangle have frequent showers.
Is November a good time for the south coast of Sri Lanka?
The second half of November usually is. Storms are common early in the month, but the southwest coast dries out and the sea calms as the northeast monsoon sets in. Whale-watching from Mirissa usually restarts, and beach hotels reopen for the season.
Is the east coast of Sri Lanka wet in November?
Yes. November is the start of the east coast's wet season, with Trincomalee averaging roughly 300 to 380 mm of rain and rough seas from the northeast monsoon. Many east coast beach hotels close or reduce services until March. The east is better visited from April to September.
Are there cyclones in Sri Lanka in November?
November is the peak of the Bay of Bengal cyclone season. Most storms track towards India, but a depression or cyclone passing close to Sri Lanka can bring days of heavy rain and strong wind, especially to the east and north. Watch forecasts and keep plans flexible.
How much does it rain in Colombo in November?
Colombo averages roughly 250 to 320 mm of rain in November, most of it in the first half of the month from inter-monsoon thunderstorms. By the last week of November, many days are dry and sunny as the southwest's dry season begins.
What is the weather like in Ella in November?
Ella is wet in November, because the northeast monsoon reaches the eastern side of the hills on top of the inter-monsoon storms. Mornings can be clear, but afternoon cloud and rain are common, and hikes such as Ella Rock are best started early.
How does Lankan Stays & Trails plan November trips?
November routes usually go through the Cultural Triangle and the hills first, then reach the south or west coast in the second half of the month, when its dry season begins. Driving days are kept short and forecasts are checked for depressions before each long drive.