Best time to Visit

The best time to visit Yala National Park depends on what you’re hoping to see and experience. Each season offers something different—from clear, dry conditions perfect for wildlife sightings to greener, quieter landscapes during the rainy season.

Dry Season (February – July): Ideal for Wildlife Viewing: This is the best time to visit Yala National Park, especially if you’re focused on spotting animals like leopards, elephants, and sloth bears. With fewer water sources, wildlife gathers around the remaining ones, making sightings more frequent. Expect hot, dry weather and great safari conditions—though it can get very warm in the afternoons.

Monsoon Season (October – January): Lush but Less Active: Yala experiences its heaviest rains during this time, and the park is often partially or fully closed in September and early October for maintenance and safety. While the landscape becomes beautifully green, wildlife tends to be more scattered, and some tracks may be muddy or inaccessible.

Shoulder Season (August – September): Transitional but Unpredictable: These months mark the transition between dry and wet seasons. While the park can still be open, sightings may decrease and early rains can begin. However, fewer crowds make it a more peaceful time to visit—just keep an eye on the weather.