Kandy lies inland and experiences a climate that is wetter and colder than popular coastal destinations in Sri Lanka. The moderate climate and moist air (relative humidity of 70 to 79 per cent) of Kandy and its surrounding regions are features that have assisted it in becoming famous for tea-growing.

The city's dry season runs from December through April, during which time temperatures fall in the 22ºC to 30ºC range. The monsoon season follows, lasting from May through August and seeing temperatures in the 25ºC to 29ºC range. The third and final season of the year is known as the inter-monsoon season, lasting from September through November and seeing temperatures in the 24ºC to 29ºC range.

The dry season is typically the high season in Kandy, offering the most favourable weather conditions and consequently attracting the highest number of visitors. However, as it never really gets cold in the city, it's possible to visit at any time of the year, although the wet season necessitates a waterproof jacket.