Weather in Weligama

About Weligama

Weligama's iconic stilt fishermen balance impossibly on single wooden poles thrust into the Indian Ocean, a technique unchanged for centuries and practiced nowhere else with such photogenic drama. At dusk, dozens of silhouetted fishermen create a surreal landscape where work becomes performance art.

Country

Sri Lanka

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

LKR

Language

Sinhala, English

Things to do in Weligama

Stilt fishing boat rides and instruction Traditional fishing technique demonstrations Local fisherman family homestays Beach sunset photography setup positions Fishing net making workshops Fresh catch cooking with fisher families

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

29C

Warm and pleasant, with regular rainfall.

February

30C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

March

31C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

April

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

June

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

July

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

August

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

September

28C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

November

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

December

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

Weligama is best known for its rows of stilt fishermen perched on poles just offshore — a genuinely traditional practice now performed as much for photographs as for fish, but no less striking against the sunset. The wide, gentle bay makes it one of Sri Lanka's best learn-to-surf spots, while the surrounding south coast offers everything from whale watching to the fortified old town of Galle a short drive away.

Best areas to stay in Weligama

Weligama Bay

The main beach and surf area, with a wide sandy bay suited to beginner surfers and the iconic stilt fishermen visible at low tide and sunset.

Midigama

A more advanced surf break a short distance west of Weligama, popular with experienced surfers.

Galle Fort (day trip)

The UNESCO-listed Dutch colonial fort town around 30 minutes away, with boutique shops, cafes and ramparts overlooking the sea.

Mirissa

A nearby beach town famous for whale watching boat trips, particularly for blue whales between November and April.

Getting to Weligama

✈

Flights

No airport at Weligama; fly into Colombo and travel via the coastal road or railway.

⏱

From London

~3–3.5 hours by train or road from Colombo.

🚕

Getting around

Tuk-tuks cover short distances; the coastal railway and Galle Road buses connect Weligama with Galle, Mirissa and other south coast towns.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Weligama?

November to April is the dry season on the south coast, with calmer seas and the best surf conditions for beginners; the southwest monsoon (May–September) brings rain and rougher water.

Is Weligama good for learning to surf?

Yes — its wide, gentle bay with consistent small waves is one of Sri Lanka's most popular spots for beginner surf lessons, with numerous surf schools along the beach.

Are the stilt fishermen still active fishermen?

Traditionally yes, though today most stilt fishermen pose for tourist photographs in exchange for a fee rather than fishing commercially — a tip is generally expected for photos.

How far is Weligama from Galle and Mirissa?

Galle is around 30 minutes away by tuk-tuk or train, and Mirissa (popular for whale watching) is about 15–20 minutes further along the coast.

How do I get to Weligama?

The coastal railway from Colombo via Galle stops at Weligama, taking around 3–3.5 hours; buses and taxis along the Galle Road are also frequent.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Took surf lessons in Weligama Bay for three days and the gentle waves made it perfect for a total beginner. Watching the stilt fishermen at sunset from the beach bar was a lovely way to end each day.

Becca H. · January 2024

★★★★☆

Good base for exploring the south coast — Galle Fort and Mirissa for whale watching were both easy day trips. Weligama itself is fairly built up now but still has a relaxed surf-town feel.

Sanath W. · December 2023

★★★★☆

The surf schools here are great for beginners and the long sandy bay rarely felt crowded. Took the train onward to Galle which was a scenic and easy journey along the coast.

Olga P. · February 2024