Provinces of Sri Lanka
There are nine provinces in Sri Lanka. Seven are named based on geographical location: Northern, North Western, North Central, Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. The other two provinces are called Uva and Sabaragamuwa, located in south-central Sri Lanka. 
Districts of Sri Lanka
Northern province
There are four districts in Northern Province; Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Mannar.
north Western Province
There are two districts in North Western Province; Puttalam and Kurunegala.
North Central Province
There are three districts in North Central Province; Vavuniya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Central Province
There are three districts in Central Province; Matale, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.
Eastern Province
There are three districts in Eastern Province; Trincomalee, Batticaloa and Ampara.
Western Province
There are three districts in Western Province; Gampaha, Colombo and Kalutara.
Southern Province
There are three districts in Southern Province; Galle, Matara and Hambantota
Sabaragamuwa Province
Two districts form Sabaragamuwa Province; Regalle and Ratnapura.
Uva Province
Two districts form Uva Province; Badulla and Moneragala.
Best time to go to Sri Lanka?
There are some rules of thumb but the best time to visit Sri Lanka. However, the answer will depend on the area of Sri Lanka you are visiting and the particular monsoonal effects. First, it is essential to understand the complexity of the weather in Sri Lanka.
What is the weather like in Sri Lanka during the year?
Tropical monsoons govern the weather in Sri Lanka. Due to the geographical location of Sri Lanka, the island experiences two monsoonal seasons; northeast (October-March) and southwest (June to October). The area on the island you are will dictate the effect from those two monsoonal seasons.
There are two inter-monsoonal periods. One is from October until mid-November. During this period, thunderstorms and further rain is common-place.
To further complicate the weather equation getting a torrential downpour in the dry seasons is not uncommon. Vice-versa, getting a clear blue sky during the wet season is not unusual!
Given the proximity of Sri Lanka to the equator, the temperature is relatively consistent year-round. It is obviously colder in the higher altitudes (tea country) with temperatures averaging mid to high teens (°C). The coast has average temperatures of mid 20 °C to low 30 °C
Luckily even if you do experience heavy rain, it is short-lived. We have experienced some flash flooding during our stay, and it is amazing how fast it rises and also how quickly it falls.
Southern Sri Lanka coast
- Notable towns: Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle, Hambantota, Tissa, Yala National Park
Best time to travel: November to April
Worst time to visit: September- October
Western Sri Lanka coast
- Notable towns: Negombo, Colombo, Bentota
Best time to travel: Late-November- March/April
Worst time to visit: June-August (high rainfall)
Cultural Triangle
- Notable towns: Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park, Anuradhapura
Best time to travel: December to May
Worst time to visit: high rain in November and December
Tea country
- Notable towns: Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Adam’s Peak
Best time to travel: December to March/April
Worst time to visit: June to October
Northern Sri Lankan coast
- Notable towns: Jaffna
Best time to travel: July to September, December to February
Worst time to visit: April to June is very hot
Eastern Sri Lanka coast
- Notable areas include: Trincomalee Arugam Bay
Best time to travel: April-September
Worst time to visit: October to January
Specific seasonal attractions in Sri Lanka
Blue Whales
Mirissa/Dondra: November – April
Trincomalee: June – October Best: July
Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales or Orcas
Sperm Whales
Trincomalee: June – October
Dolphins
Kalpiytya: November to April
Marissa/Dondra and Trincomalee – same as whale season
Birdlife
Bundala or Kumana National Park: December to April
Flamingos
Mannar Island: August to March
Leopards
Although leopards are seen year-round, your best bet is during the driest months when water is scant. If you visit Yala or Wilpattu National Park during July to September, you are increasing your chances of an encounter.
Sloth Bears
Yala National Park and Wilpattu National Park during the Palu and Weera fruit season: May – July
Elephants
Minneriya National Park – July- September (to watch The Gathering)
When to visit Sri Lanka | Tourist numbers
High seasons in Sri Lanka
The peak tourist season in Sri Lanka from December to March
Shoulder season in Sri Lanka
There are two shoulder seasons when numbers of visitors are lower to Sri Lanka. The first is April and the second is September- November
Low season in Sri Lanka
May to August
So, when should I visit Sri Lanka?
Most people visit both the tea country, the western coast and southern coastal areas of Sri Lankan. As such, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to mid-April.
If you are after a beach holiday and are coming from December to April, your best bet is the South and West Coasts. Whereas, May to September is the best months for North and East Coast beach holidays.
If wildlife is more your plan, June to September are the best months to visit Yala and Wilpattu National Parks. If you are after the feathered creatures August to April is an excellent time as there are many migratory birds in Sri Lanka.
If aquatic animals, whales or dolphins is the aim. You should visit Mirissa from November to April or Trincomalee from June to October. The most festive time of year is July and August when the Esala Perahera festival occurs, although, they do love a festival in Sri Lanka.
