What to Wear in Sri Lanka: Outfit Ideas & Packing List
Sri Lanka is a beautiful and underrated vacation destination in southern Asia. It is an island with a ton of things to do including safari drives, beach relaxation, exploring historic cities, and visiting religious monuments. It is also extremely hot and humid. For these reasons, it can be challenging to decide what to wear in Sri Lanka.
This Sri Lanka packing guide will provide tips, a one week packing list, and outfit ideas for all the above activities. Based off my experience in the country, I’ll help you stay cool and comfortable while respecting local customs and expectations.
Keep reading for packing tips, outfit ideas, and what to wear in Sri Lanka on vacation.
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What to Wear in Sri Lanka
There are two things to consider when packing for Sri Lanka – the heat and modesty. Sri Lanka is super hot basically year round. When I visited in May, it was 90 degrees and super humid every day. Besides certain towns at elevation, I’d expect the same.
Sri Lanka is also a religious country, with many people practicing Buddhism or Hinduism. Overall, most women dress modestly with their shoulders and knees covered. In resorts, this isn’t expected for tourists but it is very important to consider if you visit any religious buildings or monuments.
Below are some general tips for what to wear in Sri Lanka:
Clothing:
Breathable clothing – To help combat the heat, I suggest getting very breathable clothing. I like materials like dry fit for athletic clothing or linen for dressier outfits.
Layers for modesty – To stay modest while staying cool, I recommend layers you can add and remove. A lightweight scarf is a great item to keep on your bag that can be used to wrap around your shoulders or even tie around your waist as a skirt.
Outwear:
Warm jacket if spending time at altitude – Although it is typically warm in Sri Lanka, it can get cool at elevation at night so I recommend a packable jacket.
Rain jacket for storms – There is no “rainy season” in Sri Lanka, but it does rain often since it is a tropical climate. Bring a rain coat for unexpected storms.
Shoes:
For footwear, I recommend 1-2 sandals for beach or relaxation days. Also pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes or lightweight sneakers for game drives, light hikes, and city exploration where you will be getting many steps in.
Safari Game Drive Outfit Ideas
The highlight of my Sri Lanka trip was a game drive through Yala National Park. We spent a few hours per day driving through the park looking for wild animals such as leopards, elephants, and sloth bears.
Compared to packing for an African safari, Sri Lanka is easier. Technically, you can wear whatever you want.
I recommend wearing neutral colors to not disturb or scare off the animals. Think of a color pallet of browns, greys, and greens.
For footwear, you will spend all day sitting in the car so really anything goes. I like a sturdy pair of sandals that will be comfortable around camp.
Be sure to also bring a hat and glasses for sun protection and a day bag for all your belongings. In your day bag, I recommend packing a camera, portable charger, sunscreen, and portable fan.
Shop this safari outfit collage 🐘
What to Wear to the beach
Packing for the beach in Sri Lanka is just like packing for it in Mexico or any other tropical destination. Be sure to bring a few swimsuits, a comfortable cover up, and sandals.
Shop This Beach Outfit Collage 👙
Outfit Ideas: Temples and Monuments
As I mentioned above, modest dress is the most important when visiting temples or other religious sites. The exact customs vary by site, but a good rule is to keep your knees and shoulders covered. (especially for women).
The above midi dresses are a great option because they keep you covered, but are also breathable and flowy so you get overheated.
I also recommend packing a lightweight scarf in your day pack to cover up as needed. This is great if you happen to be wearing a tank top or shorts as it can go over your shoulders as a shawl or tied around your waist as a makeshift skirt.
For footwear, I recommend slip on sandals because many places require you to remove your shoes.
Be sure to ask locals about your dress before entering any religious establishment because customs will vary and it is important to respect the rules for each destination.
Click to shop these outfit ideas 🛕
What to Wear in the Cities
When exploring the cities such as Colombo or Galle, I recommend adopting a modest style, but it can be more relaxed than when visiting temples.
I like how all of the above dresses are short sleeved and cover your shoulders. The fit and neckline are also on the modest side.
However, a dress like the short one on the left is perfectly acceptable for the cities.
For footwear, I recommend comfortable sneakers if you plan to do a lot of walking. You can probably also get away with a well broken in pair of sandals.
Shop the above Sri Lanka outfit ideas 🌴
One Week Sri Lanka Packing List
Based on all of the above tips and outfit ideas, here is a one week packing checklist so you don’t forget any essentials. Of course, tailor this list to your itinerary.
For example, if you are spending the full week at the beach, bring more swimwear. If you are planning to hike all day everyday, maybe leave the sandals at home.
Clothing:
– 4-5 Lightweight tops and t-shirts
– 1-2 Shorts
– 2-3 Long pants
– 3-4 Dresses (for women)
– 1-2 swimsuits
– Socks and underwear for each day
– Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
– Hat for sun protection
Footwear:
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Sandals or flip-flops
– Water shoes if you plan on water activities
Accessories:
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Insect repellent
– Daypack or small bag for daily outings
– Sarong or scarf
Toiletries:
– Toothbrush and toothpaste
– Shampoo and conditioner
– Body wash
– Moisturizer
– Razor
– Personal hygiene items
– Prescription medications
Electronics:
– Camera or smartphone for photos
– Adapter for electrical outlets in Sri Lanka
– Portable charger
Miscellaneous:
– Travel documents (passport, visas, travel insurance)
– Money (cash and credit cards)
– Guidebook or maps
– Snacks
– Reusable water bottle
– Ziplock bags (for wet clothes or toiletries)
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