The Best Time To Visit Sigiriya? (What I Did)
If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you’ve likely come across photos of the iconic Sigiriya Rock in your research (doom scrolling).
This ancient rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock, is a must-see attraction located in the central-northern part of the country and as well as offering epic views is also a place of great cultural significance.
The best time to visit Sigiriya (lion rock) is during the dry season from May to September. The walk itself takes 1.5-2 hours and provides incredible views of the surrounding landscape. Try set off early in the morning as this way you can beat the crowds of other tourists and have a better chance of clear skies.
In this blog post, I’ll share my experience climbing Sigiriya Rock and provide a comprehensive guide to help you plan your own visit.
Table of Contents
Why is Sigiriya Called Lion Rock?
Before we dive into the details of climbing Sigiriya Rock, let’s first explore why it’s called Lion Rock.
The name comes from the large lion paws that flank the once entrance to the fortress. Unfortunately, only the paws and a small portion of the lion’s head remain today, with most of the sculpture and original staircase destroyed.
You actually walk up between the paws when you start your ascent!
The Best Month To Visit Sigiriya
The weather in Sigiriya can vary greatly depending on the time of year you visit. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each month:
In general weather isn’t too much of a deal breaker here, but if you can it makes sense to visit in one of the dry months.
| Month | Average Temperature (Celsius) | Average Rainfall (mm) | Overall Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 65 | Good |
| February | 28 | 50 | Good |
| March | 31 | 90 | Average |
| April | 32 | 150 | Poor |
| May | 32 | 175 | Poor |
| June | 31 | 60 | Good |
| July | 31 | 40 | Best |
| August | 31 | 60 | Good |
| September | 30 | 135 | Average |
| October | 28 | 300 | Poor |
| November | 27 | 320 | Poor |
| December | 27 | 175 | Average |
1. Dry Season
The dry season in Sigiriya runs from May to September, with June and July being the driest months. During this time, you can expect hot temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it the ideal time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds.
2. Rainy Season
The rainy season in Sigiriya runs from October to April, with November and December being the wettest months. During this time, you can expect high humidity and heavy rainfall, which can make climbing the rock more challenging.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Sigiriya (Lion Rock)
Now that we’ve covered the weather, let’s dive into the best time to visit Sigiriya based on other factors.
| Factor | Best Time |
|---|---|
| Avoiding Crowds | Dry Season (May-September) |
| Opening Hours | Early Morning or Late Afternoon |
| Best Weather | Dry Season (May-September) |
| Where to Stay | Water Garden Sigiriya (Luxury), Sigiriya Village Hotel (Mid-Range), Sigiriya Hostel (Budget) |
| Climbing Time | 1.5-2 Hours |
| Entrance Fee | 30 USD (Foreigners), 15 USD (SAARC Nationals) |
| What to Wear | Comfortable Shoes with Good Grip, Modest Clothing |
| Highlights | The Gardens, The Frescoes, Sigiriya Rock, The Mirror Wall, The Lion Palace, The Monastery |
| Nearby Activity | Hiking Pidurangala Rock |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Dress Code, Photography Ban, Accommodation in Dambulla |
The Best Months To Avoid the Crowds
As mentioned earlier, the dry season is the best time to avoid the crowds. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, try to arrive early in the morning to beat the rush.
The Best Time Of Day (During Opening Hours)
Sigiriya Rock is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. Arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help you avoid the midday heat and crowds.
I’d recommend going first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds, and the heat of the sun. You’ll also see it in all its glory during golden hour.
The Best Time Of Year For Weather
If you’re looking for the most pleasant weather, visit Sigiriya during the dry season.
Where to Stay Nearby
Sigiriya has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. If you’re looking for luxury, check out the Water Garden Sigiriya. For a mid-range option, consider the Sigiriya Village Hotel. If you’re on a budget, check out the Sigiriya Hostel.
Checkout my full write up on the best places I stayed in Sigiriya in this article
Sri Lanka Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Sri Lanka?
100% YES! — Sri Lanka has free healthcare and it works pretty well, but it’s something you don’t want to experience if you’re in an emergency. For the private hospitals you’ll need travel insurance in case anything happens on your visit. Also be aware many policies won’t cover adventure activities like motorbike riding, diving as they are deemed ‘high risk’.
(that’s right, check the t&c’s on your complimentary credit card insurance)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for all the activities you’ve got planned
🎫 Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Yes. All tourists entering Sri Lanka now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). You can apply for it here.
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Sri Lanka?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
Rabies is also an issue in Sri Lanka but the vaccine is expensive and ineffective as a preventative measure (it only lasts a few years and you’ll need to get them again if you require treatment). If bitten by a stray dog (like I was!) seek immediate medical attention!
As always, talk to your GP or specialised travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in Sri Lanka?
Cash is king in Sri Lanka, so you’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land. Larger businesses and hotels will take Debit / Credit Card but most resturants, and street vendors want cash.
I personally use (and love!) my Wise travel debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exhange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the Sri Lankan ATMs I tried. .
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Sri Lanka?
This one needs a whole nother article, but the short version is prepaid SIM cards are cheap and availible to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourst SIM!)
Your cheapest option is buying a physical sim card on the street corner once landed and getting the shop assistant to help you set it up. I went with Vodafone and had generally good coverage.
Now when I travel I’m a bit lazy and prefer to use an Airalo eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim. I use both Airalo and Saily so suggest you check both to see which has better pricing for your region
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Sri Lanka?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner or Google Flights. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the agreggators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Sri Lanka?
Safest not to — tap water in Sri Lankain some areas (Colombo and Kandy etc) may be OK (I drank it without any issues) but is generally untreated and not reccommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing.
