Sri Lanka in August

[junglehouse]

We’re planning a trip for two weeks during the end of August to Sri Lanka.
Has anyone been that time of year? From what I have read, the East is best in August?
Do you have any recommendations for places to go or see? We would like to avoid touristy places and will have our five year old with us too.

What part of Sri lanka are you going to? The north of the island is much less touristy

But what do you like, nature/hiking/cultural/beaches??????

Budget? Plenty of options from homestays to big hotels

Are you independently travelling or with a driver or tour or public transport (busses and trains Tuks,)

Avoiding tourist places, well you will miss out on seeing say Sigiruya/Lions Rock, or a visit to the many places of worship which also attract tourists. But if your wanting less tourists, maybe Jaffna up north would fit.

Maybe have a look at the hill stations where the tea plantations are.

But travelling around takes a long time something to think about with a 5 year old esp on public transport getting from A to B can take a long time.

Also be aware at this time Sri Lanka had a lot of Dengue and Chikungunya due to mosquitos, it may be the same in August.

Have a look on line at tours and what they offer at that time and see what suits you.

I have work colleagues based there and it's going to be very hot and humid in August and possibly quite wet with storms. I've not visited recently but I would recommend going to kandy in the hills which will be cooler and see the tea plantations.
How are you going to get around? Are you hiring a car?
Out of Colombo, the roads get worse and out can take hours to go a short distance. Getting from Colombo to the north will be a good 7-8 hours drive.
Most people don't go to the east of the island, they go down to Galle area if they have time off or on a jungle safari in the middle.
The mosquitos can be very bad and a few colleagues have contracted dengue fever this year so make sure you get the recommended vacinnes and tablets.

Just as an update for you OP, the GOV. UK travel issued travel advice and warning and insurance for travel to Sri Lanka from yesterday with regards to Chikungunya .

Its spreading fast and many people have it, its and awful disease to get. Apparently there is a vaccine that is available in the UK.

This may affect your travel insurance so best to check.

Regarding the comment about not going East, August is absolutely the right time for the East.
The south and west are in monsoon.
We did Habarana - Nilavelli - Arugum Bay - Ella - Kandy. Hardly any rain. Not particularly busy, although it was the summer after the Easter attacks so tourism was only just opening back up. It's amazing. Don't miss the main sights, just add on some quieter places too.