Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Polonnaruwa, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Polonnaruwa
- Important essentials for Polonnaruwa
- Activities for Polonnaruwa
- Polonnaruwa in January: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in February: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in March: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in April: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in May: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in June: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in July: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in August: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in September: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in October: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa in November: weather and what to pack
- Polonnaruwa 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 Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Based on the climate and weather in Polonnaruwa, the best time to go is March. See below for details.
Important essentials for Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Polonnaruwa, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
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 an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear out. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's useful to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Polonnaruwa. 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.
Activities for Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Polonnaruwa.
If you go to a temple, such as Shiva Dewalaya Temple, wear:
Dresses that cover your knees
Trousers
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
If you plan go to a monastery, like Kiri Vihara, take the following:
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Dresses that cover your knees
Trousers
Castle hopping? For The Royal Palace, take:
Trousers
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
Dresses that cover your knees
We also recommend these top tours in and around Polonnaruwa.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Gregory Lake
Natha Devale
Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla)
World Buddhist Museum (International Buddhist Museum)
What to wear/what to pack for Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you are traveling to Polonnaruwa in January, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sunscreen lotion
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
Sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
February
February in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
March
March in Polonnaruwa is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Loose-fit shorts
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
Waterproof sandals
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
April
If you visit Polonnaruwa during April, you will probably see that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Skirts
Sunglasses
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Rain poncho
A weatherproof rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. The best luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
May
If you go to Polonnaruwa in May, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. The most durable suitcases can let water in. We like:
Rain pants
These will be vital in a rainstorm.
June
June here is extremely hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Waterproof sandals
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. Even the best suitcases can let water in. We like:
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
July
If you go to Polonnaruwa in July, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Sunglasses
Skirts
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Waterproof sandals
Loose-fit shorts
Bug repellent
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The finest luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
August
If you go to Polonnaruwa in August, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Waterproof sandals
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
Sunglasses
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
Bug repellent
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will avoid travel headaches by protecting your nice coat. We like this one.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. The finest suitcases can let water in. We like:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
September
If you vacation in Polonnaruwa during September, you may find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally around 70 during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
Loose-fit shorts
Skirts
Sunglasses
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
Waterproof sandals
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff don't get wet. Even the finest luggage can let moisture in. We like:
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
October
If you vacation in Polonnaruwa during October, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Bug repellent
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
Skirts
Loose-fit shorts
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Sunglasses
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat can be a lifesaver by protecting your main coat. We like this one.
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. Even the finest suitcases can let moisture in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
November
November in Polonnaruwa is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
Sunglasses
Skirts
Bug repellent
Loose-fit shorts
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are great for stormy weather:
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The best luggage can let water in. We recommend:
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a storm.
December
Traveling to Polonnaruwa in December, you will notice that it is hot. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Sandals
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
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