Sri Lanka in January – Everything to See and Do
Visiting Sri Lanka in January is ideal. It’s a great time for wildlife safaris, water sports, hiking, whale and dolphin watching, and enjoying the island’s endless beaches. The main reason for this is the Sri Lankan weather in January – the temperature in Sri Lanka in January usually falls within a comfortable range of 20-30oC, and most of the country lies under a canopy of clear skies. January also happens to be the end of the northeastern monsoon season, which means that travel constraints, if any, are few, making it easier to plan sightseeing and activities. In this article, we look at a few interesting places to visit, and things to do in Sri Lanka in January.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in January
Hill Country
As if Sri Lanka’s hill country isn’t enthralling enough at any time, the spell of drier weather in January makes it all the more enjoyable and ideal to visit. Temperatures in Kandy are around a pleasant 16-22oC. Considered the cultural capital, there’s much to appreciate here pertaining to the rich history and culture of Sri Lanka, starting at the marvellous Temple of the Tooth Relic itself. There are also several hiking options around Kandy, including the popular Knuckles Mountains and Hanthana Hills.
Nuwara Eliya experiences further cooler temperatures, and January is a good time to take in the breath-taking beauty of the pine-lined hills and endless tea plantations. There are beautiful stretches to trek through around Nuwara Eliya as well, including trails that pass through tea bushes, and nearby Horton Plains, with the incredible Baker’s Falls and World’s End within its premises.
Cultural Triangle
Kandy also happens to be the gateway to Sri Lanka’s amazing Cultural Triangle – which includes several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Beginning with Kandy, these also include the historical cities of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Dambulla. Brimming with ruins, relics, and imprints from centuries ago, a tour of this cluster is the best way to learn about the rich history and heritage of Sri Lanka.
Jaffna and the North
In a previous article, we highlighted a few cultural and historical attractions in Jaffna, including the famed Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Fort, Jaffna Public Library, Jaffna Archaeological Museum, and the many islands – such as Delft – that promise to create a lasting impression on visitors. Since the Hindu festival of Thai Pongal falls in the month of January, a visit to the north would also be an opportunity to observe and partake in the festive celebrations (and indulge in special food items). A little south of Jaffna, along the west coast is Mannar, where January is part of the peak season for viewing flocks of the majestic migratory flamingos who make their annual visit to the island.
West Coast
The bustling city of Negombo lies on the west coast of Sri Lanka, and is loved by tourists for its vivacious and hip vibe. With a plethora of hotels, restaurants, a fair bit of beach, and buzzing nightlife, it is a popular stop for most visitors to the country. The capital city of Colombo lies a little further south on the west coast, and is yet another favourite, with the perfect blend of vibrance and cultural significance to enjoy and indulge in.
South Coast and Beaches
January is a great time for water sports in Sri Lanka – particularly surfing, and one of the best places enjoyed by amateurs and pros alike is Weligama. Apart from having tides to suit everyone, the area is also popular for its spectacular beach bay and hospitality options. This is also the ideal time of year for whale- and dolphin-watching, which is one of the principal attractions in Mirissa. Here, too, there are pristine beaches, enchanting corals to explore via snorkelling or diving, and plenty of photo-op spots loved by visitors.
Wildlife Safaris
With drier weather in play, there is a greater probability of spotting the Sri Lankan leopard, sloth bear, mugger crocodile, sambar deer, and many other species of animals and birds as they make their way to water holes to hydrate. Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park are both excellent options for this exciting activity.
Best Way to Explore Sri Lanka in January
While public transport options such as trains and buses are available for use, given that January is a peak time for visiting Sri Lanka, the best way to get about would be to hire a car. This would also mean being able to cut down on travel time, and having to worry less about getting to your destinations on time before crowds build up. Bear in mind that it is highly recommended to book vehicles and tours in advance to avoid disappointment during the busy season.
If you do intend to rent a car in Sri Lanka, Kings Rent-a-Car offers a selection of reliable vehicles, ranging from saloon cars to SUVs and 4WDs at competitive rates. While self-drive rentals are an option, we recommend using our chauffeur service for expertise on local routes and navigation. Add-on options include child/infant car seats, jumper cables, first aid kits and GPS-enabled tablets.
Visit Kings Rent-a-Car online for rates and options, or WhatsApp us on +94 77 773 9492 for information and inquiries.