Surfing in Sri Lanka in January
In January the best surfing in Sri Lanka is at Mirissa, Arugam Bay & Hikkaduwa.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Waves: 1.2 m on average (daily maximum)
- Water: 28°C, no wetsuit
- Air: 29°C by day, 23°C at night
- Weather: sun (6+ hours) on about 27 days, rain (1+ mm) on about 20; a day can have both
- Warm enough for no wetsuit: Mirissa, Arugam Bay & Hikkaduwa.
- For beginners: Hikkaduwa, Weligama & Midigama.
When are you planning to go?
1
JanPEAK SEASON
Mirissa
Sri Lanka
1.5 m waves28° water29° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ KCT 17 km
2
JanGOOD
Arugam Bay
Sri Lanka
1.3 m waves28° water28° air
Intermediate and up · no wetsuit · ✈ BTC 98 km
3
JanPEAK SEASON
Hikkaduwa
Sri Lanka
1.1 m waves28° water29° air
Beginner-friendly · no wetsuit · ✈ KCT 29 km
4
JanPEAK SEASON
Weligama
Sri Lanka
1.1 m waves28° water29° air
Beginner-friendly · no wetsuit · ✈ KCT 12 km
5
JanPEAK SEASON
Midigama
Sri Lanka
1.1 m waves28° water29° air
Beginner-friendly · no wetsuit · ✈ KCT 9 km
Averages of the 5 spots on this page. Wave height: average daily maximum.
Questions
Where to go surfing in Sri Lanka in January?
Mirissa: 1.5 m waves; Arugam Bay: 1.3 m waves; Hikkaduwa: 1.1 m waves.
How warm is the water in Sri Lanka in January?
About 28°C: no wetsuit.
Where can beginners go surfing in January?
Good spots for beginners this month: Hikkaduwa, Weligama & Midigama.
Which airport is closest?
Koggala Airport (KCT), 17 km from Mirissa; Batticaloa International Airport (BTC), 98 km from Arugam Bay.
