Late May which coast for surfing now that the southwest monsoon is starting
5 Answers from travellers
Your timing is the classic seasonal switch. The southwest monsoon (Yala) ramps up from roughly May, bringing rain and messy swell to the south and west coasts. That is exactly when the EAST coast comes alive: Arugam Bay, Pottuvil and Okanda season runs about May to September with cleaner offshore conditions. Late May is the opening of Arugam season, so it is a great call to head east. The east stays mostly dry while the southwest gets wet.
Remember Sri Lanka has two monsoons on opposite schedules, so it is almost always dry somewhere. Southwest monsoon = go east; northeast monsoon (around Oct to Jan) = go south. Very handy for chasing sun.
Arugam in late May is mellow and not yet crowded, which is lovely. The main point break is intermediate; for beginners use Baby Point or Whiskey Point nearby.
Drive from the south to Arugam Bay is long (7 to 9 hours). Many people break it with a night near Ella or Buttala. Roads are fine post-cyclone.
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