East Coast

Arugam Bay surf and Trincomalee diving, on the opposite monsoon calendar

The east coast runs on the reverse of the south and west's weather pattern, so it tends to be driest when the rest of the island is wettest, roughly May through September. Arugam Bay is built around its surf break and has a younger, more laid-back feel than the south coast towns; Trincomalee has calmer water, better for diving and snorkelling, plus its own harbour-town history. It's a longer drive out here than to the south coast, which keeps it quieter.