What To Wear In Sri Lanka For Women And Men: Packing List

Wondering what to wear in Sri Lanka? Whether you’re heading to Sigiriya or Ella, off on safari or plan to chill on the beach, this comprehensive packing guide will help.

It feels like only yesterday that we were exploring Sri Lanka on our honeymoon. We enjoyed nature-filled hikes in Ella and Sigiriya, feasted on spicy food by the sea, a safari in Udawalawe and even took to the skies in a hot air balloon. It was the most incredible adventure, filled with memorable experiences.

Sri Lanka is home to a wide range of landscapes. Ther’s the busy city of Colombo, spiritual site of Sigiriya (a.k.a Lion Rock) mountainous Ella, surrounded by tea plantations, and lots of beautiful beach towns.

We were travelling for almost a month. Before reaching Sri Lanka, we’d already spent one week of our honeymoon relaxing in The Maldives. While that leg of the trip was all about luxury, Sri Lanka was all about adventure. We had a busy two-week itinerary planned, with numerous destinations and activities.

We packed into two medium suitcases and tried to stay relatively compact with our wardrobe choices. We both chose items of clothing that would mix and match easily, fit a variety of scenarios and pack down small. An enforced capsule wardrobe!

One of the best ways to get a feel for what to wear in this amazing country, is to scroll through and look at the photos of us on our trip. I’ve tried to include locations under each, so you get an idea of how to pack.

When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?

To help you pack for Sri Lanka, you’ll need to decide when to visit the country, then look at the weather for that time of year. While you may think of Sri Lanka as warm and tropical, the climate varies according to where you are.

The west and south coasts, including Colombo and Galle, are ideal from December to March, with temperatures around 28-32°C (82-90°F). For the east coast, the best period is from May to September, with temperatures ranging from 26-30°C (79-86°F).

The central highlands, including Kandy and Ella, are pleasant year-round, with temperatures between 17-30°C (62.6-86°F). We were surprised by how cool it was when we reached Ella, although the daytime temperatures were still nice and toasty.

I’d avoid planning your trip for the two monsoon seasons which run from May to July in the southwest, and October and November in the northeast. If you do decide to visit then, pack a rain jacket!

We visited in January and experienced great weather for the majority of our trip.

If you’re currently planning your trip, don’t miss my detailed Sri Lanka itinerary. It includes all the destinations we visited, where we stayed and lots of activities!

What to wear in Sri Lanka

When I visit a new country, I often look up suggestions for packing lists. Before this trip, I searched all over the internet for what to pack for Sri Lanka. I didn’t find any comprehensive guides that really laid out what was suitable for different areas or activities! I wanted to make sure I had appropriate items for each destination, as well as to be mindful of the culture.

From the best footwear to travel with, to lightweight clothing ideal for the tropical climate and a few vital accessories (some of which I wished I’d packed!) here’s my ultimate guide to what to wear in Sri Lanka.

Oh, and don’t worry guys, I’ve popped a few ideas together for you men out there too.

Consider this your Sri Lanka packing list!

What Should A Woman Wear To Visit Sri Lanka?

There’s no strict dress code in Sri Lanka. While tourism is widespread, and you’ll see Westerners (including lots of backpackers) in the main tourist areas, it’s always important to be considerate of the culture and local customs by dressing respectfully.

This is particularly important if you’re planning to visit any religious sites in the country, such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy. I’d always recommend packing a lightweight scarf so you can cover up easily when needed.

The main items I wore in Sri Lanka were:

• Denim shorts
• Vest top
• Midi skirt
• Sports vest
• Lightweight sundress
• Casual white trainers

What To Wear In Sri Lanka: Women’s Clothes 

In order to plan what to pack for a trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to research exactly where you’re going. As mentioned, temperatures vary from beach areas to the mountain towns. Night time temperatures in places such as Ella or the tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya can be pretty cool, so pack a layer or two.

What to wear on Sri Lanka’s beaches

Sri Lanka is home to many white sandy beaches, and I’d recommend including a bit of beach time on your Sri Lanka itinerary. My favourite spots were Mirissa and Bentota. Mirissa has a laid back / backpacker feel, while Bentota has several luxury resorts along the coast.

If you’re planning some beach time in Sri Lanka, you’ll want to pack swimwear (bikini or bathing suit), shorts and light dresses. I’d recommend a light coverup too, just to add an extra layer of protection from the sun.

If you’re planning to go on a boat trip, snorkelling or spend long periods in the water, you might also want to pack a rash vest. The sun is really fierce, so be sure to apply a high SPF too.

What to wear on safari in Sri Lanka

Our safari in Udawalawe National Park was one of the highlights of our time in Sri Lanka. Seeing the elephants up close was just incredible. It felt like such an intimate and peaceful experience, without many other tourist jeeps around.

You’ll want to wear lightweight, comfortable items as it gets really warm once the sun comes up. Personally, I wore denim shorts and a sleeveless vest top. I also took a hat and sunglasses to protect from the powerful UV rays.

If you’ll be spending time in central Sri Lanka, I’d recommend packing a few layers. As mentioned, it can get pretty cold, especially at higher altitude. You might appreciate leggings, a cardigan and a light jacket there (depending on the time of year).

And don’t forget to pack a couple of smart items if you’ll be spending time in any of Sri Lanka’s luxury resorts.

Here are a few specific items of women’s clothing I’d recommend for Sri Lanka:

Women’s sundress – Something strappy, pretty and not too short for everyday use.
Women’s maxi dress – I quite liked having a longer item or two, especially for when insects were out.
Women’s midi skirt – I live in items like this in warm countries and have them in multiple colours and patterns. They’re comfortable and not revealing.

Women’s shorts – I packed a few pairs. I’d recommend something loose and comfortable like these shorts, and then perhaps some classic denim shorts too.
Women’s summer top – I wore a lot of things like this. Neutral colours work best as you can mix and match with shorts and skirts. Plus, you can dress them up or dress them down!
Women’s bikini – You’ll need to pack a couple of items of swimwear. There are so many cute bikinis out there to choose from!
Women’s rash guard – Not essential, but if you burn easily (or plan to surf) I’d recommend one of these. This one is great as it has a built-in bra and comes with a pair of matching shorts.
Women’s sports vest – I’d recommend one or two sweat-absorbing vests like this for adventurous activities.
Women’s sports bra – Ideal for sporty or adventure activities. I prefer sports bras like this Puma one which has some built in padding for extra support.
Women’s leggings – You might prefer sports shorts, but depending on the activity you’re doing, you might want a pair of leggings for a bit of extra protection. These Under Armour ones are great as they’re very lightweight.
Sarong – A really useful item for any travels in warm countries! Use it as a towel, a cover up, to sit on, to lie on or for a cute addition to an outfit!
Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat to protect yourself.
Sunglasses – I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

What Footwear Should Women Wear In Sri Lanka

Flat shoes, walking shoes, sandals, flip-flops, water shoes … the list goes on. Do you know what, they could ALL be useful in Sri Lanka.

For exploring towns, I’d recommend trainers or supportive sandals. If you’re relaxing on beaches, you could just slip on a pair of sandals or flip flops. Or, for more adventurous trekking in Sri Lanka’s hills or mountains, you might prefer to wear proper hiking boots or sports trainers.

On our trip, I lived in sports trainers, casual trainers, sandals and flip flops. I hadn’t yet invested in a pair of Birkenstocks, but if I was heading back now, they’d be the first item I’d pack. They’re so supportive and comfortable and work for so many different types of travel.

What Footwear Should Men Wear In Sri Lanka

For men visiting Sri Lanka, I’d recommend packing a pair of trainers and some sandals or flip-flops. Depending on the type of trip you’re doing, you might also want to pack one smart pair of shoes for hotels or posh dinner.

Here are a few specific items of footwear I’d recommend for Sri Lanka:

Birkenstock sandals – Really durable, ideal for men or women and come in multiple colours. There are a few different styles to choose from too.
Teva trekking sandals – Really durable, great for travel, easy to take on and off and they come in lots of colours and patterns.

Skechers lightweight trainers – Really comfortable and they dry quickly too, so are useful for all sorts of travel.
Havianas flip flops – Male or female, everyone should own a pair! These ones for men are fun too.
Cute women’s sandals – Something like this is great for beach clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Tom’s flat loafers – A nice casual shoe for men, easy to slip on and great for exploring or going to restaurants.
Hiking shoes – Only necessary if you’re planning some big adventures. These ones are great as they’re lightweight and breathable.
Water shoes – Again, not essential, but can be useful for rocky areas or hiking around waterfalls.

What To Wear In Sri Lanka: Women’s Accessories

As mentioned, scarves are a useful addition to your suitcase for Sri Lanka. It’s a sunny country, so I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. Also, a sun hat, to protect your head from those powerful rays. I wore mine a lot – on the beach, on safari – it was vital!

I used a backpack for day-to-day adventures, and then a small shoulder bag for dinners in the evenings.

It’s recommended that you drink bottled water in Sri Lanka. However, I’d still suggest you pack a reusable water bottle and top it up each day.

What To Wear In Sri Lanka As A Man

Are you a man starting to pack for your trip to Sri Lanka? Well, it’s pretty simple! All you really need are several pairs of shorts, a handful of t-shirts, a few lightweight shirts and some swimming trunks. If you’re trekking, you might want some sporty items, like sports shorts or a sweat-absorbent top.

Here are a few specific items of men’s clothing I’d recommend for Sri Lanka:

Men’s casual shorts – I’d recommend several pairs of comfortable shorts for everyday use.
Men’s T-shirts – Pack a few options of t-shirts too.
Men’s shirts – A few shirts (long or short sleeved) are a good idea. I personally love these linen shirts. They look very cool!

Men’s vests – If you sweat a lot, you might find vest tops more
comfortable in the heat.
Men’s sports tops – For active days, something like this is really useful as it’s super-absorbent.
Men’s sports shorts – If you’re doing some adventurous hikes or activities, you’ll want shorts you can move freely in.
Swimming trunks – The more fun the pattern, the better! These ones have pockets and are quick dry too.
Baseball cap – Look for one with a mesh back like this one, so it’s more breathable.
Sunglasses – You can’t beat a classic pair of these Ray Bans!

What To Pack For Sri Lanka: Other Useful Items

If you’re planning your trip, you should think about more than just clothing when you start packing. Here are a few items I’d recommend adding to your suitcase…

Insect repellent – There are plenty of really good insect repellents like this one. If you’re travelling with kids you might want to buy a specific children’s insect repellent too.

Bite relief – I usually take an after bite / anti-itch cream like this, that helps to soothe any bites. I also swear by this amazing Bite Away Pen, which sends a small electric shock to the itchy part of the bite. It takes a bit of getting used to at first (and sometimes hurts a tiny bit), but it does work. I’ve done a full review of the item (as it goes everywhere with me!!) so feel free to read more here. 

Travel towel – A fast-drying microfibre towel like this one will come in handy on your trip. These are great not only for when you fancy a swim, but also when you want to sit down on the ground or to wipe your sweaty face on a humid day!

Sun cream – It’s important to apply suncream throughout the day. I’d recommend finding a brand which isn’t too heavy on chemicals, or is almost totally natural, like this one made by Sun Bum. 

Sunglasses – It’s important to protect your eyes when you visit a holiday destination like this one. I’d recommend investing in some high-quality UV protected sunglasses. I’ve owned a pair of these Ray Bans for a few years now and love them!

Sun hat – You’ll definitely want a sun hat like this to protect yourself on all of those sunny days!

After sun or aloe vera – Don’t forget some soothing cream incase you do burn. I really like this one made by Ultrasun. It’s lightweight and feels lovely on your skin.

Rain jacket – Be prepared for those sporadic rain showers. As you won’t need it for warmth, I’d recommend a lightweight waterproof jacket that packs down small. Something like this would be perfect.

Umbrella – I’d also recommend an umbrella for rainy season. I’d been looking for a super compact option for ages, and finally found this one which fits in my small handbag and is nice and sturdy.

Daypack backpack – I used a small backpack for day-to-day adventures, which could fit a water bottle, camera, sun cream and bug spray. I also took a small shoulder bag to use for going for dinner in the evenings. If you’re looking for something nice and small, lightweight, water-resistant and that will fit all your essentials, I’d recommend this daypack. It’s got some very handy zip-up pockets too!

Reusable water bottle – I always recommend packing a reusable water bottle for travel. Even if you can’t drink the tap water, it means you can top up from giant bottles or water coolers rather than buying lots of plastic bottles. Personally I’d recommend the Chilly’s water bottles. I’ve got a few in different sizes and they are excellent quality! I also really like these bottles with straws. They’re really easy to drink from, they have a strap, never leak and hold a good volume.

GoPro – This is an adventure-filled country. The best way to capture it is on a GoPro. They’re great for photos and videos, hard wearing, shockproof and waterproof. Whether you’re snorkelling, hiking, white water rafting, wildlife-spotting or zip lining, it’s the perfect accessory. Don’t forget to take out travel insurance that covers your gadgets too.

Power bank – It depends how much you use your phone on holiday, but I used mine a lot during my trip, snapping photos and videos along the way. A portable battery pack is a great idea so you don’t have to worry about running out of charge at an important moment.

I have a few made by Anker and they’re great quality and have lasted for a long time. This is the one I’m using at the moment, which is really small (similar size to my phone) but stores lots of charge and has a fast charging capability. 

Plug adapter – I pack this universal travel adapter for all of my travels. It charges up to 6 devices at once, using a plug or USB sockets. Plus, it can be used anywhere in the world. It’s one of my fave travel gadgets!

Dry bag – I’m really happy I invested in a dry bag like this. It’s made from a thick plastic and is totally waterproof. These dry bags are perfect for adventures on the water, visiting waterfalls, or if you think it’s going to rain heavily. I’d recommend a small one for your phone and camera gear, or a larger one if you want to use it as your main bag for an activity.

Waterproof phone case – Similarly, if you want to take your phone out and about in the water, I’d recommend getting a waterproof phone case. There are quite a few to choose from, but I’d recommend reading the reviews! You need this to protect your phone and be 100% watertight after all! I bought these Moko cases myself and my partner and they’ve been great. We’ve used them on several trips snorkelling and to waterfalls now, and no leaks!

Hopefully this post helps with your Sri Lanka packing. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below!

If you’re currently planning your trip, don’t miss my detailed Sri Lanka itinerary. It includes all the destinations we visited, where we stayed and lots of activities!

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