Sri Lanka has surf year round, but the best coast depends on the season. The south and south west (Weligama, Madiha, Ahangama, Midigama and nearby) are usually at their best from late October/November through to April. From May through to September (often into October), the east coast turns on around Arugam Bay, with long pointbreak days when the winds are cleaner. Aiming for April or October can work, but conditions are less predictable, so it helps to pick the coast that matches your dates.
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Surfing in Sri Lanka| Complete Guide | Outer Reef
Outer Reef runs surf trips in Sri Lanka because it’s one of the few places on the planet where you can score warm water waves in every season. With two main coastlines facing opposite directions, Sri Lanka’s surf changes through the year, but the quality stays high. You’ll find a mix of beaches, reef and point breaks to suit every level, from first timers looking for friendly, rolling waves to confident surfers chasing cleaner, more powerful sets.
For Outer Reef in Sri Lanka, the key is timing the coast. Our main season on the South and Southwest (including Weligama, Madiha, Ahangama, Mirissa and Hiriketiya) lines up with the Maha monsoon pattern, roughly October to February, and blends into the classic prime window from November to April. Expect dry, sunny days, warm water, and more consistent swells with offshore winds that keep the waves clean and organised. It’s the easiest time of year for progression too: beginners can build confidence on mellow bays like Weligama, while intermediate and advanced surfers can hunt punchier reefs and occasional barrels at nearby breaks.
From March through September, the island shifts into the Yala season. The South can see more unsettled weather, but the East coast wakes up, with Arugam Bay becoming the headline spot thanks to its long right-hand point breaks. Swells are often smaller and more forgiving overall, which is brilliant for learning and improving technique, while experienced surfers can still find solid days when the points start firing. It’s also a great time to explore beyond the surf, with greener landscapes, full waterfalls and strong wildlife viewing in national parks during these months.
Whenever you choose to come, Outer Reef will help you match your trip to the best conditions for your level, and build a Sri Lanka itinerary that balances surf, culture and adventure.
Choose your destination
Top Surf Regions in Sri Lanka
Choose the region and we will show you the best waves and recommended the perfect camps.
Surf trips made simple. Trusted camps. Real local knowledge.
Our Sri Lanka Surf Camps
Sri Lanka is all about picking the right base. Stay close to the breaks and you spend more time in the water, less time in tuk tuks. Each of our camps is set up in a different spot along the coast, so you can choose the vibe that suits you, mellow surf and easy learning bays, punchier reefs for progression, or a quieter hideaway with space to breathe. Wherever you land, you’ll get warm water, great food, and a proper surf trip rhythm: surf, refuel, chill, repeat.
Sri Lanka has two seasons dry season and monsoon season
Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
You can surf Sri Lanka almost year-round, the island just switches coasts. The southwest is the main event from roughly November through April, when the swell and winds line up for the south and west-facing breaks around Ahangama, Weligama and Midigama. From May through September, the focus shifts to the east coast as the seasons flip and spots around Arugam Bay come alive with cleaner conditions. October is a bit of a sweet spot too, often a great month on the east coast before the island swings back to the southwest for winter.
Peak season on the south-west
November to April
This is the classic Sri Lanka window for the south and south-west coast. Expect the most consistent swell and the best day-to-day conditions around Weligama, Ahangama and Midigama.
East coast lights up
May to September
When the seasons flip, the east coast turns on. Arugam Bay and the surrounding points are the go-to for cleaner winds, longer rides, and proper summer surf-trip energy.
The bonus month
October on the east
October can be a brilliant time to aim east before the island swings back into the south-west season. Fewer crowds, warm water, and plenty of fun days if you catch the right swell.
Easy planning for mixed groups
Year Round learning vibes
If your priority is progression and good times, Sri Lanka works in most months, especially in the more sheltered bays. The trick is staying in the right base for the season so you can surf more and travel less.
Culture and inland escapes
Kandy to Ella adventure
Swap saltwater for hill country for a day or two. Ride the famous train from Kandy to Ella through tea plantations and misty valleys, then explore waterfalls, viewpoints and little cafes before heading back to the coast.
Wildlife and big nature
Safari day trip
Add a proper adventure between surfs with a safari at Udawalawe National Park (brilliant for elephants) or Yala National Park (wilder, with a chance of leopard). Early start, epic scenery, back in time for a sunset session.
Ocean missions
Dolphins, whales and snorkelling
Sri Lanka delivers on sea life. Dolphin pods are a regular bonus, and in season you can book a boat trip for whale spotting, especially around Mirissa. On calmer days, grab a mask and snorkel for an easy ocean reset between surfs.
Food, markets and local life
Eat your way along the coast
Between surfs it is all about fresh, simple goodness. Beach cafes, Sri Lankan curry, rotis, tropical fruit, coconut water and sunset spots. Add a local market wander or a cooking class if you want to take the flavours home.
Reset and recover
Yoga and recharge
Keep your body happy for back to back surf days. Yoga and mobility sessions, massages, and recovery options like sauna and ice baths are perfect for loosening up, sleeping better, and paddling out feeling fresh.
Flights, transfers, and the easiest routes
Getting there and transport
Most travellers fly into Colombo, landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). We can help you pick the simplest flight route from where you are travelling, then organise a smooth airport pickup so you can land, relax, and get straight to the coast.
Main gateway
Fly into Colombo (CMB)
Most international flights land in Colombo. From there it is an easy run down to the south-west surf coast where our camps are based.
UK travellers
Direct or one-stop
From the UK you can go direct on select dates, or connect in one stop via major hubs like Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi for a smooth journey.
Europe made simple
Easy connections
From most of Europe, the quickest routes are usually one-stop into Colombo via big international hubs - Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi (and often Istanbul too).
Already nearby
Quick regional flights
Coming from the Middle East, India or South East Asia? Colombo is well connected, making Sri Lanka an easy add-on to a wider trip.
Included in your trip
Transfers arranged for you
We can organise airport pickups and drop-offs as part of your package, so you land, meet your driver, and head straight to camp with zero stress.
Scenic and budget friendly
Train down the coast
Prefer public transport? Take the train south, enjoy the scenery, then finish with a short tuk-tuk or taxi to your camp.
Quick admin
Visas and entry
Entry requirements can change, so check the latest guidance before you fly. If you want, we will point you to the right official info when you book.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the best time to surf?
Expect tropical warmth and warm water most of the year. You will get sunny days in season, with short, heavy rain showers during wetter periods that usually clear quickly. Humidity can feel high, so light clothing and good sun protection make a big difference.
How much does food and transport cost?
Sri Lanka can be very good value day-to-day. As a rough guide, local cafes and curry spots are often a few pounds per meal, while nicer restaurants cost more. Buses and trains are usually the cheapest ways to get around, with tuk tuks and taxis best for short hops. Prices can change with location and exchange rates, so treat any numbers as a guide.
Be up to date with routine vaccines and check the latest country-specific guidance well before you travel. What you need can depend on your trip style (for example, longer stays, lots of rural travel, or lots of time in the water). A travel clinic or your doctor can advise based on your plans.
Light clothing, a hat, high SPF sunscreen (50+), zinc for your face, mosquito repellent, and a reusable water bottle. A long-sleeve rash vest/Lycra top is great for sun and rash protection. Ear plugs, reef boots (useful at some breaks), and a small first aid kit are also worth having.
Should I get travel insurance?
Yes. Make sure it covers surfing and any activities you plan to do, plus medical care, cancellations, and luggage/board cover.
Entry requirements can change, and the right option depends on your nationality and length of stay. Most travellers will need an online visa/ETA arranged before travel, so check the Sri Lanka Immigration authority and your government travel advice for the latest steps. https://www.eta.gov.lk
Most international flights arrive into Colombo (CMB). We can help you choose the simplest route, then organise an airport pickup to your chosen camp base.
Usually yes, but baggage rules vary a lot by airline and ticket type, so double check before you book. If you would rather travel light, our camps can sort boards locally, with options to match your level and the waves at that time of year.
We run camps across Sri Lanka, with bases along the south and south-west coast including Madiha, Weligama, Ahangama and nearby spots. When the season switches, we can also help you plan around the east coast (Arugam Bay and surrounding points) so you stay close to the best waves for your dates.
Is there Wi-Fi and mobile data?
Wi-Fi is available, but speeds can vary. For the most reliable connection, we recommend grabbing a local SIM or eSIM with data (often easiest to sort on arrival).
What other activities can I do?
Loads. Between surfs you can mix in culture, wildlife and downtime: Galle Fort, tea country day trips, safaris (Udawalawe or Yala), whale watching around Mirissa in season, snorkelling on calmer days, plus yoga and recovery options. For ideas and how to fit them around the surf, check out our 'Things To Do' between surfs section.
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