Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka? If you're planning to go to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Important essentials for Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Activities for Sinharaja Forest Reserve
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in January: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in February: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in March: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in April: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in May: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in June: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in July: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in August: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in September: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in October: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve in November: weather and what to pack
- Sinharaja Forest Reserve 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 Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Based on the climate and weather in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the best time to go is January. See below for details.
Important essentials for Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sinharaja Forest Reserve, 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
-
(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
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist 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 TSA-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccine card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
General health necessities
-
Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
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 Sinharaja Forest Reserve. 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 is sufficent for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Sinharaja Forest Reserve is really hot. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
February
If you visit Sinharaja Forest Reserve during February, you might see that it is sizzling. 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 a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Skirts
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Do bring additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed for cooling:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are specially designed to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Rain poncho
A high quality rain poncho to wear over your coat saves you time and money by protecting your nice 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 bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. Even the best suitcases can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
March
March for Sinharaja Forest Reserve is blindingly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to cool you and to provide UV protection.
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Light linen shorts
-
Skirts
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Protecting legwear
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to cool you:
-
Sunglasses
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your coat will avoid travel headaches by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
Stormy weather makes rubber rain boots essential. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. Even the best luggage can let water in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
April
April in Sinharaja Forest Reserve can be sizzling, very rainy and somewhat stormy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure bring additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
-
Light linen shorts
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to cool you and offer UV protection.
-
Insulated water bottle
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Rain poncho
A 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 must. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. The finest luggage can let rain in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
May
May in Sinharaja Forest Reserve is really 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:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your stuff remain dry. The best luggage can let water in. We recommend:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
June
In June, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is extremely hot 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 Sinharaja Forest Reserve, with more than half of the days of the month having rain. In June, humidity reaches as high as 80%.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
July
July in Sinharaja Forest Reserve 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 high 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
August
August for Sinharaja Forest Reserve is really hot and very rainy. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about two thirds of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Skirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
September
September in Sinharaja Forest Reserve can be very hot and very rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 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 cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
October
If you go to Sinharaja Forest Reserve in October, you will notice that it is extremely hot 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:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Rain poncho
A durable rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your main 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 designed for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. The finest suitcases can let moisture in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a storm.
November
Traveling to Sinharaja Forest Reserve in November, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Rain poncho
A quality rain poncho to wear over your jacket will help avoid loads of aggrevation by protecting your coat. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a necessity. These boots are great for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is made for stormy weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your things remain dry. Even the best suitcases can let rain in. We suggest:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
December
If you vacation in Sinharaja Forest Reserve during December, you might see that it can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Rain poncho
A good rain poncho to wear over your jacket can be a lifesaver by protecting your nice jacket. We like this one.
-
The stormy weather makes rubber rain boots a must. These boots are well-suited for stormy weather:
-
An umbrella
This excellent one is built for bad weather.
-
Waterproof luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. Even the best suitcases can let water in. We like:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in a storm.
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