Surf Conditions in Sri Lanka
When it comes to surfing in Sri Lanka, from October to April the South West Coast has perfect conditions and from April to October you should better go to the East Coast of the island. Helpful to know is that, when waves and weather are the best on the West Coast, it is rainy season in the East, when East Coast has the best conditions, it is the rainy season for the South West of the country.
Where to surf in the south-west coast?
There are a lot more surf sports in the South West than on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. You will find many advanced level surf spots as well as surf spots that are great for beginners. The most famous beginner surf spot is Weligama’s (translated: The sandy village) two-kilometer-long beach break. Weligama has perhaps the best beginner wave you can find in Sri Lanka. Due to the length of the sandy bay, it can accommodate many surfers and does not get crowded easily. In Weligama Main Point you can find some great head-high glassy waves, too.
Surfing at Weligama Beach – A beginners paradise
The best sandy beach for surfers is in Weligama. Weligama Beach is perfectly suitable for beginners to advanced surfers. Due to the length of the beach, it can hold up many surfers and does not get too crowded easily.
The best season to surf at Weligama Beach is from the end of September until the end of May.
Even in the off-season, you would be able to surf on an island spot. The island just in front of Weligama is called “Taprobane”, here you can expect some beginners and even some quite advanced waves.
Beginner Friendly Reef Breaks
After feeling safe on the board you might bring you surfing to the next level, looking for a new challenge. The beginner-friendly reef break around Weligama is definitely the fit for you. There are a couple of great beginner reef breaks you can try. Midigama, Plantation, Mirissa Left, South Point Koggala and a few secret spots.
Intermediate and Advanced Surf Spots
If you are a more advanced surfer you can go to Mirissa Right (5 min Tuk-Tuk ride from Weligama) where you will find many sea urchins, but great waves. Mirissa is a spot where many locals surf and thus you need to make sure to give local surfers priority on the waves. So better don’t paddle every wave to prevent trouble in the water.
Midigama area also has many great surf spots such as Coconut Spot, Planstation, Rams, Lazy Left, Lazy Right and if you ride 10 minutes further by Tuk-Tuk or scooter you will find another advance surf spot which is called Kabalana.
If you want to surf inside a barrel, then Rams in Midigama is the best choice. Here you should be careful. Rams is a great and powerful surf spot but has a shallow reef under the water. If you are here for the first time, it might be a good idea to talk to some more experienced surfers or locals. But as you see you can come surfing in Sri Lanka with all different skill levels.
Secret Spots in Weligama
Between Weligama and Midigama there are few more secret spots that are great to surf, but we won’t be able to share them here. Otherwise, they won’t be secret anymore. Many locals know a few spots that you won’t see at first glance. Perhaps ask your Tuk-Tuk driver or just explore the coast with your scooter 🙂
What is the best time to surf in Weligama?
If you are a beginner and still practicing to catch a wave in the white water, the timing is not that important, if you do not worry about the sun 🙂 While surfing in Sri Lanka it starts to get really hot after 10 am in the water, so that surfing is possible but soon really exhausting for you.
If you are an advanced surfer the best time to paddle out is early morning around 6 – 9 am and after 5 pm until the sunsets.
Generally speaking, the best time to surf in the Southwest of Sri Lanka is the end of September until the end of May.
How about high tide and low tide in Weligama?
In most of the Sri Lankan surf spots, there is no big difference regarding the depth of the water between the tides as it is for example in Bali, Indonesia. Here in Weligama the best time to catch a head high, green wave is high tide. Some of the spots work really well during low tide as well but the majority of the spots are good during high tide.
Where to stay on the South coast Sri Lanka?
If you are looking for a place to meet new people with a real surf vibe “The Surfer” in Weligama* might be a good option. The surf camp in Weligama is located next to the beginner beach-break and in the middle of nine to ten other advanced surf spots that can be reached within a few minutes! On top of great surf experience, the hostel offers daily activities – if you prefer it a tiny bit calmer, there are also a handful of other options* in the region.
Good surf locations are Weligama (a long sandy beginner beach with multiple options close by), Hikkaduwa, and Hiriketiya.
Where to surf on the east coast of Sri Lanka?
Arugam Bay is a great place for surfing between April and September. In Arugam Bay area you will find many point breaks. Whiskey Point, Elephant Rock, and Peanut Farm are the most famous surf spots for beginners while advanced or professional surfers tend to surf the main point of Arugam Bay. During its season the East Coast can get very crowded as good surfers from all over the world come here, so it can get quite challenging to find a wave nobody’s trying to ride.
If you are an advanced surfer and you are looking for some thrilling waves Okanda is the place to be!
Surfing with locals in Sri Lanka
You will find local surfers in most of the advanced surf spots mentioned above! They are friendly but you will have to give priority to them as they are locals. In Sri Lanka, it is the same rule as in almost everywhere in the world “locals ride first”. If you give locals their priority you will not get in any trouble in the water and you will be able to enjoy your surf trip in Sri Lanka to the fullest! Have fun and hang loose! 🙂
You can find a lot more info on surfing in Sri Lanka in our eBook. Besides spot descriptions, we also included a free training plan to prepare your muscles ideally for the physical challenge ahead.
*Affiliate-Link | When you book via this link we will receive a small commission. But don’t worry, there won’t be any additional costs for you.
More saltwater?
➳ You are looking for some more info for your Backpacking Trip to Sri Lanka?
➳ Or are you planning to visit the surf mecca in Nicaragua – San Juan del Sur?
➳ México is calling? Then head over to our article about Surfing in Puerto Escondido!
➳ Surfing in Northern Sumatra offers impressive waves and pristine nature. Beautiful Indonesia!
➳ If you are planning a surf trip to Europe, have a look at our article Surfing in North Spain!
46 Responses
Dear Sir or Madam,
I’d like to go to Sri Lanka in October and November. Could you tell me if the Hikkaduwa/Midigama side already works in October? Or do you really have to wait for November to get some decent waves?
Kind Regards,
Björn
Hi Björn,
Yes! The places we know and “The Surfer” in Weligama reopen around October 1. October is just in between rainy season and perfect wheather in the south. The east might work as well but the south will get better and better. Perhaps you can try both 🙂
Let us know how your trip was and stay connected with us on facebook!
Have a great trip in Sri Lanka.
Anika
Hi
Great info. Can’t decide whether to bring a board or hire/buy there as travelling onward to Japan. If I bring one I would either have to ship back to U.K. Or try to sell… any advice?
Will
Hi Will,
First of all thanks for the flowers 🙂 Depends on how long you stay in Sri Lanka. If it’s longer than 2 weeks it might make sense to buy one and sell it after the time as renting would most likely be more expensive. I personally wouldn’t pumped to carry a borad to Japan and then ship it home.. So rather get one there or rent it if you are not there for too long.
But that’s also just a personal opinion!
You will have a blast anyway 🙂 Happy travels!
Any comment on that ????
« you need to make sure to give local surfers priority on the waves »
Hi James!
Sometimes there tend to be problems in the water cause of priority on the waves. The easiest way to prevent any trouble is just to give way to locals. Then, most likey you will not face any problems and you will be surrounded by rather cheerful people in the water. 🙂
Cheers, Ani
Hey there – thinking abouut going to Weligama April 6 – 15. Need to rent a board but have surfed a bit before. If the surf isn’t working there, is it easy to get to the East coast spots?
Cheers.
Luke
Hey Luke!
We surfed there and had a great time. There are many different surf spots in Weligama. Otherwise it’s quite a bit to the east (Arugam Bay) and the wheather will be most likely not that good in April there. So Weligama with its main spot and Lazy Left and Right will treat you well!
Safe travels,
Julian
hi Julian,
my friend and i are coming to sri lanka in begin august and i would like to know how the waves are in weligama ? would it be better in weligama or matara at that time? im looking for 2-4 feet waves tops…
Nura
Hi Nura,
In this time of the year waves and especially the weather tends to be better in the East. Here you would drive to Arugam Bay. In Weligama and area you can be lucky at this time of the year but it’s definitely more stable in the East. Hope I was able to help a bit.
hi Julian,
is the surfer hostel opened mid to end August?
Thank you!
Hey Clara! 🙂
Unfortunately not – The Surfer Hostel reopens in September. End August the rainy season comes to an end and the weather gets better and better in the southwest. So the season there starts in October/November.
Hope you have a great trip to Sri Lanka! Safe travels 🙂
Anika
Hey all,
How crowded does it get around Weligama? Do a lot of people surf in Sri Lanka? Very important to travel to great new places to surf but must be in uncrowded conditions. Your comments are much appreciated!
Bo
Hi Bo!
The main spot in Weligama can hold a lot of people, but can also be crowded during main season (Nov – March). The good thing is that you can find plenty surf spots around this area. We have been surfing a lot in Medigama (Lazy Left) which was uncrowded at almost all times. You’re quite flexible here!
Arugam Bay does get pretty crowded in its peak season. We have also heard good things about the south coast in its low season. You can expect daily showers but also almost no tourists. Hope that helps!
Safe travels and have fun!
Hi,
I will be coming to Sri Lanka in the middle of April next year.
I am an intermediate surfer, and will be looking for somewhere not too crowded.
Is Hikkaduwa a good place to go at that time of year? Will the waves and weather be OK still?
Also open to any suggestions of a nice resort to stay in.
Regards
Adam
Hi Adam!
Sorry for the belayed response but we reached out to Lahiru for the correct information 🙂 He says:
“Sure thing, the weather is perfect at this time. Hikkaduwa can be pretty crowded plus there are only very few surf spots!
Weligama has many options. 🙂”
So Weligama might be a good choice 🙂 But Hikkaduwa is not far from there, so you could split your time and try both!
I hope that helps. Happy travels!
Anika
Hi
i will come to wiligama on the 8th of october with my son ,13 years old.
he is beginner-advances surfer with no experience surfing in rif break
what is your recomended spots for him?
where can I hire a 6 Epoxy or Fiberglass board?
Hi Michael!
Great to hear! In Weligama he will have plenty of options. The main spot is good for the first days and the reef breaks “Lazy Left” and “Lazy Right” are ideal for the next steps. Surf shops will be found in the city of Weligama. If you want to talk to somebody who knows best, go to “The Surfers” and ask Lahiru for advice.
Have fun and good waves!
Anika
Hi
I’m arriving in Sri Lanka in October and want to try and surf October 9-14
It seems like I’m on the cusp interms of weligama or Arugam bay
Any ideas on what would be best?
Thanks!
Hi Walter!
I would go to the South, so to Weligama. The season starts around that time in the South and you will have good waves and great weather.
Safe travels,
Anika
Hi!
I’m planning to arrive in Sri Lanka on the 18th of April and go surfing on the east coast near Arugam Bay. I was wondering what the weather is like during that time and if is good weather for both wildlife sightseeing and surfing?
Thanks!
Hi Adi,
Sounds great! Normally in this time of the year, the weather in the east will be better than in the south, absolutely. In contrast, the south gets a bit worst but still not rainy the entire day.
Good waves and safe travels!
Anika
Hi Anika,
Looking at heading to Sri Lanka late mid to late july to mid to late august and see Arugum bay on east coast is only place mentioned. I’m a lets say beginner heading towards intermediate surfer. Heard it gets very crowded and wondered if there are any more beaches at all on east coast or elsewhere at that time even if shorter rides etc that we could try. We will spend some time in Arugam for sure but see a few other beaches mentioned. Yet to look up if Mirissa or Trincomalee are east or west but me thinks west so not good at that time of year!
Also can you recommend any surf schools/ packages that are particularly good or best places to grab a board to hire for 2 weeks. I say an entry previous where you said maybe buy if for that long. are there local sites for buying?
Lastly super keen to do some yoga while there so maybe a long shot but if you practice love to know where to head for that too.
Super thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Moosie,
Sounds like a great trip 🙂 Arugam Bay will be crowded on good days, that’s almost for sure. We haven’t been there in our time in Sri Lanka but good friends told us. I would definitely check it out and see if you find a good spot to surf. Not only for surfing but also for the great beaches and nice things to see you should head to the south. There you can also check the weather and if it is consistent perhaps stay there a couple of days. Hiriketiya could also be a good idea!
We didn’t take lessons, so cannot recommend any place in particular. However, you will find many great places, just keep your eyes open 🙂 Same, unfortunately applies to Yoga classes.
Have a great time!
Ani
Hey there Anika (or anyone else!)
I’m going to be near Mirissa / Weligama at the end of July. (Unfortunately location’s non-negotiable – there for a wedding!) Will any of the breaks nearby be working for an intermediate surfer?
Hi Ed!
Sounds like a pretty cool location for a wedding 🙂 Oh yes, there are loads! Lazy Left & Lazy Right were my personal favorites. Also, you will find many spots like the Weligama main spot and in Mirissa itself, too. In Mirissa you should consider reef booties as there are a couple of sea urchins. Waves can be better during the European winter but we’ve heard a lot good things about the spots in this region in July also!
Have a great time!
Julian
Great article! The Surfers sounds like a great place 🙂 I’m planning on visiting Sri Lanka West Coast during December with a 8.5 SUP Board (full carbon), can you share some info about attitude towards SUP surfers in the West Coast? I’m obviously careful and not mixing with the main points surfers. Will I enjoy or get banned/attitude from surfers? Is SUP surfing a thing ? Is there breaks for SUP surfers ? Thanks much for any info provided, I’ll definitely consider staying at your place 🙂 !
Hi James! When we have been in Sri Lanka there were a couple of SUPs as well. At Weligama Main Point you will find some soft waves which could be fun with the SUP. Also great here is the long beach which rarely gets crowded!
Best and have a great day,
Julian
Hi!!
I’m planning a surf trip in Sri Lanka from 20th to 28th April. As I understand it is in between the two seasons, I’m just a bit confused about where to go (Weligama or Arugam Bay). What do you suggest?
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Stefano
Hi Stefano,
Thanks for your message! That’s tough to answer as both can be really good at this time of the year. I personally would try to contact surf travellers a few days before you arrive and check the forecast how waves will most likely be. Generally speaking, I would rather check out the south! You’ll have a blast for sure! 🙂
Hello!
Headed to Sri Lanka Feb 19-March 6, looking to stay somewhere on the beach as close as possible to the breaks I’ll be surfing – walking distance is preferable. I’m a beginner but can ride waist to head high green waves and go down the line. I’m looking to progress further. Are the breaks in Weligama TOO beginner for me or will I be challenged there? Just wondering if I should be looking at accommodation in Midigama instead of Weligama. Curious to hear anyone’s thoughts!
Cheers, Cam
Hey Cam!
We already wrote you on Instagram and answered all questions you had. 🙂
Have a great trip!
Ani
Dear Ani,
great website!
Maybe you can help me? I am wanting to go surfing with my girlfriend from 05.05.-18.05. I am almost on intermediate level and my girlfriend wants to try surfing. We love good food and a cool place to stay. Do you have a good recommendation for us in Sri Lanka or elsewhere?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best rgds from Bad Reichenhall, Germany.
Roshan
Hey Roshan,
Thank you for the kind words!
The south in Sri Lanka can be rainy and due to off season many things could be closed. With waves you can be lucky. Typically the east (Arugam Bay) works better in this time of the year.
Other recommendations would be Bali or even Portugal (Peniche). Depends on budget and location you prefer.
Hope we were able to help!
Best from Cologne,
Ani
Hi Guys,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful article and site. So helpful!
We are looking to come to Sri Lanka last week of September/ first week of October this year. I will be traveling with my two boys aged 9 and 12 who are beginners edging towards intermediate. We are so lost on where to go at this time of year and whether Arugam Bay or Weligama is better? Can you help at all? We don’t have a massive amount of time in Sri Lanka so trying to work out our best options and whether Arugam Bay is worth the trek.
thank you so so much in advance
Hey Kim,
Thanks for your comment! We gonna ask our friends and circle back with you asap on Instagram. 🙂
Have a great weekend,
Ani
Hi!
Awesome article, we are traveling to Sri Lanka April 15-22. Should we do south east or west? We are intermediate surfers.
If you suggest west, can you recommend any good surf camps?
Thank you,
Bec
Hi Bec,
Thanks for the flowers 🙂
That’s exactly where the season in the South ends and the season in the East starts.
If you go to the south – where a few hostels and restaurants could be closed – Weligama, Midigama and the south are the places to go. Here we can recommend “The Surfer” or “DriveThru”. I personally would try the east, which is a bit more crowded but the chances are better to get good weather and nice waves. As we haven’t been there yet, we cannot recommend anything there. Anyway, you will have a blast.
If you are looking for more info on surf spots an preparation, you can find them in our Sri Lanka Ebook. 🙂
Best,
Ani
Hi! I am a beginner and I have never surfed before. I am looking for an ideal spot for a 4 day surf camp from 27th to 30th April this year – what do you recommend? From the post it seems as though Weligama could still have good weather? Pls also advise the which surf school you recommend,
It’s also going to be my first time in Sri Lanka – can you advise perhaps what else there is to do in Weligama at that time of the year – I hear whale watching is famous near Mrissa.
From 1-5 May my friend will join me and I intend to travel with her – what are your favourite spots for travel at that time?
Hi 🙂
So, in this time of the year, we personally wouldn’t recommend the south of Sri Lanka as many hotels and camps are closed- Of course, you can be lucky, but generally speaking the east will be better (in terms of waves and weather). We personally haven’t been in the east so we cannot recommend anything there. A good friend of us (also a beginner) had a great time at Arugam Bay but also said spots were quite crowded.
In respect to the other question, you also need to check out as some sights (such as the amazing Adam’s Peak close when the weather is bad). Other than that we would surely recommend the Adam’s Peak, Ella, taking the train, visiting Galle and Pidurangala Rock. You will be able to find a lot of info on any of those on our blog 🙂
Have a great day and time ahead!
Ani
Hello! Headed to Sri Lanka mid- to late-July as a beginner surfer. Where would you recommend I stay for about a week, both to surf and to see the country? Thanks.
Hi there 😉 In terms of surf, the East tends to be better and more consistent. I would say that there is “more to see” in the South. So a tough choice where you rather wanna focus on. If you ask me: Go East, enjoy the area and come back after November at some point for three weeks to explore the South 🙂
Best, Julian
Hey!
I’m going surfing in March and I’m wondering if I should go to Hikkaduwa or Weligama. My level would probably be intermediate, I can catch a wave, but I’m not keen on reef breaks. I’m not from a country where I could actually surf, so I travel to Portugal and other places and try to get in a month of surfing a year. I am 19 and traveling with my mom and grandmother. What would you suggest we should surf and stay.
Thanks for answering!
-Špela
Hi Špela! 🙂
Sorry for the late reply. We are in Sri Lanka ourselves. 🙂 Around Weligama you will certainly find many options to surf. Beside Weligama though, mostly reef breaks. Beach breaks can be found in Weligama itself, in Hiriketiya and beaches around Matara. Hikkaduwa is a good option, too, although it became quite crowded in the last years.
Have a great trip and always talk to locals for some “less crowded” spots.
Ani
Hi everyone!
I am planning to go to Sri Lanka in September and, of course, surf. I am an advanced beginner surfer. Can someone please give me advice on whether going to Weligama is a good idea? My boyfriend insists on going there at the beginning of September. Any advice would be much appreciated!
Thank you!