Colombo might be your first stop in Sri Lanka, but don’t treat it like just a transit city. Between the sea breeze, colourful temples, colonial charm, and food you’ll dream about later, it’s well worth staying awhile—especially if you time it right. So, when is the cheapest time to visit Colombo and still enjoy the best weather without the peak-season overwhelm?
Cheapest Months to Travel to Colombo
Here’s your full guide to finding that sweet spot: low prices, sunshine, and more space to explore the capital like a local. Spoiler: if you’re looking at June, you’re right on the money.
Best Month to Visit Colombo for Affordability and Weather
Like much of Sri Lanka, Colombo has a tropical monsoon climate. That means you won’t get four seasons, but you will get distinct wet and dry periods, and knowing when they fall is key to finding the best time to visit Colombo on a budget.
The best months to balance good weather, lower costs, and smaller crowds fall into two shoulder season windows:
Best shoulder season windows in Colombo:
- Late February to early April
- June
- Late August to early October
Out of these, June is often overlooked—but that’s exactly why it’s golden.
Why visit Colombo in June?
- It’s shoulder season, which means better hotel deals and flight availability.
- Rain begins to ease after the southwest monsoon starts in May.
- The city is quieter than during peak season (December–January), so you can explore with ease.
- Temperatures stay consistently warm and tropical—great for city walks, seaside strolls, and quick tuk-tuk rides.
You’ll want to avoid the heart of monsoon season (typically May and July) if you're not into humidity and sudden downpours. But early June, especially, can sneak in some drier days—and when it does rain, it tends to come in quick, heavy bursts that pass.
Cheapest Flights to Colombo & Nearby Airports
Colombo’s international hub is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), located around 30–40 km north of the city centre. While it’s the only major airport for international travellers heading to Colombo, you still have options for scoring cheap tickets.
Tips for finding the cheapest flights to Colombo:
- Travel in shoulder season: June fares are often 20–30% lower than in peak months like December or January.
- Book 6–8 weeks in advance for the best deals from Europe, the Middle East, or Asia.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently offer lower fares.
- Look for layovers: Flights routed through hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Singapore can slash prices dramatically.
Here’s a look at what you might expect for round-trip fares during the shoulder months:
| Departure City | Avg Return Fare (Shoulder Season) |
|---|---|
| London | £500–£650 |
| Frankfurt | €550–€700 |
| Dubai | $280–$350 |
| Singapore | $160–$220 |
There are no practical alternate airports for Colombo, so if you're flying in, CMB is your entry point. However, internal flights and trains can be cheap if you plan to move on from the capital.
Colombo Weather in February, March, June, September
Sri Lanka’s weather is all about timing your visit around the monsoons. For Colombo specifically, the best weather tends to fall between January and early April, with a second lull during August and September. But June—especially the first half—is surprisingly decent, and far more affordable.
Here’s how the city looks weather-wise in some key months:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 50 mm | Dry, warm, ideal for sightseeing |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 100 mm | Slightly more humid but manageable |
| June | 30°C | 25°C | 135 mm | Mixed weather: sun + short rainbursts |
| September | 30°C | 24°C | 100 mm | Lush, green, and less crowded |
In June, expect hot days, sticky air, and brief afternoon downpours. But the upside? There’s plenty of sunshine in between, and the rain brings cooler nights and lush, green surroundings. Bring a light rain jacket and quick-dry clothes, and you’re good to go.
The bonus of visiting in June? You'll likely find the city freshly washed, less dusty, and beautifully green—with frangipani trees in bloom and fewer vehicles on the road thanks to lighter domestic travel.
Crowd Levels: When to Visit Colombo Without the Chaos
Colombo is a working capital, so it never truly "shuts down" for tourism—but that doesn’t mean crowd levels stay flat year-round. Timing your trip during the off-peak season can make all the difference, especially when it comes to hotel rates, restaurant reservations, and temple visits.
Colombo crowd patterns by season:
- December–January: Peak season, driven by international tourists and Sri Lankans returning home for the holidays. Prices are at their highest.
- February–March: Still popular, but with better availability. A comfortable window before prices start dropping.
- June: Shoulder season bliss. Fewer tourists, easy tuk-tuk rides, and uncrowded temples. Great time to visit Colombo if you want elbow room.
- September–October: Off-peak season, as international tourism hasn’t kicked up yet and monsoon rains taper off.
During June, you won’t be fighting crowds for museum tickets or waiting for a seat at Ministry of Crab. Local life continues at its usual pace, but you’ll find much less congestion around major attractions like Gangaramaya Temple, Viharamahadevi Park, or Independence Square.
Special Events During Affordable Months
One of the joys of travel in Sri Lanka is how religion and culture are woven into daily life—and you can experience that even outside the tourist high season. If you visit Colombo in June or other affordable months, you might stumble on some surprisingly rich local celebrations.
Events to look out for during shoulder season:
- Vesak Poya (April/May): Though a little earlier than June, Colombo glows with lanterns and Buddhist ceremonies commemorating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.
- Poson Poya (June): Celebrated more heavily in Anuradhapura, but Colombo still sees observances and quiet temple ceremonies.
- Colombo International Book Fair (September): One of the largest literary events in the region, and a great chance to mingle with locals.
Because many Sri Lankan festivals follow the lunar calendar, it’s a good idea to check ahead if you’re travelling during June—you might land right in the middle of something special.
Insider Tips & Local Advice
Want to make the most of your Colombo adventure—especially in the off-peak season? Here’s how to get the best bang for your rupee:
Local strategies for smarter travel in Colombo:
- Stay in Colombo 5 or 7: These neighbourhoods are leafy, less chaotic, and filled with good value cafés and boutiques.
- Take the train south: The Colombo to Galle train ride is scenic and cheap—perfect for a short beach break.
- Explore at dawn or dusk: Beat both the heat and traffic by heading out early or taking evening walks along Galle Face Green.
- Use PickMe: It’s Sri Lanka’s Uber equivalent and helps avoid haggling over tuk-tuk fares.
- Don’t overpack: Light cottons, a decent umbrella, and good sandals will get you through just about anything.
Cost Snapshot: Shoulder Season vs Peak
Curious how much you’ll save by visiting Colombo in shoulder season instead of peak season? Let’s break it down:
| Category | Peak Season (Dec–Jan) | Shoulder Season (June) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel (mid-range) | $90–$120 | $50–$75 |
| Local meal (per person) | $8–$12 | $4–$8 |
| Tuk-tuk ride (3km) | $2.50–$3.50 | $1.50–$2.00 |
| Entry to attractions | Mostly free/cheap | Same year-round |
You’ll also find more hotel availability, easier booking for trains and excursions, and lower markups on airport transfers and tours.
FAQs About Visiting Colombo in June
- When is Colombo cheapest? The cheapest time to visit Colombo is during the shoulder seasons of February–April and June–September, when prices are lower but the city still offers warm weather and cultural activity.
- Is June a good time to visit Colombo? Yes—June is part of Colombo’s shoulder season. While you might get a few rain showers, you’ll benefit from lower prices, thinner crowds, and a greener, quieter city.
- What’s the weather like in Colombo in June? Expect hot, humid days (around 30°C) with occasional tropical downpours. Rain usually comes in short bursts, leaving most of the day sunny or overcast but dry.
- Is June considered peak season in Colombo? No. June is off-peak or shoulder season, falling between high-season spikes in January and the heavier rains of July. It’s a great time to visit Colombo without the usual tourist noise.
- Are there festivals in Colombo during June? Yes— Poson Poya falls in June some years, bringing a peaceful spiritual atmosphere to temples around the city.
FAQs About Visiting Colombo in Shoulder Season
- When is Colombo cheapest? The cheapest time to visit Colombo is during the shoulder seasons of February–April and June–September, when prices are lower but the city still offers warm weather and cultural activity.
- Is June a good time to visit Colombo? Yes—June is part of Colombo’s shoulder season. While you might get a few rain showers, you’ll benefit from lower prices, thinner crowds, and a greener, quieter city.
- What’s the weather like in Colombo in June? No. June is off-peak or shoulder season, falling between high-season spikes in January and the heavier rains of July. It’s a great time to visit Colombo without the usual tourist noise.
- Is June considered peak season in Colombo? Not really—fewer tourists than July or August.
- Are there festivals in Colombo during June? Yes—Poson Poya falls in June some years, bringing a peaceful spiritual atmosphere to temples around the city.