A Sri Lanka Wildlife and Beach Holiday in March

March weather on the wildlife and beach route is hot and dry. The south and west coasts are sunny, with calm seas and long dry spells. Temperatures climb through the month, roughly 30 to 33 degrees on the coast, with high humidity, and the parks are hotter still at midday.

Late March can bring the first pre-monsoon showers, usually short afternoon storms, as the inter-monsoon approaches.

March sea conditions on the south coast are usually excellent, with flat mornings and clear water. Snorkelling at Unawatuna and Jungle Beach is at its clearest, and swimming is comfortable at most beaches, though a light afternoon breeze can pick up the waves.

Yala in March is often at its best for leopards. The park has been drying since February, and animals cluster at the few remaining waterholes. Leopards, sloth bears, elephants and deer are seen more predictably, and the thinner vegetation makes spotting easier.

Dawn drives are the most rewarding, with active animals and cooler air. Afternoon drives catch animals coming to water before sunset. Full-day safaris are very hot in March.

The thinning scrub in March also helps with other animals. Sloth bears become a little easier to spot towards the end of the dry season, and herds of elephants move to the lagoons and remaining tanks, often in the late afternoon. Bird activity is high at waterholes, especially at dawn.

Managing the heat is the main adjustment for a March wildlife and beach holiday. Plan safaris for dawn and late afternoon, rest in the shade or by the pool between, and drink plenty of water. A hat, long light sleeves and high-factor sunscreen help in an open jeep.

On the beach, swim in the morning and late afternoon, and choose hotels with good shade and a pool. Many travellers take a long lunch and a nap in the hottest hours.

Lankan Stays & Trails adjusts March itineraries to keep drives out of the midday heat where possible.

Children and older travellers feel the heat most in March. Shorter safaris, cool drinks in the jeep, damp cloths for the neck and a rest in an air-conditioned room after lunch all help keep everyone comfortable through the hottest part of the season.

The March route follows the classic wildlife and beach itinerary. Leopard enthusiasts might take the safari-heavy version, with extra Yala drives, since March is one of the best months for them.

Whale watching remains good, though some years see sightings tail off towards the end of the month. Placing the whale boat earlier in the coastal half, on day six or seven, is sensible.

The beach half of a March trip benefits from shade. Hotels with mature gardens, pools and air-conditioned rooms make a big difference, and an afternoon nap is a sensible part of the plan rather than a lost hour.

Easter and school holidays bring busier weeks to the south coast when they fall in March. Hotels and camps fill, and Yala sees more jeeps. Booking two to four months ahead helps.

Medin Poya, the March full moon, is a quieter poya, with temples busier and alcohol not sold.

Outside the Easter weeks, March is often slightly quieter than February in Yala, which together with the dry conditions makes it a favourite month for keen wildlife watchers.