The best beaches in Sri Lanka depend on the month you travel. The south and west coasts are at their best from December to March, and the east coast is at its best from May to September, so there is almost always a dry, calm coast to choose. This guide covers the beaches we send guests to, what each one is best for, and when to go.
The short answer
- Best for swimming and families: Unawatuna on the south coast, and Pasikuda on the east coast, where the water stays shallow for a long way out.
- Best for whale watching: Mirissa, from about November to April.
- Best for snorkelling: Hikkaduwa (coral and turtles) and Trincomalee (Pigeon Island), depending on the season.
- Best for surfing: Arugam Bay from May to September, and Hikkaduwa and Weligama in winter.
- Best for a resort stay: Bentota, with a wide beach, watersports and a river.
- Best for the first or last night of a trip: Negombo, 30 minutes from the airport.
Best beaches in Sri Lanka at a glance
| Beach | Coast | Best months | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirissa | South | December to April | Whale watching, sunsets, relaxing |
| Unawatuna | South | December to March | Swimming, families, combining with Galle |
| Hikkaduwa | South-west | November to April | Coral, turtles, surfing, nightlife |
| Bentota | South-west | December to April | Resorts, watersports, Ayurveda |
| Negombo | West | December to April | First or last night near the airport |
| Pasikuda | East | May to September | Calm, shallow water for swimming |
| Trincomalee | North-east | May to September | White sand, snorkelling, whale watching |
| Arugam Bay | East | May to September | Surfing, quiet beaches, lagoons |
Best beaches on the south coast (December to April)
Mirissa
Mirissa has a crescent bay, palm trees and a laid-back feel. It is also one of the best places in Sri Lanka for whale watching, with boat trips running from about November to April. It is roughly three hours from Colombo by the Southern Expressway, and 45 minutes to an hour from Galle. Read more in our Mirissa guide.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a sheltered bay with golden sand, warm water and easy swimming, only a short drive from Galle. It suits families and anyone who wants a beach day with some sightseeing close by, such as Galle and Galle Fort. Read more in our Unawatuna guide.
Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is livelier than its neighbours, with restaurants, nightlife, coral you can snorkel over close to shore, and turtles near the beach. It also has beach breaks for surfing. Read more in our Hikkaduwa guide.
Quieter stretches: Weligama, Tangalle and Hiriketiya
Further east along the south coast, Weligama is a popular bay for learning to surf, Hiriketiya is a small horseshoe-shaped bay with surf and cafés, and Tangalle has long, quiet beaches and turtle nesting nearby at Rekawa. These are not on our standard routes, but we can add them to your trip.
Best beaches on the south-west and west coast (December to April)
Bentota
Bentota has a wide sandy beach on one side and a river with mangroves on the other, so there is plenty to do besides lying in the sun. It is about an hour and a half from the airport and a natural place to end a trip before a flight home. It is also where the Ayurveda part of our 21 day Ayurveda tour is based. Read more in our Bentota guide.
Negombo
Negombo is a fishing town on the west coast, 30 minutes from the airport. The beach is not the best for swimming, but it is a good place to rest after a long flight, with an early-morning fish market and the old Dutch fort. Read more in our Negombo guide.
Best beaches on the east coast (May to September)
Pasikuda
Pasikuda is known for its shallow bay, where you can walk out a long way and still be in calm water. That makes it one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka for swimming and for families, in the months when the south coast is wet. Read more in our Pasikuda guide.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee has quiet white-sand beaches, clear water for snorkelling and, in season, whale watching. Nearby Pigeon Island National Park is popular for snorkelling over coral. Its dry season runs opposite to the west and south coasts. Read more in our Trincomalee guide.
Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is a small surfers’ town with one of the best surf breaks in the country, plus quiet beaches and lagoons nearby. It is a long drive from Colombo, so most visitors come as part of a wider tour. Read more in our Arugam Bay guide.
Which coast should I choose?
Choose by month, not by name. From December to March, go to the south and south-west coasts. From May to September, go east. October and November are between seasons and can be unsettled on any coast, which is why we build routes that can change with the weather. Our best time to visit Sri Lanka guide shows the month-by-month picture.
Swimming safety on Sri Lankan beaches
- Currents can be strong, especially during the monsoon. Swim where other people are swimming, and follow any flags.
- Calm bays such as Unawatuna and Pasikuda are better choices for children and nervous swimmers.
- Ask your hotel or driver about the day’s conditions before you go in.
- Take sun protection. The sun is strong all year.
Deciding where to base yourself? Our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka compares the areas and the number of nights each deserves.
Combine beaches with a tour
Most guests spend a few days on the beach at the end of a longer trip. A private driver makes it easy to move from the hills or the cultural triangle to the coast without changing transport.
- 4 day beach and Yala safari tour for a short break.
- 10 day Sri Lanka tour and the 14 day Sri Lanka itinerary for culture, hills and beaches.
- 12 day luxury tour for hand-picked hotels.
- 14 day east coast tour for Trincomalee and Pasikuda.
Travelling as a couple? See our Sri Lanka honeymoon packages. Or send us your dates and we will plan the beach days around you.
Heading into the sea? Read our safety guide, is Sri Lanka safe, for advice on currents, wildlife and the monsoon.
Travelling with children? Our Sri Lanka family holidays page suggests the calmest bays and a family route.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Sri Lanka?
It depends on the month and what you want. Unawatuna and Mirissa are favourites on the south coast from December to March, and Pasikuda and Trincomalee are the best choices from May to September.
Which part of Sri Lanka has the best beaches?
The south coast has the most variety and the most visitors. The east coast has quieter beaches and calmer water in the middle of the year.
What is the best month for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka?
For the south and west coasts, December to March. For the east coast, May to September.
Are Sri Lankan beaches safe for swimming?
Many are, but currents can be strong, especially in the monsoon. Choose calm bays, follow local advice and watch for flags.
Where can I see whales and turtles from the beach?
Whale watching boats leave from Mirissa from about November to April, and from Trincomalee in season. Turtles are often seen near Hikkaduwa.
Can I add beach days to a tour?
Yes. Most of our tours can end on the coast, and we plan the route around your dates and the weather.
