Sri Lanka
Two coasts, two seasons. November to April the south coast (Weligama, Mirissa, Hiriketiya) is the easiest beginner trip in Asia. May to October the east coast (Arugam Bay) fires for intermediates.
Photo by Roman Logov on Unsplash
Surfing in Sri Lanka, month by month
Why Sri Lanka
The most welcoming first international surf trip there is. Weligama Bay is the textbook beginner-to-intermediate progression playground: knee-high inside, chest-high outside, sand bottom, no localism. When the south stops working (May), the east coast wakes up.
When to go
- Nov–Apr: South coast. Warm water, mellow swell.
- May–Oct: East coast (Arugam Bay). Right-hand point breaks.
Getting around
Fly into Colombo (CMB). Three-hour drive south to Weligama, or an internal flight + drive to Arugam. Tuk-tuks once you arrive.
Surf camps in Sri Lanka
South coast — Weligama & Ahangama
Best: Nov–AprThe learner coast: long forgiving bays, the densest cluster of camps in the country, and the season that runs while the east is blown out.
East coast — Arugam Bay
Best: May–SepA 400-metre right-hand point and its beginner little brother, on the opposite monsoon to the south. Empty in January, the best wave in the country in July.
Best-of guides
Our editor's ranked pick of the camps in Sri Lanka.
