Ratnapura, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Ratnapura, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Ratnapura, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ratnapura
- Important essentials for Ratnapura
- Activities for Ratnapura
- Ratnapura in January: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in February: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in March: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in April: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in May: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in June: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in July: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in August: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in September: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in October: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura in November: weather and what to pack
- Ratnapura 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 Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Based on the climate and weather in Ratnapura, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ratnapura, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
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
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types D and G. This one should be sufficient for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Ratnapura. 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.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Ratnapura, Sri Lanka by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Ratnapura is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you visit Ratnapura during February, you might find that it is sweltering. 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). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
It's important bring additional, as these often get wet or dirty.
-
Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Skirts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
-
Sunglasses
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the finest suitcases can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
March
If you are traveling to Ratnapura in March, you will notice that it is a scorcher and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to keep you cool:
-
Bug repellent
Bug bite relief
-
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Light linen shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Sunglasses
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are created to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure bring additional, since these are likely to get wet or dirty.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat 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 stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. Even the finest suitcases can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
April
If you are traveling to Ratnapura in April, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot, very rainy and somewhat stormy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Light linen shorts
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and to provide UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Bug bite relief
-
Skirts
-
UV protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Make sure pack extra, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Rain poncho
A weatherproof 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 are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The most durable luggage can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
May
May in Ratnapura is consistently hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your coat will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the finest suitcases can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
June
If you visit Ratnapura during June, you will probably see that it is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
July
In July, Ratnapura can be sweltering and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the 70s F (mid 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Ratnapura, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In July, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
August
Traveling to Ratnapura in August, you will notice that it can be sweltering and very rainy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters contaminants:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
September
If you vacation in Ratnapura during September, you are likely to find that it is constantly hot and very rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
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:
October
In October, Ratnapura is consistently hot and very rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the high 80s F (low 30s C) range. At night, lows are in the low 70s F (low 20s C). This is also a rainy time for Ratnapura, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In October, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Rainy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots work well for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for storms.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff stay dry. Even the finest luggage can let rain in. We like:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
November
November in Ratnapura can be sweltering and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket saves you time and money by protecting your main jacket. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The most durable suitcases can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
December
December in Ratnapura can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Rain poncho
A durable 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 essential. These boots are well-suited 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 best suitcases can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
Activities for Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Ratnapura.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Yemen, Yemen, Pattaya, Thailand, Silay, Philippines, Ridley Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America, Tönning, Germany, Las Lajas, Panama, Grand Island, New York, United States of America, Perhentian Islands, Malaysia, Lompoc, California, United States of America, Chaweng, Thailand, and Tamura, Japan.