Year-to-Date (YTD) Growth in Tourist Arrivals to Sri Lanka (2025 vs 2024)

Overview Sri Lanka’s tourism sector has bounced back strongly in 2025. In the first half of the year (January–June), arrivals reached 1,168,044—up 15.6% compared with 1,010,249 in the same period of 2024. Growth was positive every month, with the strongest gains at the start and end of the half-year.Quick numbers (Jan–Jun YTD)

• 2025 YTD arrivals: 1,168,044

• 2024 YTD arrivals: 1,010,249

• YTD growth: +15.6%

Monthly breakdown (YoY growth)

• January: 252,761 (2025) vs 208,253 (2024) → +21.4%

• February: 240,217 (2025) vs 218,350 (2024) → +10.0%

• March: 229,298 (2025) vs 209,181 (2024) → +9.6%

• April: 174,608 (2025) vs 148,867 (2024) → +17.3%

• May: 132,919 (2025) vs 112,128 (2024) → +18.5%

• June: 138,241 (2025) vs 113,470 (2024) → +21.8%

Source: sltda.gov.lk

What’s driving 2025’s growth

• Strong seasonality tailwinds: Solid high-season performance in Jan–Mar for the south/west coast and hill country, and a fast start to the east-coast season by May–Jun.

• Air capacity and connectivity: Steady links from the UAE, India, Europe, and CIS markets supporting both short breaks and longer holidays.

• Value and variety: Competitive hotel pricing and diverse experiences—beaches, safaris, culture, and the scenic Kandy–Ella train—appeal to couples, families, and small groups.

What this means for travellers

• Book key experiences early: Scenic-train seats, elephant/leopard safaris, and peak-season hotels fill quickly when demand is rising.

• Travel smart by season:

  • Dec–Apr: Best for south/west beaches (Galle, Mirissa, Bentota) and clear hill-country skies.

  • May–Sep: Best for east/north beaches (Trincomalee, Passikudah, Arugam Bay) and Cultural Triangle.

  • Oct–Nov: Expect more showers; still excellent for culture, food, and short hill-country stays.

• Shoulder value: April and September often deliver fewer crowds and attractive rates, with good weather windows.

Insights at a glance

• Momentum is broad-based: All six months grew year-on-year, led by January and June (both above +21%).

• Resilient shoulder months: April and May posted double-digit gains, suggesting healthier demand beyond the core winter season.

• Family-friendly windows: Jul–Aug typically benefit from school holidays and Kandy Perahera; expect continued strength if flight capacity holds.

Outlook for the rest of 2025

• With a strong first half and solid seasonal demand expected in Jul–Aug and Dec–Jan, Sri Lanka is on track to outperform 2024. Early planning will secure the best hotels, safari slots, and train seats.

Plan with Sri Lanka Holidays Tours Share your travel month and interests—beaches, hill-country trains, safaris, culture—and we’ll design a season-smart itinerary. We arrange private driver-guides, scenic-train reservations, ethical safaris, and handpicked hotels for 5, 7, 10, or 14 days.