As there are already hundreds of weather websites that offer the same explanation of the Arugam Bay climate this page will serve as a more practical guide. Most people are really only interested in whether it will be sunny enough for sunbathing or cool enough to sleep without air-conditioning so this page will attempt to answer all your questions.
March, April, May, June, July, August and September
This is considered the dry season although heavy rain at any time for 1 or 2 days is always a possibility. If you are staying for a week or more you will welcome the rain at this time as a respite from the heat. If you take accommodation without air-conditioning you will need a good fan and natural ventilation. The wind increases in strength after July and provides some cooling during the day. March to June are the most uncomfortable months having very little breeze which leads to problems with small flies which many will find annoying. On the worst days you will only want to sit on the beach or under a fan.
February and October
These are the hardest months to forecast. It is possible to have a few weeks of rain, a month of sun or anything in between. The temperature is lower though so sleeping without ac is comfortable.
November, December and January
The rainy season is not a period of constant rain; while it can rain solidly for 2 or 3 days this is normally followed by a few days or even a week of sunshine. However, every year can be different; there is no standard, so it is possible to have 2 weeks of torrential rain and flooding. Understand though that this is unlikely, the latest trend for the last few years is that the rainy season is becoming less rainy; good news for tourists, bad news for farmers!
Weather Certainties
- It can rain at any time in Arugam Bay and often when you least expect it!
- Your weather forecast app will generally forecast rain every day of the year; 95% of the time you can ignore this. The locals will normally be able to offer you better advice.
If anyone has any disagreements or experiences they would like to share please feel free to leave your comments below.
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Hi it’s a great guide indeed, I am reading every article… it’s been many hours already, and at this article, I’m wondering it was so heavy rain, it was monsoon at that time, in negombo, when I visited in 2013, May, but in the same year July of course Arugam bay was dry. I’m wondering sri lanka is such a small island, the weather can be so different from the west to the east. .. And I am heading to arugam tomorrow by bus from trincomalee. I will avoid the surf lesson, as i did in 2013 my first vist, it is not so much difference as your article says about it even recently 😉 I’m not a surfer, I was a traveller and first heard of arugam bay just when I was travelling the whole sri Lanka, then I visited out of curiosity, and took a chance that alone surfers from Europe gave me a free short lesson. I wish this time second visit Arugam bay be also like that ‘sunny, friendly, fresh’ as I recall.. but I know it will never be like that, not because of the attack, but due to increasing touristz, being more commercialized…. just feel like the world is never gonna be safe again, and becoming just generally not good to travel. I just wrote this :{ hehe
What will be the temperature in arugambe 13 the to 18 April ? Can you bear the heat ?
Specially can small children can they manage ?
Hello, We are planning to head to Argum Bay on Tuesday for about a week. How is the weather at the moment?
Thanks
Clare
PS greaat guide…
Thank you!! 🙂
Hi there, were planning to come surfing from 21st Oct for a week or more…It sounds like you are THE guy to ask if the weather/conditions are looking OK….we’re intermediates looking for that wonderful sounding long wave!!!….are hotels and things going to be a bit alive? I’ve got images of us sitting huddled under makeshift plastic rain shields looking out into the gloom wishing we had gone to the south coast!!! ! Thx
Hey! This October has been really good so far, very sunny, only the occasional shower with some great waves. There are plenty of surfers still here. But… there are no promises, tomorrow could be different and next week also. You have to think lucky. There will not be much of a vibe in the town. Find a popular hotel and there will be people there. Good luck and please come back and let us know how it turns out for you.
Hi,
We are planning to come to Arugam Bay mid of March for surfing. I was wondering if we can expect good surf and if there are spots that are suitable for beginners and advanced surfers.
I read one some pages that March is still “off-season” when it comes to restaurants, bars and guest houses. What is your opinion on that? Thanks so much for your Tipps and advices
Hey Caro, yes March will still be pretty quiet in Arugam Bay. The surf will not be consistent. You may get some fun days when the off-season beach breaks are working or even Main Point may have a good day or two. However, it is not a time for reliable surf. Some places never close in Arugam Bay but the majority of spots will still be closed in March. It is a time to come for peace and quiet and to enjoy the normal local life of the area.
Landing in Colombo tomorrow. Have no plans . . . how is November looking for Arugam Bay? Any surf this time you reckon this month? Thanks for any info . . . Adam
Hey Adam, at the moment there is still a lot of sun but also a few showers. The surf is really only suitable for beginners at the moment. A few small waves for learning.
Hot & sunny, quiet & relaxing. Beautiful
Hi, I was planning to please head to A’bay this weekend. But now i’m skeptical about the weather and also travel conditions during to the rain. Some areas enroute comes under the landslide threat. Any updates/advise?
Hi Gauty, Arugam Bay is experiencing very normal weather at the moment. It is very hot and sunny with the occasional shower. There has been heavy rain across other parts of the island in recent days but the landslide and flood warnings are not affecting any major routes to Arugam Bay.
I spent a month in Arugam Bay a couple of years ago and I recognise most of the advice on this site as being good, accurate and thorough.
Well done, this is a great resource – please keep it up!
Thanks very much Gaz, very good to hear!