Tamil harvest festival. Traditional rituals and food.
Mid–Jan
Duruthu Perahera
Cultural
Kelaniya
Grand Buddhist pageant with elephants & dancers.
Jan–Mar
Whale Watching Season Begins
Adventure / Eco-tourism
Mirissa, Kalpitiya
Best time to see blue whales and dolphins.
February
4 Feb
Independence Day
National / Cultural
Colombo + Nationwide
Military parades, flag ceremonies, and performances.
Mid–Feb
Navam Perahera
Cultural
Colombo – Gangaramaya Temple
Elephant-led religious procession.
TBC
Galle Literary Festival
Cultural / Art
Galle Fort
Global literary event with authors, workshops, food & art.
March
TBC
Surf Season Starts (East Coast)
Sport / Adventure
Arugam Bay
Top surf destination in Asia.
TBC
Colombo Music Festival
Music
Colombo
Afro, Caribbean, pop & local acts. Outdoor festival vibe.
April
13–15 Apr
Sinhala & Tamil New Year
Cultural
Nationwide
Traditional games, rituals, music, and food.
Mid-April
Aluth Sahal Mangallaya
Cultural
Kandy
New rice ceremony at Temple of the Tooth.
May
12–14 May (TBC)
Vesak Festival
Religious / Cultural
Nationwide
Biggest Buddhist festival. Lanterns, pandals, free food.
TBC
Electric Peacock Festival
Music / EDM
Colombo / South
Sri Lanka’s biggest electronic music festival.
June
10–12 June (TBC)
Poson Festival
Religious
Anuradhapura & Mihintale
Celebrates the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
All Month
Yala National Park Safaris
Adventure / Wildlife
Yala
Peak season for leopard and elephant sightings.
July
13–23 July (TBC)
Kataragama Esala Festival
Cultural / Religious
Kataragama
Fire walking, Hindu-Buddhist rituals, kavadi dance.
Mid–Late July
Vel Festival
Cultural / Hindu
Colombo
Tamil chariot festival with drumming and blessings.
Late July
Arugam Bay Surf Open
Sport
Arugam Bay
International surf competition. Music, beach parties.
August
10–20 Aug (TBC)
Kandy Esala Perahera
Cultural / Religious
Kandy
Sri Lanka’s most iconic Buddhist procession.
Mid–Aug
Nallur Festival
Religious / Cultural
Jaffna
25-day Hindu festival with majestic processions.
Late Aug
Ella Adventure Festival
Adventure / Wellness
Ella
Hiking, cycling, music, and local art.
September
TBC
Colombo Fashion Week – Swim
Fashion / Culture
Colombo
Swimwear edition with runway shows and beach parties.
TBC
Deep Jungle Music Festival
Music / Camping
Dambulla / Habarana area
Electronic music + camping in nature.
October
TBC
Colombo International Book Fair
Art / Culture
BMICH, Colombo
Biggest literary fair in South Asia.
Full Moon
Vap Poya
Religious
Nationwide
End of Buddhist monastic retreat.
Oct–Dec
Kitesurfing Season Begins
Sport / Adventure
Kalpitiya
Lagoon and ocean kiting paradise. Peak wind season.
November
9 Nov
Deepavali (Diwali)
Religious / Cultural
Jaffna, Colombo
Hindu festival of lights. Lamps, sweets, prayers.
TBC
Colombo Design Festival
Culture / Art / Fashion
Colombo
Design exhibitions, creative talks, and innovation.
December
25 Dec
Christmas
Religious / Cultural
Colombo, Negombo
Celebrations with décor, mass, and events.
Late Dec
New Year Beach Raves
Music / Party
Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa
EDM and techno beach parties for year-end.
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