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"Catch perfect waves in Galle & Sri Lanka South Coast. February brings excellent surf conditions. Relax on the sand and forget the world for a while."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Galle & Sri Lanka South Coast?
Sri Lanka's southern coast enchants as a tropical paradise where UNESCO-listed Galle Fort's Dutch colonial ramparts encircle boutique cafés and galleries, Mirissa's golden beaches host blue whale watching (November-April offers very high chances but whales are wild and no operator can guarantee sightings), and Unawatuna Bay's turquoise water and palm-fringed sand create postcard-perfect scenes just 5km from Galle's historic heart. The region (south of Colombo, 2-4hrs by train or bus) combines beach relaxation with cultural depth: Galle Fort, founded by Portuguese in the 16th century and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century (much of the walling dates to 1663), features cobblestone streets, colonial villas converted to hotels, craft shops, and sunset walks atop ramparts with Indian Ocean views. The fort's ramparts reduced the impact of the 2004 tsunami and many people took refuge within the fort area; today it thrives as Sri Lanka's most atmospheric historic town.
Beyond Galle, the coast unfolds with distinct beach towns: Unawatuna (5km east) offers calm swimming and beachside seafood, Mirissa (40km east) balances chill beach bars with whale watching tours (around $55–$78 / LKR 17,121–LKR 24,042, 3-6hrs, November-April season for blue whales and spinner dolphins), Weligama's bay teaches beginner surfing (boards around $5.54 / LKR 1,712, lessons around $16 / LKR 5,100), and Tangalle (75-80km east) extends empty golden sands for those seeking solitude. Inland from coast, Sinharaja Rainforest (UNESCO, 2hrs north) delivers hiking through endemic species, and Udawalawe National Park (3hrs) showcases elephant herds. Yet the most iconic Sri Lankan experience lies further inland: the Kandy-Ella-Nuwara Eliya tea country.
Ella (5-6hrs from Galle, direct bus or train change at Colombo) offers hiking Little Adam's Peak and Nine Arch Bridge, while the Kandy-Ella train ride (at least 6-7 hours, sometimes longer, around $1.65 / LKR 510 third class) ranks among the world's most scenic—winding through emerald tea plantations, mist-shrouded hills, and waterfalls. Tea factory tours near Nuwara Eliya show production from plant to cup. The south coast's food scene mixes Sri Lankan curries (rice and curry with 4-8 dishes, around $2.24–$4.48 / LKR 692–LKR 1,384), fresh seafood (grilled fish, prawns, crab curry), and tourist-friendly cafés (Galle Fort's boutique spots charge around $8.83–$16 / LKR 2,732–LKR 5,100 per meal).
Sri Lanka's compact size enables diverse itineraries: combine coast, tea country, cultural triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa), Yala National Park leopards, and Adam's Peak pilgrimage in 10-14 days. The best months (December-March) bring dry sunny weather to south coast (28-32°C / 82-90°F), avoiding southwest monsoon (May-September brings rain and rough seas). With affordable prices (budget $77–$100 / LKR 23,678–LKR 30,963/day, mid-range $177–$212 / LKR 54,641–LKR 65,569/day), English widely spoken (colonial legacy), friendly locals, ETA/visa requirements and fees vary by nationality (check official sources before booking), and incredible natural beauty condensed in an island smaller than Ireland, Sri Lanka delivers India-lite charm—the colors, flavors, and culture without the chaos.
What to Do
Historic Galle Fort
Galle Fort UNESCO Site
Walk the historic fort (Portuguese origins, extensively fortified by Dutch) with ~2.5-3km of ramparts offering Indian Ocean views. Free entry to wander cobblestone streets lined with colonial villas now housing boutique hotels, galleries, and cafés. Visit at sunset (around 18:00) when locals gather on the ramparts and the lighthouse glows golden.
Galle Fort Museums & Churches
National Maritime Museum ($1.65 / LKR 510) chronicles Sri Lankan maritime history in a former Dutch warehouse. Dutch Reformed Church (1755, free) features gravestones in the floor. Best visited morning before 11:00 to avoid midday heat—most museums close 17:00.
Coastal Adventures
Mirissa Whale Watching
Depart 06:00–07:00 from Mirissa harbor (40km east, around $52–$67+ / LKR 16,028–LKR 20,763+ per person) for 3-6 hour boat trips. November-April offers a very high chance of sightings, but whales are wild animals and no operator can guarantee them—recent studies suggest conditions are changing, so treat any percentage claims as marketing, not a promise. Book day before through reputable operators. Bring sunscreen, hat, and seasickness pills—ocean can be rough.
Unawatuna Bay Swimming
Protected bay 5km east of Galle offers calm turquoise water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Free beach access, sunbeds $1.18–$3.53 / LKR 364–LKR 1,093. Visit morning (07:00–10:00) before crowds and heat. Beachside restaurants serve fresh seafood grills—negotiate prices before ordering (typically $7.07–$12 / LKR 2,186–LKR 3,643 for fish).
Weligama Beginner Surfing
Gentle bay waves make this Sri Lanka's best learn-to-surf spot. Board rental $1.64–$2.62 / LKR 506–LKR 809/hour, lessons $4.9–$8.18 / LKR 1,515–LKR 2,528 for 2 hours. Best conditions December-March with offshore winds. Morning sessions (07:00–09:00) have glassiest water. Watch fishermen on iconic stilt poles at dawn.
Hill Country Escapes
Ella Tea Plantations
Travel 5-6 hours inland (bus or train via Colombo) to reach Ella village at 1,041m elevation. Hike Little Adam's Peak (1hr round-trip, free, sunrise best) for tea valley panoramas. Nine Arch Bridge sees several trains daily—check at Ella station or your accommodation the day before for current times (they vary and can be delayed). Arrive 30 min early for photos.
Scenic Train Journey
The Kandy-Ella train route (at least 6-7 hours, sometimes longer, $0.49–$1.31 / LKR 153–LKR 404 depending on class) ranks among world's most scenic—emerald tea plantations, mist-shrouded mountains, waterfalls. Reserve tickets via Sri Lanka Railways' official seat-reservation site (seatreservation.railway.gov.lk) or through trusted agents—popular trains sell out. Sit on right side Kandy to Ella for best views.
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Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: CMB
- From :
Best Time to Visit
December, January, February, March
Climate: Tropical
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C | 24°C | 20 | Excellent ((best)) |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 12 | Excellent ((best)) |
| March | 31°C | 25°C | 21 | Excellent ((best)) |
| April | 31°C | 25°C | 28 | Wet |
| May | 30°C | 26°C | 30 | Wet |
| June | 30°C | 26°C | 29 | Wet |
| July | 29°C | 26°C | 29 | Wet |
| August | 29°C | 25°C | 28 | Wet |
| September | 29°C | 25°C | 29 | Wet |
| October | 29°C | 25°C | 28 | Wet |
| November | 30°C | 24°C | 26 | Wet |
| December | 30°C | 24°C | 22 | Excellent ((best)) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): February 2026 is perfect for visiting Galle & Sri Lanka South Coast!
Practical Information
Getting There
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is near Colombo, ~150 km from Galle (2.5-3hrs depending on traffic). Airport express highway bus to Colombo around $1.06 / LKR 328, 45min, then train/bus to Galle (2-3hrs). Direct airport taxi to Galle around $61–$82 / LKR 18,942–LKR 25,499. Many take train from Colombo Fort station (scenic coastal route, 2.5-4hrs, around $1.06–$5.18 / LKR 328–LKR 1,603). Budget option: bus from Colombo Central around $2.06 / LKR 637, 2.5hrs. Some fly into Mattala Airport (south, closer but fewer flights). Most routes go via Colombo.
Getting Around
Between towns: trains (scenic, slow, cheap), buses (faster, crowded, around $0.52–$2.06 / LKR 160–LKR 637), or tuk-tuks for short trips around $3.06–$10 / LKR 947–LKR 3,169. Galle Fort walkable (compact). Rent scooter around $5.18–$10 / LKR 1,603–LKR 3,169/day (international license + care—traffic chaotic). Apps: PickMe (Sri Lankan Uber), Uber (available in Colombo, Negombo, Beruwala; coverage varies). Tuk-tuks: always negotiate price before getting in (or use app). Private driver for multi-day around $41–$61 / LKR 12,749–LKR 18,942/day comfortable. Walking + tuk-tuks for most travelers. Reserve scenic train tickets via seatreservation.railway.gov.lk or through trusted agents.
Money & Payments
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR, Rs). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ LKR 309. ATMs in towns (withdraw max, fees add up). Cards accepted at hotels, upscale restaurants, not at local eateries/shops. Carry cash. Tipping: 10% restaurants if no service charge, $0.35–$0.71 / LKR 109–LKR 219 for guides/drivers, round up for tuk-tuks. Bargaining expected for tuk-tuks, souvenirs, not food. Very affordable—meals $1.65–$6.71 / LKR 510–LKR 2,076.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil are official. English widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants—colonial legacy. Older generation less fluent. Signs often trilingual. Young educated Sri Lankans speak good English. Communication easy on south coast (tourism hub), trickier in rural areas. Basic Sinhala: Ayubowan (hello), Sthuthi (thank you). Friendly locals often help.
Cultural Tips
Buddhist culture: remove shoes and hats at temples, dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees), don't pose with back to Buddha statues (disrespectful, arrestable offense—seriously). Avoid public displays of affection. Modest dress for women reduces attention. Bargaining for tuk-tuks essential (quote 2-3x fair price, settle at half). Touts at stations/beach—firm 'no' works. Tipping appreciated but not mandatory. Eat with right hand (left for bathroom). Don't touch people's heads. Elephants: avoid exploitative rides/shows (Udawalawe ethical viewing). Whale watching: choose operators who maintain distance (blue whales endangered). Traffic: pedestrians have no rights—cross carefully. Smile goes long way—Sri Lankans friendly, curious about foreigners. 'Island time' pace—patience essential.
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Claim Flight Compensation
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Perfect 7-Day South Coast & Hill Country
Arrive Colombo, Train to Galle
Galle Fort & Unawatuna Beach
Whale Watching in Mirissa
Travel to Ella (Tea Country)
Ella Hiking & Nine Arch Bridge
Ella to Colombo
Colombo & Departure
Where to Stay
Galle Fort
Best for: Colonial architecture, boutique hotels, cafes, galleries, rampart walks
Unawatuna
Best for: Beach, swimming, backpackers, nightlife, diving, Jungle Beach
Thalpe / Koggala
Best for: Upscale beach villas, stilt fishermen, quiet beaches, Martin Wickramasinghe Museum
Weligama
Best for: Surfing, surf schools, beach town, whale watching base
Mirissa
Best for: Whale watching, beach parties, sunset, palm-fringed beach
Popular Activities
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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