Kandy, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kandy, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Kandy, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kandy
- Important essentials for Kandy
- Activities for Kandy
- Kandy in January: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in February: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in March: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in April: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in May: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in June: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in July: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in August: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in September: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in October: weather and what to pack
- Kandy in November: weather and what to pack
- Kandy 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 Kandy, Sri Lanka
Based on the climate and weather in Kandy, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kandy, Sri Lanka
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kandy, 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
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
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(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
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a great value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kandy. 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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Airplane or car necessities
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Kandy, Sri Lanka by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Kandy in January, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Extra socks
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Bug repellent
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Sunscreen lotion
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Light skirts
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Sandals
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
February
February here is hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Waterproof sandals
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Skirts
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Sunglasses
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Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
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Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
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Bug repellent
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Loose-fit shorts
March
March in Kandy is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Bug repellent
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Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
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Skirts
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Loose-fit shorts
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
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Sunglasses
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Waterproof sandals
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Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
April
If you go to Kandy in April, you will notice that it is really hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunglasses
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Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
May
Traveling to Kandy in May, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
June
If you are traveling to Kandy in June, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
July
If you are traveling to Kandy in July, you will notice that it is hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
August
August in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Loose-fit shorts
September
If you are traveling to Kandy in September, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
October
October in this region is hot. Temperatures average in the 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
November
Traveling to Kandy in November, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
December
December is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
Activities for Kandy, Sri Lanka
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kandy.
If you want to visit the beautiful St. Paul Church, it's important to wear modest clothing:
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Long dresses
This one, for example.
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Long sleeve shirts/blouses
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Trousers
If you go to Udawattakele Royal Forest Sanctuary, you'll probably do a lot of walking. These are a must:
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Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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Binoculars
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
If you visit a temple, such as Temple of the Tooth, wear:
If you visit the World Buddhist Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
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Comfy walking shoes
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Castle hopping? For Royal Palace of Kandy, take:
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Pelham, Alabama, United States of America, Tutóia, Maranhão, Brazil, Linz, Austria, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada, Usk, Wales, United Kingdom, Karlštejn, Czech Republic, Glen Williams, Ontario, Canada, Brownsburg, Indiana, United States of America, Bakkhali, India, Hazard, Kentucky, United States of America, and Arches National Park, Utah, United States of America.