A Guide to Surfing the South of Sri Lanka
Surfing All Year Round
The south of Sri Lanka offers fun, surfable waves all year round, however in the high season some spots can get crowded, and during the off-season your options become limited. So knowing the right spots is essential. Generally, the more east-facing bays provide fun and protected waves, shielded from the strong, consistent trade winds. This is where local expertise can make a difference in finding those perfect, uncrowded waves no matter what time of year.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
September: While you might get lucky, September can bring heavy rain and predominant westerly monsoon trade winds, limiting you to spots like Weligama and other sheltered areas. Really doing your research is essential or getting in touch with someone who really understands how the south coast works to ensure you scoring fun waves daily. Be prepared to drive to score good uncrowded waves.
October: Late September and October often bring the first glassy mornings with plenty of swell from southern hemisphere pressure systems. Crowds are minimal, so you’re likely to surf some popular spots alone. Our Surf Camps offer a unique opportunity to explore the coastline in search of the best waves for those conditions.
November: One of my favourite months to surf in Sri Lanka! Predominantly, good trade winds mean glassy, smooth waves on most mornings. These combined with consistent southern hemisphere swells says you’re in for some memorable surfs. Again it can be tough knowing where to go during this time if you don’t know the coastline.
December: December is peak season, buzzing with energy both in and out of the water. The water is great for consistent smaller waves and favourable morning winds. Popular spots are crowded, but with some exploring you’ll discover quieter, fun waves away from the masses.
January: Similar to December, January offers peak conditions and vibrant vibes. This time provides the perfect blend of surfing and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
February: With constant, good morning winds and consistent small swells, February is perfect for beginner and intermediate surfers, with a few options for advanced surfers as well. Even though it’s a month for smaller swell, if you’re lucky you’ll still see the coastline light up in all its glory at least a few times this month.
March: This month brings a lively atmosphere, with the start of bigger, consistent swells and slightly lower crowds. Expect consistently fun waves with a good chance of scoring big time…especially if you know where to look.
April: Despite the humid weather, April is arguably the best month for epic surf with minimal crowds, glassy mornings, and decent swells. The south coast lights up with uncrowded or even solo/group surfs. This month is the one I’m most excited to share with anyone wanting to join me for a surf experience.
May: Early May can be exceptional with larger swells and glassy mornings. As the month progresses, the monsoon season begins, but with the right knowledge, you can still find fun waves.
Off-Season Surfing
If you understand the swells and the east-facing bays, you can consistently find fun waves, even if they aren’t the all-time best. With the right guidance or research, you’ll have a blast surfing mostly uncrowded spots. Heavy rains mainly occur in August and September, but in between, you can enjoy cooler climates than the east coast. While some shops may be closed, there are still vibrant hot spots to explore.
Get in Touch
If you have any surf coaching questions, need guidance, or want to join one of our Surf Camps, I’m here to help you score the best waves on the south coast of Sri Lanka. Our Surf Camps are designed to offer you an unforgettable surf coaching experience, tailored to your skill level and preferences.
