What to Wear in Sri Lanka [Female Sri Lanka Packing List 2024]

Trying to decide what to wear in Sri Lanka? I totally get it.

The country is hot and humid and I knew I’d be doing a load of hiking and going on safaris.

I also wanted to make sure I dressed respectfully for all the temple visits plus I’m like a mosquito magnet, so I wanted plenty of options where I could cover up and not feel uncomfortable in the heat.

On top of that, I had the challenge of trying to fit everything into my 40-litre backpack – which is about the size of a carry-on suitcase!

Perhaps you can relate to some of these things.

It was a bit of a struggle, but I came up with the perfect Sri Lanka packing list for female travellers.  And the best part? You can download and print it out for your own trip!

How to Dress in Sri Lanka as a Woman

Before we dive into the packing list, let’s talk about what clothes to wear in Sri Lanka.

As mentioned before, Sri Lanka is a hot and humid country, so it’s important to choose lightweight and breathable fabrics.

Cotton and linens are great – because I’m always at the top of the menu for mosquitos – I pretty much lived in my linen trousers.

I also recommend wearing loose-fitting clothing to help you stay cool.

However, it’s also important to dress respectfully, especially when visiting temples and other religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and legs.

What Do Women Wear in Sri Lanka?

You’ll see local women in Sri Lanka wearing a wide range of clothing. These range from traditional saris to more Western-influenced outfits.

Unlike when I’ve visited countries in the Middle East, or North Africa, where the local attire is very conservative, women in Sri Lanka had much more freedom over what they wore.

❌ What Not to Wear in Sri Lanka

Even though Sri Lanka is very liberal when it comes to clothing, there are still a few things you should avoid wearing to show respect for the local culture. 

• For temple visits, avoid showing your shoulders and knees
• Inside temples, you will have to remove your shoes
• No clothing with offensive language or imagery
• Don’t wear clothes that have Buddha prints or images
• Avoid wearing revealing clothing in general, especially in rural areas

Essentially, there is no specific Sri Lanka dress code for tourists, but it’s always best to err on the side of modesty and respect.

Is It Ok to Wear Shorts in Sri Lanka?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable for women to wear shorts in Sri Lanka.

The only exception is when you’re visiting religious sites.

A practical way to get around this is to carry a large sarong in your bag and wrap it around your waist when you enter a temple.

Downloadable Packing List for Sri Lanka

This next section covers everything on what to pack for Sri Lanka.

If you don’t want to read the article now, you can also download this what to wear in Sri Lanka woman packing list straight to your inbox.

Things to Pack for Sri Lanka

My trip to Sri Lanka was for 12 days.

Because I was travelling light with my 40-litre backpack (it’s the same size as a carry-on suitcase).

• ✔️ I did a clothes wash halfway through
• ✔️ Packing cubes were my saviour!

Also, if you’ll find plenty of gorgeous clothing in Sri Lanka (so leave a bit of space in your bag or suitcase to pick up some cute souvenirs).

Adjust the items I list based on the following;

• How many days your trip is
• What sized luggage you’re taking
• If you plan to get clothes washed halfway through

Clothing

• Underwear: x12 sets
• Socks: x12 (most were trainer socks, I had a couple of pairs of longer socks for jungle treks)
• Bras: x2 regular bras, x1 sports bra
• Sleepwear: x1
• Swimwear: x1
• Sarong: x1
• Tops: x8 (I packed a mix of regular short-sleeved t-shirts, tank tops and some thinner strappy ones)
• Leggings, joggers or running shorts: x2
• Linen trousers: x2
• Shorts: x1
• Dresses or skirts: x3
• Long-sleeved floaty shirt: x1 (for cooler evenings and quick cover-up for temples and protection from the strong sun)
• Lightweight rain jacket: x1 (although I didn’t use it)

Shoes

• Flip flops
• Hiking boots or walking shoes (although my gym trainers were fine for hiking)
• Birkenstocks
• White trainers (I only used them once, in hindsight, I could have skipped these)

Accessories

• A wide-brimmed hat or cap
• Sunglasses
• Safari hat (optional, although I used mine a lot more than I thought I would)
• A day pack
• Small purse/over-shoulder bag

Toiletries

(I used miniatures for everything)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Deodorant
• Face moisturiser and face wash
• Basic makeup (mascara, lip balm, concealer)
• SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitiser
• Small pack of tissues (useful for public toilets without paper)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Nail file
• A hairbrush, hair ties and small bobby pins
• Mini first aid kit: (I took a basic kit – paracetamol, diarrhoea, and hydration tablets, antiseptic wipes, and plasters. I’m glad to say I didn’t need any of it)

Other Essentials

• Passport and photocopies
• Visa and Arrival Form (I did my visa and arrival form online before I departed)
• Travel Insurance
• Pen and notebook (I know, a part of me is still old-school)
• Cash and credit/debit cards
• Driving licence (if you plan to rent a car)
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks (nuts and dried fruit both travel well)
• Travel umbrella

Electronics

• Universal power adapter (Sri Lanka mostly uses the UK plug/Type G)
• Phone and charger
• eSIM card
• Portable charger (for long days out or hiking trips)
• Camera and charger

Miscellaneous

• Microfiber travel towel
• Canvas tote bag (for shopping and carrying extra items)
• Dry Bag or Plastic bags (for wet/dirty clothes and to wrap shoes in)
• Eye mask and earplugs (useful for long flights)

What to Wear in Sri Lanka: Month by Month

Sri Lanka experiences significant weather variations not only from month to month but also across different regions.

While I’ve provided a packing list above, I do advise tailoring your outfits according to the anticipated climate during your stay.

The country undergoes two distinct monsoon seasons, but the great thing is that there are warm temperatures throughout the year nationwide.

As a rule of thumb, higher tea regions are always a bit cooler.

Here’s a breakdown of what to wear in Sri Lanka by month:

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in January

Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F)

Average Rainfall: 81mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• Light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen.
• Short-sleeved tops, shorts, skirts, sundresses
• A light jacket or shawl may be needed for cooler evenings in higher elevations.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in February

Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F)

Average Rainfall: 74mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• Same as January, light and breathable fabrics are best.
• Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella as February marks the start of the monsoon season in the northeast.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in March

Average Temperature:  28°C (82°F)

Average Rainfall: 88mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• Light and breathable clothing.
• Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella as March is when the rainy season begins in the southwest regions of Sri Lanka.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in April

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

Average Rainfall: 113mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• The weather starts to get hotter in April, so pack comfortable clothing.
• Bring a light rain jacket or umbrella as the monsoon season continues in both the northeast and southwest regions.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in May

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

Average Rainfall: 199mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• Similar to April, pack lightweight clothing.
• Bring a rain jacket, waterproof poncho and umbrella as May is the peak of the monsoon season in both regions.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in June

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

Average Rainfall: 150mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• The monsoon season starts to subside, but the weather is still hot and humid – take breathable clothing.
• Bring a rain jacket or umbrella just in case of occasional showers.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in July

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

Average Rainfall: 124mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• July marks the end of the monsoon season in the southwest, so pack for warm and humid weather.
• However, I still recommend bringing a rain jacket or umbrella as there can still be a chance of showers.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in August

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

Average Rainfall: 144mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• Similar to July, take clothing suitable for hot weather.
• It probably won’t rain, but pack a travel umbrella just in case.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in September

Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

Average Rainfall: 253mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• September marks the transition to the northeast monsoon season. The weather can be humid.
• However, also bring a light rain jacket or umbrella as occasional showers can occur in the northeast region.  
• Additionally, I recommend packing long-sleeved tops and pants to protect against mosquito bites.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in October

Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)

Average Rainfall: 361mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• The northeast monsoon season is in full swing so pack lightweight and quick-drying clothing
• Take a good rain jacket and umbrella as there can be heavy rainfall during this month.
• Long-sleeved tops and pants to protect against mosquitos – also take insect repellant.
• If you plan on visiting higher elevations, I recommend wearing some warmer clothing as the temperatures can drop significantly here.
• This is one of the best seasons for hiking so take comfortable hiking shoes if you plan on exploring nature trails.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in November

Average Temperature: 28°C (82°F)

Average Rainfall: 287mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• The northeast monsoon season continues in November, so light and quick-drying clothing is best
• Take a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Pack some long-sleeved tops and trousers to protect against mozzies.
• A warm pullover for visiting higher elevations, as the temperatures can drop. 

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in December

Average Temperature: 27°C (81°F)

Average Rainfall: 229mm

Clothing Recommendations:

• December marks the end of the northeast monsoon season, but there may still be occasional showers, so I still reckoned a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Insect repellent and sunscreen.
• Pack clothing that can be layered up for the changing weather conditions.

What to Wear on Safari in Sri Lanka

Here’s a list of what can you wear in Sri Lanka if you plan on going on a safari – which I highly recommend you do!

• Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours is recommended for safari trips.
• Avoid bright colors
• I recommend long-sleeved tops and pants to protect against insects and the sun.
• A hat or cap to protect your face from the sun

What to Wear to a Temple in Sri Lanka

Here’s how to dress in Sri Lanka if you intend to visit any of the temples or sacred sites.

• Men and women need to cover their shoulders and knees. The easiest way to do this is to carry a shawl, scarf or sarong – even an oversized shirt is fine – and put it on over your clothes just before you enter.
• Remove your shoes before entering the temple – socks are fine. Sometimes you’ll have to walk on rough (or insanely hot) ground. It was then that I wished I had a pair of spongy sports socks!
• Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, as you’ll need to remove your shoes often.
• Avoid wearing tight or revealing clothing.

What to Wear to Sri Lanka FAQs

Final Thoughts on What to Pack for a Trip to Sri Lanka

Packing for Sri Lanka is all about balancing comfort with respect for the local culture.

The great thing is that for most tourist areas, the dress code is fairly relaxed –  just remember to bring something to cover your knees and shoulders for temple visits and if you’re visiting more rural areas.

Also, don’t forget to check the specific weather for the area you’re visiting before you leave.

So, now you know what to wear when travelling in Sri Lanka, why not check out our other travel guides for more tips and advice on planning your Sri Lanka adventure? 

• How to Start Planning a Trip to Sri Lanka?
• 24 Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
• Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?
• What to Wear in Sri Lanka [Female Sri Lanka Packing List]
• 21 Top Things to See in Colombo in One Day
• 10 Best Destinations for Eco-Tourism in Sri Lanka