occurs from May to September and brings heavy rainfall to the southwestern part of Sri Lanka, including cities like Colombo, Galle, and Matara. During this monsoon, winds blow from the Indian Ocean, causing intense rain in the western, southwestern, and central regions of the island, particularly in higher elevation areas such as the central hill country.

The northeast monsoon

which lasts from October to January, primarily affects the northeastern part of the island, including cities like Trincomalee and Jaffna. Winds from the northeast bring rainfall to the eastern and northeastern regions, although the rainfall tends to be less intense than that of the southwest monsoon. However, it is still an important period for agriculture and vegetation in these areas.

Inter-monsoon periods

that occur between the two main monsoons, typically in April and October, bringing short but intense rain showers. The monsoons greatly influence Sri Lanka's climate, creating diverse weather patterns across the island, from tropical rainforests on the west coast to drier conditions on the east coast. Agriculture, especially rice cultivation, is highly dependent on these monsoons for regular rainfall.