Full Story
Here is the good news first: there is no bad month to see elephants in Udawalawe. Unlike Minneriya, where the big herds come and go with the seasons, Udawalawe's elephants live in the park all year, around the reservoir and grasslands. The question is not whether you will see elephants, but what the conditions will be like when you do.
The short answer
- Best overall: May to September and January to March, the drier periods when animals gather near water and the grass is shorter.
- Greenest: October to December, after the inter-monsoon and northeast monsoon rains.
- Best time of day: Early morning or late afternoon.
- Closures: Udawalawe does not have a regular annual closure.
How the weather works here
Udawalawe sits where the southern foothills meet the dry plains, so it gets some influence from both monsoons but less rain than the wet southwest. The heaviest rain usually falls between October and December, with shorter wet spells in April and May around the first inter-monsoon. The rest of the year is generally hot and fairly dry. Daytime temperatures are typically around 30 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Month by month
January to March
Dry, sunny and pleasant in the mornings. The grass from the rainy season is still green but starting to shorten, and elephants are easy to find. This is also peak tourist season in Sri Lanka, so expect more jeeps, especially at weekends.
April
Hot, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid-April brings many local visitors. Wildlife viewing is still good.
May to September
The driest and often best period for wildlife. Water levels drop, the reservoir edges become grassy feeding grounds and elephants gather in larger groups. It is also off-season for foreign visitors because of the southwest monsoon on the west coast, so drives can be quieter. It can be dusty and very hot by late morning.
October to December
The wettest time of year. The park turns lush and green, which is beautiful, and migrant birds arrive from the north. Tall grass can partly hide elephants, and some tracks may be muddy, but sightings are still very likely. Mornings are often clearer than afternoons.
Best time of day
The park opens at around 6:00 am and closes at about 6:00 pm. Early mornings are cooler, birdlife is most active and the light is soft. Late afternoons are great for elephants coming down to the water and for warm golden light. Midday is hot, but because elephants are seen at most times in Udawalawe, a midday drive is still worthwhile if it is the only slot that fits your travel plans. See morning vs evening safari.
When to visit the Elephant Transit Home
The Elephant Transit Home, next to the park, feeds its orphaned calves at set times through the day. Many visitors combine a morning safari with a feeding session afterwards. Times can change, so check locally on the day.
Planning Udawalawe into your route
Udawalawe sits between the hill country, the south coast and Yala, so it is easy to add to an itinerary in any season.
- December to March: Combine with the south coast beaches, which are at their best.
- May to September: Combine with Ella and the east coast, which is dry while the west coast has its monsoon.
- Any time: Pair with Yala for leopards, about one and a half to two hours away. See our Yala safari guide.
What to pack
- Sun protection and a hat, as the jeeps are open and shade is limited.
- A light rain jacket between October and December.
- Binoculars for birds of prey and distant herds.
- A scarf for dust in the dry months.
Our safari packing list covers the rest.
