Weather in Kandy

About Kandy

The Sacred Tooth Relic rests in the cliff-hugging Temple of the Tooth Relic on the shore of Kandy Lake—Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site where pilgrims daily worship. The lake's artificial shore creates perfect symmetry; the mountains rise steeply beyond. Festival Perahera parades with tusked elephants annually in August.

Country

Sri Lanka

Best months to visit

January, February

Currency

LKR

Language

Sinhala, Tamil, English

Things to do in Kandy

Visiting the Temple of the Tooth Relic for prayers and Tooth Relic viewings Circumambulating Kandy Lake on a 3-kilometre path past temples and gardens Hiking to Bahiravokanda Buddha Statue on hillside overlooking the city Attending the Festival Perahera elephant procession (August) with thousands watching Visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in nearby Peradeniya (5 kilometres) Staying in colonial-era hotels and eating curry at local 'curry houses'

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

27C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

February

29C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

March

30C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

April

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

May

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

27C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

27C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

27C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

27C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

November

27C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

December

27C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital before British rule, sits around a tranquil lake in the central highlands and is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most important pilgrimage sites, said to house a tooth of the Buddha himself. Beyond the temple, the city is a gateway to the surrounding hill country, with botanical gardens, spice plantations and the scenic train line to the tea country all within easy reach.

Best areas to stay in Kandy

Kandy Lake area

The central area around the lake, including the Temple of the Tooth and main shopping streets.

Peradeniya

Home to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a short drive or tuk-tuk ride from the city centre.

Bahirawakanda

A hillside area overlooking the city, with a large Buddha statue and panoramic views.

Surrounding hills

Tea and spice plantations in the hills around Kandy, many offering tours and tastings.

Getting to Kandy

✈

Flights

No airport in Kandy; the nearest is Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo.

⏱

From London

By train from Colombo, around 2.5-3.5 hours; by road, around 3 hours.

🚕

Getting around

Tuk-tuks are the easiest way around the city; the train station is the starting point for the famous hill country railway.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kandy?

January to April tends to be drier, though Kandy's hill climate means rain is possible year-round; the Esala Perahera festival in July/August is a major draw.

What is the Temple of the Tooth?

A sacred Buddhist temple housing a relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha, central to Sri Lankan Buddhist identity and the focus of daily ceremonies.

How do I get to Kandy from Colombo?

By train (around 2.5-3.5 hours) or road (around 3 hours), with the train offering scenic views as it climbs into the hills.

What else is there to see near Kandy?

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, spice and tea plantations, and the start of the famous scenic train route to Ella and Nuwara Eliya.

What should I know about visiting the Temple of the Tooth?

Modest dress is required, shoes must be removed, and visiting during one of the daily puja ceremonies adds to the experience but also the crowds.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Timed our visit with the Esala Perahera festival and it was incredible — elephants in full regalia, dancers and drummers parading around the lake for the Temple of the Tooth.

Anushka W. · August 2023

★★★★☆

The Temple of the Tooth itself is fairly compact but atmospheric, especially during a puja ceremony. The Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya were a relaxing half-day add-on.

Oliver P. · March 2024

★★★★☆

Used Kandy as the starting point for the famous train ride to Ella, which alone is worth coming for. The lake walk in the evening is a lovely, calm way to end the day.

Niluka F. · December 2023