The drier months in the Knuckles run roughly from June to September, and March to May is also good for walking. October to January brings the most rain. Mist is part of the range all year, so pack for it whenever you come. From Kandy, Rangala is about 40 km and nearly two hours by road.
The weather in the Knuckles, month by month
Weather in the hills is hard to pin down, and the numbers below are averages from one source. Treat them as a guide to the pattern rather than a promise.
| Month | Average rainfall (mm) | Temperature range (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 352 | 13 to 22 |
| February | 163 | 13 to 23 |
| March | 116 | 13 to 24 |
| April | 185 | 15 to 25 |
| May | 117 | 16 to 24 |
| June | 48 | 17 to 23 |
| July | 63 | 16 to 22 |
| August | 67 | 16 to 22 |
| September | 90 | 16 to 23 |
| October | 234 | 15 to 22 |
| November | 290 | 15 to 22 |
| December | 428 | 14 to 22 |
The pattern is clear enough. June to August is the driest stretch, with March to May also on the lower side. December and January are the wettest, and October and November are wet too. Temperatures stay comfortable all year, between about 13 and 25°C, which is a welcome change from the heat of the lowlands.
Which month suits your trip
For trekking. Aim for March to May or June to September. Trails are drier, and the views are clearer. In wetter months, the trails are slippery, and leeches appear after rain.
For waterfalls. Rain makes them fuller. If you do not mind getting wet, October to January shows the range at its most dramatic.
For a slow, romantic stay. Any month works. A villa terrace with mist rolling past is lovely in the rain, and the forest is at its greenest.
For the best chance of clear skies. Choose the drier months, and still pack a rain jacket. The Knuckles can change within minutes.
How to get to Ferndale from Kandy
Ferndale Retreat is in Rangala, about 40 km from Kandy. The drive takes nearly two hours, and a little longer in rain or mist, because the road climbs into the hills.
By car. If you are driving, take your car to Kandy and leave it in the car park managed by Ferndale. Our off-road vehicle takes you from Kandy up to the retreat. Please coordinate with our resident manager beforehand so we can arrange your arrival.
By bus. Public buses run to Kandy. From there, our off-road vehicle takes you up to the retreat, so please arrange the transfer with our resident manager before you travel.
Start early, aim to arrive in daylight, and call ahead if the weather turns. To coordinate your arrival, call our resident manager on +94 76 262 6198, or reach the villa on +94 81 753 4803.
What to pack
Pack a rain jacket, shoes with good grip, light layers for cool mornings and evenings, insect repellent, a torch and a refillable water bottle. After heavy rain, leech socks help on the trails.
Plan your stay
Once you have picked your month, our guides to where to stay in the Knuckles and how we would spend a weekend at Ferndale can help you plan the rest.
Frequently asked questions
The driest months are June to August, and March to May is also good for walking. October to January is wetter, but the waterfalls are at their fullest. Mist is part of the range all year, so bring a rain jacket in any month.
Rangala is about 40 km from Kandy and the journey takes nearly two hours by road. Allow more time in rain or mist, and try to arrive in daylight. Our off-road vehicle takes you up from Kandy, so coordinate your arrival with our resident manager.
Public buses run to Kandy, and our off-road vehicle takes you up to the retreat from there. If you are driving, you can leave your car in the car park managed by Ferndale. Contact our resident manager in advance so we can arrange your arrival.