Best beaches for budget travellers
Great beaches where backpacker guesthouses and cheap eats are close by.
Arugam Bay
East · May–Oct (surf peak Jul–Aug)
Mirissa
South · Nov–Apr
Weligama
South · Nov–Apr
Ahangama
South · Nov–Apr (dry season with offshore winds); note the swell can flatten in Dec–Feb.
Beruwala
West · Nov–Apr
Dickwella
South · Nov–Apr
Goyambokka
South · Nov–Apr
Hiriketiya
South · Nov–Apr
Jungle Beach
South · Nov–Apr (calmest seas and best snorkelling visibility)
Kalkudah
East · May–Sep
Kandakuliya
West · Nov–Apr (calmest seas; kite season Dec–Mar)
Midigama
South · Nov–Apr (peak Jan–Mar for consistent swell and morning offshores); messy surf during the May–Oct SW monsoon.
Uppuveli
East · May–Sep
Chundikulam
North · May–Sep
Madiha
South · Nov–Apr
Maggona
West · Nov–Apr
Peanut Farm
East · May–Oct (surf; calm for swimming)
Pesalai
North · May–Sep
Point Pedro
North · May–Sep
Pottuvil Point
East · May–Sep (surf peaks Jun–Aug)
Talalla
South · Nov–Apr