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Sri Lanka · Southern Province

Mirissa and the south coast travel guide

Palm beaches, surf and blue whales

Mirissa beach and Coconut Tree Hill. Photo: Ji-Elle, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11h 15mflight from London
CMBnearest main airport
28° in Aprwarmest month
26° in Jancoolest month

Mirissa is a laid-back beach town on Sri Lanka's south coast, with a curving golden bay, palm trees and beach restaurants.

It's the best place in Sri Lanka for whale watching, with blue whales from about December to April, and Weligama next door is great for beginner surfers.

Good forBeachesWhale watchingSurfingRelaxing

What Mirissa is known for

  • Blue whales

    December to April.

  • Coconut Tree Hill

    A famous palm viewpoint.

  • Surfing

    Lessons at Weligama.

  • Turtles

    Snorkel nearby.

Top things to do in Mirissa and the south coast

  1. 1

    A whale watching trip

    Early-morning boats.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Coconut Tree Hill

    Sunset over the sea.

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  3. 3

    Surf lessons at Weligama

    A sandy, gentle bay.

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  4. 4

    Secret Beach

    A small cove nearby.

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See all tours and tickets in Mirissa

Where to stay in Mirissa and the south coast

Find a hotel in Mirissa

Best time to visit Mirissa and the south coast

Best value: Apr, Jul–Sep, Nov. December to April: dry and sunny, with whales.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
26.3 C26°J26.7 C27°F27.6 C28°M27.9 C28°A27.8 C28°M27.3 C27°J26.9 C27°J26.9 C27°A27 C27°S26.8 C27°O26.7 C27°N26.4 C26°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Mirissa and the south coast, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 11h 15m from London to CMB, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Tuk-tuks and buses link the coast.

Airport transfer to Mirissa

Find flights to Mirissa (CMB)

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Good to know

  • Choose a whale-watching company that keeps a safe distance.
  • Swim only where locals do: currents can be strong.
  • May to October is monsoon here.
Sri Lanka guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to goFlight times

Mirissa and the south coast FAQ

When can you see whales in Mirissa?

About December to April.

Is Mirissa good for surfing?

Weligama next door is better for beginners.

More places in Sri Lanka

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