Northern Province, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Northern Province, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Northern Province, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Province, Sri Lanka, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Province, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Province, Sri Lanka by month

January

January in Northern Province is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • 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 Northern Province. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. It's important that you get the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

February

February in this region can be very hot. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

March

If you are traveling to Northern Province in March, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Be sure to choose the correct type. Many adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

April

If you go to Northern Province in April, you will notice that it is really hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Travel neck pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to pick the necessary type. Most adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you go to Northern Province in May, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to get the necessary kind. The majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

Traveling to Northern Province in June, you will notice that it can be very hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Ensure that you get the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

If you go to Northern Province in July, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

August

August for Northern Province is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September in this region is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to choose the necessary kind. Most adapters currently being sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

October

If you go to Northern Province in October, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Take care to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently sold are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most places.

November

Traveling to Northern Province in November, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to pick the right type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

December

Traveling to Northern Province in December, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Sri Lanka has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Province. 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.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials
  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. Make sure to pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Northern Province is one of the most fascinating regions in Sri Lanka. It is a vibrant and diverse area that offers travellers many interesting attractions. Known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites and cultural significance, there are numerous places to visit in Northern Province. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Northern Province:

1. Jaffna Fort: Constructed by the Portuguese in 1619, Jaffna Fort is a historic and elegant structure in the heart of Jaffna city. It has a long and complex history which is portrayed through its structures and layouts. Tourists can explore an array of museums, music concerts and cultural exhibitions that are held here regularly.

2. Nagadeepa Vihara: One of the most revered sites in Northern Province, Nagadeepa Vihara is a Buddhist temple that is situated on Nagadeepa Island. It is said that Lord Buddha visited this site in antiquity and that it has been a place of devotion for centuries. The temple is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture.

3. Keerimalai Natural Springs: Located in the northern peninsula of Jaffna, the Keerimalai Natural Springs is a fascinating natural phenomenon that attracts thousands of visitors. The water here is believed to have curative properties for many ailments, and it is a popular spot for locals as well as tourists.

4. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple: Another noteworthy temple in Jaffna, Nallur Kandaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple devoted to Lord Murugan. It is known for its captivating architecture that is decorated with intricate stonework and carvings. Every August, the temple hosts an extravagant 26-day festival known as the Nallur Festival.

5. Mannar Island: Mannar Island is located on the western coast of the Northern Province, and it is a fascinating site for tourists looking for a coastline retreat. The island is known for its white sandy beaches, and it is a great location for swimming, sunbathing and catching glimpses of endangered sea turtles that come to the shore to lay their eggs.

6. Adam's Bridge: Also known as Rama's Bridge, Adam's Bridge is a chain of limestone shoals that connects India and Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful natural wonder, as well as an interesting mythological site. It is believed that Rama of the Indian epic, Ramayana, built this bridge to rescue his wife from the clutches of Ravana.

7. Vavuniya: Vavuniya is a small town located in the centre of the Northern Province. It offers visitors an insight into the rural landscapes of Sri Lanka. Visitors can explore the natural beauty of the region, as well as the traditional culture and customs of the rural population.

In conclusion, Northern Province is a captivating region that offers a range of tourist attractions to visitors. From cultural and historical sites, to stunning natural wonders, there is plenty to explore in this fascinating part of Sri Lanka. Whether you are looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, Northern Province has something to offer every type of traveller.

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.

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