The Best Beaches in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is located on the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent, and it boasts a picturesque coastline with a variety of beaches to explore. Hiriketiya, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa, Koggala, and Mirissa are some of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. Each of these beaches offers unique experiences, from surfing in Hiriketiya to whale watching in Mirissa. Our complete guide below provides a comprehensive list of beaches in Sri Lanka for visitors to discover.

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Top Beaches in Sri Lanka Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka Sri Lanka Beaches Map

Discover our top picks

Top Beaches in Sri Lanka

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Hiriketiya

Hiriketiya Beach, located within the Hiriketiya Bay situated near Dickwella town on Sri Lanka's southern coast...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Arugam Bay

Located in the southeast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a well-known beach that attracts active young people and ...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a renowned beach destination situated in Sri Lanka, providing visitors with a diverse range of ex...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Koggala

Koggala, Sri Lanka is home to a 3 km long beach that offers a serene and uncrowded vacation spot for tourists....

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Mirissa

Mirissa is a beach village located on the south coast of Sri Lanka that is popular among surfers. The beach is...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Nilaveli

Nilaveli Beach is situated on the eastern coast of Sri Lanka and is a recommended location for individuals see...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Tangalle

Tangalle beach is a picturesque beach situated in the southern region of Sri Lanka. It is renowned for its nat...

TOP-TIER BEACH

Sri Lanka

Unawatuna

Unawatuna beach, situated in Sri Lanka, is widely recognized as the most excellent beach in the country and ha...

Balancing weather, sea temperature and more

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March, which is the peak season. During this time, the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for spending time on the beach and doing outdoor activities. The water temperature is ideal for swimming in the sea, and the visibility for snorkeling and diving is at its best. The months of April and May are also good for visiting, though it can get quite hot and humid. From June to September, Sri Lanka experiences its monsoon season, which means heavy rainfall and rough seas. However, if you are a surfer, this can be an ideal time to visit as the waves are at their highest. Overall, the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on your preference and the activities you plan on doing.