Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Minneriya National Park, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Minneriya National Park
- Important essentials for Minneriya National Park
- Activities for Minneriya National Park
- Minneriya National Park in January: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in February: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in March: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in April: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in May: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in June: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in July: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in August: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in September: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in October: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park in November: weather and what to pack
- Minneriya National Park 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 Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Based on the climate and weather in Minneriya National Park, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Minneriya National Park, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good plane-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good one.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Minneriya National Park. 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.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one works in most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you vacation in Minneriya National Park during January, you are likely to see that it is really hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We suggest:
February
February for Minneriya National Park can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
March
If you visit Minneriya National Park during March, you may notice that it can be excruciatingly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Bug repellent
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring extra, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Bug bite relief
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered for cooling:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed for cooling and include UV protection.
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
April
In April, Minneriya National Park can be blisteringly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 90s F (mid 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Minneriya National Park, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Skirts
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are specially designed to keep you cool:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and offer UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
Bug bite relief
-
Light linen shorts
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We recommend:
May
Traveling to Minneriya National Park in May, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
June
June for Minneriya National Park can be very hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
July
July in this region is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
August
If you vacation in Minneriya National Park during August, you are likely to find that it can be sweltering. 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:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
September
If you visit Minneriya National Park during September, you are likely to notice that it can be sweltering. 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). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes harmful contaminants:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
October
October in Minneriya National Park is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
November
November in Minneriya National Park 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:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We suggest:
December
December here is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
Activities for Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Minneriya National Park.
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