Things to do in Kandy in October

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Overview

October is a less popular time to visit Kandy. The weather is usually very warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 70—83°F (21—28°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Kandy during this time. Some of our top recommendations: go on a hike to the Knuckles Mountain Range, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, explore the Udawattakele Forest Reserve, and more!

Kandy has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your October trip to Kandy. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to October. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Kandy in October. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout October, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in Kandy in October

Top experiences in October
Go on a hike to the Knuckles Mountain Range
The Knuckles Mountain Range is a hiker's paradise, offering stunning panoramic views and diverse flora and fauna. In October, the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, and the trails are less crowded than during the peak tourist season. Hiking in the Knuckles Mountain Range is a unique and rewarding experience that allows you to connect with nature and explore the unspoiled beauty of the Central Province.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic
The Temple of the Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a sacred Buddhist temple in Kandy that houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. In October, the temple is adorned with colorful decorations and illuminated with lights for the Esala Perahera festival. It is a unique opportunity to witness the religious and cultural significance of the temple and participate in the festive atmosphere.
Explore the Udawattakele Forest Reserve
The Udawattakele Forest Reserve is a peaceful and verdant sanctuary located in the heart of Kandy. In October, the forest is teeming with life, and visitors can explore its winding trails, spot diverse wildlife, and marvel at the ancient trees and lush vegetation. It is a unique opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Central Province.
Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy are a stunning sight to behold, especially in October when the flowers are in full bloom. The gardens are home to a diverse collection of plant species, including orchids, palms, and medicinal plants. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the well-manicured grounds, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Visit the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue
The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a towering monument that overlooks the city of Kandy. In October, the statue is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It is a unique and awe-inspiring sight to behold, and visitors can climb to the top of the monument for a breathtaking view of Kandy and the Central Province.
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Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum
Sri Lanka is renowned for its tea, and the Ceylon Tea Museum in Kandy provides a fascinating insight into the history and production of this beloved beverage. In October, visitors can learn about the tea-making process, explore the museum's exhibits, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while taking in the scenic views of the surrounding tea plantations.
Taste traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at local markets
October is a great time to sample traditional Sri Lankan cuisine at the local markets in Kandy. From spicy curries and flavorful rice dishes to sweet treats and refreshing beverages, the markets offer a wide variety of delicious and authentic food. It is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture and savor the flavors of Sri Lanka.
Take a scenic train ride to Ella
In October, the weather in Kandy is perfect for a scenic train ride to the picturesque town of Ella. The journey offers breathtaking views of lush green landscapes, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls. It is a unique and unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the Central Province.
Take a boat ride on the Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Milk, is a tranquil and scenic spot in the heart of the city. In October, the weather is perfect for a leisurely boat ride on the lake, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to relax and unwind in a peaceful setting.
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Holidays in Kandy in October
October
  • Vap Full Moon Poya Day (October 17)
  • Deepavali (October 31)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Kandy in October

Temperatures on an average day in Kandy in October

The average temperature in Kandy in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 70°F (21°C). Some would describe it as very warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Kandy, April, has days with highs of 88°F (31°C) and lows of 71°F (22°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 81°F (27°C) and lows of 65°F (18°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Kandy in October based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in October
83°F
highs
70°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
66%
Chance of rain
0.641 in
Amount
11.6 mph
Wind speed
89%
Humidity
12.0 hrs
Daylight length
5:54 AM
Sunrise
5:52 PM
Sunset
22%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in October
With an average high of 83°F (28°C) and a low of 70°F (21°C), it generally feels very warm with a gentle breeze. There might also be a moderate chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Kandy in October

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Kandy has to offer for travelers in October, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Kandy that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Kandy for October.
Sri Dalada Maligawa
1. Sri Dalada Maligawa
4.7
(25752)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Large temple featuring rituals & services around the sacred Tooth Relic, the canine tooth of Buddha.
Kandy Lake
2. Kandy Lake
4.6
(875)
Lake
Nature & Parks
Tranquil, manmade lake with a path for walking & jogging & an adjacent temple with Buddha's tooth.
Bahirawakanda Temple
3. Bahirawakanda Temple
4.6
(2373)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Steep stairs lead to hilltop views from this Buddhist place of worship with a souvenir shop.
Arthur's Seat View Point, Kandy
4. Arthur's Seat View Point, Kandy
4.6
(1199)
Scenic spot
Sights & Landmarks
Lookout point with a single symbolic chair for photographs, with views of Kandy Lake & city.
Ceylon Tea Museum
5. Ceylon Tea Museum
4.3
(688)
Museum
Specialty Museums
British Garrison Cemetery
6. British Garrison Cemetery
4.5
(84)
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
Commonwealth War Cemetery Kandy
7. Commonwealth War Cemetery Kandy
4.7
(58)
Cemetery
Sights & Landmarks
New Ranweli Spice Garden Kandy Sri Lanka
8. New Ranweli Spice Garden Kandy Sri Lanka
3.8
(40)
Garden
Nature & Parks
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
9. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
4.4
(2890)
National forest
Nature & Parks
Wildlife viewing is popular within this large forest with hiking trails & interpretive information.
Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya
10. Sri Lankathilake Rajamaha Viharaya
4.6
(713)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Buddhist temple dating back to the 14th century, with paintings, sculptures & carved inscriptions.
International Buddhist Museum
11. International Buddhist Museum
4.6
(204)
History museum
Museums
Museum showcasing exhibits devoted to Buddhist history around the world in a Victorian-era space.
Royal Palace
12. Royal Palace
Palace
Sights & Landmarks
Old Royal Palace
13. Old Royal Palace
4.4
(113)
Museum
History Museums
Built circa 1634, this palace was home to the monarch of the Kingdom of Kandy until the early 1800s.
Kandy Esala Perahera
15. Kandy Esala Perahera
4.3
(9)
Buddhist temple
Events
St Paul's Church, Kandy
16. St Paul's Church, Kandy
4.5
(70)
Place of worship
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Kandy?

Get inspired for your trip to Kandy with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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