The climate in Sri Lanka is generally wetter in the southwest and drier in the northeast, with a perpetual cycle of monsoons and inter-monsoon periods marking the seasons. An interesting feature of the weather, pointed out by many Sri Lankans, is that there are separate monsoons for either side of the island due to its position between the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. These variable monsoon winds bring rain to the northeast between December and March, while favoring the southwest between May and October. Inter-monsoon periods occur during the transitions with a breezy mix of sunny days and evening thundershowers in most parts of the island. In times of relative political calm, these seasons are also marked by a rotation of tourists seeking clear skies and surfers following the breaks off shore.

While May should be the hottest period for Colombo preceding the southwest monsoon rains, this year has been unusual with early rains almost every evening since April, which has also led to increased flooding in some area. As the nights cool only slightly compared to the days, the Hill Country provides a unique escape from the heat. Due to its elevation the Hill country harbors a much cooler climate year-round. At a polar extreme from the tropical coasts, during December and January temperature regularly drop to frigid lows at night causing people to bundle up with multiple layers of clothes, along with the possibility of a morning frost on the ground.