Dambulla, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Dambulla, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Dambulla, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Dambulla
- Important essentials for Dambulla
- Activities for Dambulla
- Dambulla in January: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in February: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in March: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in April: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in May: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in June: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in July: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in August: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in September: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in October: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in November: weather and what to pack
- Dambulla in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Based on the climate and weather in Dambulla, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Dambulla, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can become worn. An unreadable vaccination card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Dambulla. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
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For families with young children
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one is sufficent for most countries, but you may want to check with your hotel.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Dambulla, Sri Lanka by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Dambulla in January, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
February
If you vacation in Dambulla during February, you are likely to notice that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
March
If you are traveling to Dambulla in March, you will notice that it is blindingly hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and can provide UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered for cooling:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Light linen shorts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
April
If you visit Dambulla during April, you might notice that it is scorchingly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Skirts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
May
If you are traveling to Dambulla in May, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
June
If you visit Dambulla during June, you might notice that it is consistently hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
July
If you go to Dambulla in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
August
If you vacation in Dambulla during August, you are likely to find that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
September
September in this region is consistently hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
October
October can be very hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
November
November in Dambulla is really hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (mid 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
December
In December, Dambulla is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 80s F (high 20s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Dambulla, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
Activities for Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Dambulla.
If you visit a temple, such as Dambulla cave temple, wear:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Hamadan, Iran, Kish Island, Iran, Jawor, Poland, Maremma, Italy, Benito Juárez International Airport, Distrito Federal, Mexico, Stepanavan, Armenia, Sabie, South Africa, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, United States of America, Cumbernauld, Scotland, United Kingdom, Jura Mountains, Poland, and Warwick, England, United Kingdom.