Sigiriya

Best time: December–April — warm, mostly dry and sunny; ideal for climbing Sigiriya Rock and exploring the Cultural Triangle. This is peak season (higher prices, crowds), with mid‑April Sinhala & Tamil New Year adding extra local activity. May–September — hotter with occasional afternoon showers from the southwest monsoon but many clear days; off‑peak (fewer tourists, lower rates) and good value. July–September is also prime for the nearby Minneriya “elephant gathering,” a major wildlife draw. October–November — inter‑monsoon period with the most unpredictable, often heavier rains; low season with the fewest visitors and the best bargains, but some trails and sights can be muddy or wet. National festivals (Vesak in May, Perahera in Kandy July/Aug) may affect travel plans.