Things to do in Dambulla in September

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Overview

September is a good time to visit Dambulla. The weather is usually very warm and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 74—89°F (23—32°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Dambulla during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit the Dambulla Wholesale Market to experience the local hustle and bustle, attend a traditional Ayurvedic wellness retreat, and more!

Dambulla 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 September trip to Dambulla. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. 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 Dambulla in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Dambulla in September

Top experiences in September
Visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress
September is an excellent time to climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock, as the weather is generally mild and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak tourist season. The ancient rock fortress, also known as Lion Rock, offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area and is adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate gardens. It's a challenging but rewarding climb that provides insight into Sri Lanka's rich history and architectural marvels.
Visit the Dambulla Wholesale Market to experience the local hustle and bustle
September is a great time to visit the bustling wholesale market in Dambulla, where you can witness the lively trade of fresh produce, spices, and other goods. The market is a vibrant hub of activity, with vendors showcasing a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and spices, creating a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and aromas. It's a unique opportunity to observe the local economy in action and interact with friendly vendors.
Attend a traditional Ayurvedic wellness retreat
September is a great time to focus on your health and well-being by participating in an Ayurvedic wellness retreat. Dambulla is home to several wellness centers that offer holistic treatments, yoga sessions, and meditation practices to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. You'll have the opportunity to experience ancient healing techniques and learn about the principles of Ayurveda from experienced practitioners.
Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples
These ancient cave temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are a must-visit when in Dambulla. September is a great time to visit as the weather is generally pleasant, making it easier to explore the five caves filled with stunning statues and intricate paintings. The temples hold great religious significance and offer a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's history and spirituality.
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Go on a cycling tour through the Dambulla countryside
September's pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to explore the scenic countryside on a bicycle. You can pedal through lush paddy fields, quaint villages, and serene lakes, taking in the natural beauty and local way of life. Along the way, you can stop to interact with friendly locals, sample fresh tropical fruits, and capture stunning photographs of the picturesque landscapes.
Go on a wildlife safari in Minneriya National Park
September is the best time to visit this national park as it is the peak season for the famous gathering of wild elephants. The sight of hundreds of elephants congregating around the Minneriya Tank is a truly unforgettable experience. In addition to elephants, the park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including leopards, sloth bears, and a wide array of bird species.
Take a leisurely boat ride on the Kandalama Lake
September's pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to relax and enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Kandalama Lake. As you glide across the tranquil waters, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's a serene and rejuvenating experience that allows you to connect with nature and appreciate the natural beauty of Dambulla.
Take a hot air balloon ride over the Dambulla countryside
September offers ideal weather conditions for a peaceful and scenic hot air balloon ride. As you soar above the picturesque landscape, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the lush greenery, ancient ruins, and rural villages below. It's a unique way to experience the beauty of Dambulla and create lasting memories.
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Holidays in Dambulla in September
September
  • Milad-Un-Nabi (September 16)
  • Binara Full Moon Poya Day (September 17)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Dambulla in September

Temperatures on an average day in Dambulla in September

The average temperature in Dambulla in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 89°F (32°C) to a low of 74°F (23°C). Some would describe it as very warm and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Dambulla, April, has days with highs of 92°F (33°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 83°F (28°C) and lows of 68°F (20°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Dambulla in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
89°F
highs
74°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm and breezy
Feels like
36%
Chance of rain
0.193 in
Amount
17.2 mph
Wind speed
80%
Humidity
12.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:57 AM
Sunrise
6:07 PM
Sunset
26%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 89°F (32°C) and a low of 74°F (23°C), it generally feels very warm and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt
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Best attractions for Dambulla in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Dambulla has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Dambulla 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 Dambulla for September.
Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
1. Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and Golden Temple
4.5
(10992)
Buddhist temple
Nature & Parks
Temples built into 5 caves under overhanging rock, containing paintings, statues & wall murals.
Popham's Arboretum
2. Popham's Arboretum
4.4
(244)
Park
Nature & Parks
Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center
3. Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center
4.1
(1207)
Farmers' market
Food & Drink
Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
4. Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs
4.4
(412)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Menikdena Archeological Reserve and Arboretum | මැණික්දෙන පුරාවිද්‍යා රක්ෂිතය සහ වෘක්ෂෝද්‍යානය
5. Menikdena Archeological Reserve and Arboretum | මැණික්දෙන පුරාවිද්‍යා රක්ෂිතය සහ වෘක්ෂෝද්‍යානය
4.4
(67)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Ederagala Wana Senasuna
6. Ederagala Wana Senasuna
4.6
(129)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks

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