Jaffna Holidays

Things to do in Jaffna

Jaffna, a vibrant destination in Sri Lanka's Northern Province, offers a delightful blend of experiences suitable for families and business travellers alike. Visitors can explore bustling shopping centres and local markets, immersing themselves in the region's rich culture. Don't miss the lively music festivals that showcase Jaffna's artistic heritage, making for an unforgettable holiday filled with unique activities and local charm.

Shopping

The Jaffna Vegetable Market is a vibrant spot where you can immerse yourself in local culture while shopping for fresh produce and traditional goods. If you're up for a drive, visit the Jaffna Shopping Centre, offering a variety of shops catering to diverse tastes and needs.

Recreation

In Jaffna, the Jaffna Peninsula Retreat provides serene yoga sessions amidst lush landscapes, enhancing your inner peace. The Jaffna Heritage Hotel features rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments, allowing you to unwind while immersing yourself in local culture and traditions.

Adventure

Explore the stunning beaches of Jaffna, where you can indulge in water sports like snorkelling and kayaking. Visit the ancient Nallur Kandaswamy Temple for a glimpse of rich culture, or trek to the nearby islands for an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking landscapes and local wildlife.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Jaffna Cultural Centre, where traditional performances illuminate the evening. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Jaffna Fort area, where local eateries serve delightful street food and refreshing drinks, perfect for mingling with locals and soaking up the energetic vibe.

Find the best attractions in Jaffna

Jaffna is an ideal destination for family, city-themed, and business vacations, offering a rich cultural experience. Notable attractions include temples, historic towers, and the impressive Jaffna Fort. Visitors can explore the scenic Jaffna Lagoon and delve into the region's heritage sites, making it a perfect spot for those seeking cultural immersion and family-friendly activities.

• St Mary’s Cathedral: This majestic cathedral is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture, offering a serene atmosphere for reflection. Visitors can admire its stunning stained glass windows and intricate details, as well as experience the rich cultural heritage of the Catholic community in Jaffna.
• Sri Nagavihara International Buddhist Centre: A tranquil temple that fosters peace and meditation, this centre showcases beautiful Buddhist art and architecture. Visitors can participate in meditation sessions and learn about Buddhist teachings, making it a unique spiritual experience.
• Jaffna Clock Tower: An iconic landmark of Jaffna, the Clock Tower is a symbol of the city’s history and resilience. Its colonial-era design offers a glimpse into the past, and it serves as a perfect backdrop for photographs and leisurely exploration.

Best time to go to Jaffna

The best time to visit Jaffna can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Jaffna falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Jaffna falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	79.0°F (26.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
February	79.5°F (26.4°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	82.2°F (27.9°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
April	84.9°F (29.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
May	85.3°F (29.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	84.2°F (29.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	83.5°F (28.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	82.9°F (28.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
September	82.8°F (28.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	81.1°F (27.3°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Jaffna

To save money on your visit to Jaffna, plan your trip during the off-peak months of May and October to November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, and consider checking last-minute deals on Expedia. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Jaffna are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Jaffna is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Jaffna is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Jaffna is Wednesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results by price, displaying the most affordable hotels at the top. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation in Jaffna with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.