Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Asia
Reload this Page >

A question concerning Sri Lanka's rainfall in Jan.

A question concerning Sri Lanka's rainfall in Jan.

Old Sep 18th, 2014, 12:33 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
A question concerning Sri Lanka's rainfall in Jan.

I was just about to book a trip to Sri Lanka from Jan. 14-Jan. 26 when I read about the northeast monsoon which occurs during Jan. The article, about general weather conditions in Sri Lanka , was written a few years ago. It mentioned the not unusual landslides in tea country (near Ella where we want to stay) and heavy rain in the cultural triiangle during Jan. Obviously, if this is the weather pattern for Jan. we would look to go elsewhere. Can anyone who lives in Sri Lanka or has recently been to Sri lanka in Jan comment on the rain in the cultural triangle and in tea country. Did it have a major impact on your trip?
shelleyk is offline  
Old Sep 18th, 2014, 10:33 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Shelley the point you are raising is actually one of the most interesting things about little Sri Lanka and why this tiny island has so much biodiversity. Sri Lanka albeit a tiny island is divided into distinct climatic zones with the central hills in the center. To answer your question, Jan is the North East monsoon and during this time the North and East coast of the country gets affected by high winds, passing thunderstorms, seas become rough etc. However Jan is a fantastic time to visit the south and west coast and also the hill country and cultural triangle. From about May to August the west coast is off season with rough seas etc however this is then best season for the east coast where you do find the absolute best beaches.
Mohammed is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2014, 05:31 AM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for you reply, Mohammed. The article I read made it seem as if I would be walking in the rain most of the time in the cultural triangle and tea country in Jan. Your reply makes it seem otherwise, and I am releived to read that.

Since my main reason for coming to Sri Lanka is to see the cultural triangle and do some walking around Ella and the tea country, I wanted to be as sure as one can be when it comes to weather, that I was not risking walking in the rain most of the time. I am really not sure how one climbs rock steps in the rain.lol Since I am not spending any time at beaches, it makes no difference to me which coast is better in Jan.

Again, thanks for your reply. Has anyone else been in Sri Lanka in Jan. in hill country or the cultural triangle? What was your experience with rain? I need to pay for my plane tickets by Sunday, or loose them.
shelleyk is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2014, 07:27 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Shelley, imho Jan is basically the best time to visit Sri Lanka for what you are interested in.

Ella area and the CT should be good.

However this is a tropical island and the "weather gods" sometimes do have other plans.
Mohammed is offline  
Old Sep 19th, 2014, 01:01 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I understand. I guess I'll have to start praying to the "weather gods" around Jan. 1.
shelleyk is offline  
Old Sep 20th, 2014, 02:48 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We were in Sri Lanka Dec/ Jan two years ago. From Kandy we travelled via the tea country ,staying in Ella down to the South coast.
I don't remember significant rain but around Ella there were several landslides on to the road. They were in fact mudslides and we got the impression that there were constant teams on standby to clear the mud every morning. This was not so significant as to disrupt traffic.
We didn't walk and didn't visit the Triangle but I enjoyed it very much.
Frances is offline  
Old Sep 20th, 2014, 02:47 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,747
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I guess those are the " not uncommon mudslides " that the article mentioned. It's good to know that they usually do not impede traffic. Thanks for the reply, Frances
shelleyk is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tansmets
Asia
6
May 20th, 2012 01:31 PM
Hilary
Asia
5
Feb 25th, 2011 08:18 AM
sandy456
Asia
8
Nov 16th, 2008 12:10 PM
shedo
Asia
5
Aug 11th, 2008 08:59 PM
tereza
Asia
7
Feb 1st, 2006 01:22 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -