Old Town of Jaffna
Jaffna, Sri Lanka • 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, Apr
26°C – 27°C, january is the coldest month in jaffna, with temperatures ranging from 25, medium crowds, peak season
26°C – 27°C, january is the coldest month in jaffna, with temperatures ranging from 25, medium crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Limited accessibility; uneven terrain and stairs present.
Limited accessibility; uneven terrain and stairs present.
Value for money
High
Entry fees are low, offering great cultural value.
Entry fees are low, offering great cultural value.
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene gardens and historical sites. A perfect romantic escape.
Historic Charm
The architecture and cultural sites were captivating, perfect for a couple's exploration.
Peaceful Vibe
Visitors found the Old Town peaceful and welcoming, ideal for a relaxed couple's trip.
Limited Info
Some couples noted a lack of detailed historical information at the fort.
Litter Problem
Some couples felt the litter at the Jaffna Fort detracted from the experience.
Uneven Terrain
Couples found the uneven terrain a challenge; accessibility could be improved.
How to book
ViatorRECOMMENDED
Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
2h - 3h
4.8
from
USD 45
per_person
BOOK
GetyourguidePremium Experience with Hotel Pickup
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before
4h - 5h
4.9
from
USD 70
per_person
BOOK
KlookPrivate Full-Day Tour
Non-refundable
8h - 10h
5.0
from
USD 120
per_person
BOOK
Hours of operation
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
LOW
26-28°C
December in Jaffna is characterized by the continuation of the northeast monsoon, resulting in heavy rainfall. Average high temperatures are around 27.5°C, with lows of 26.1°C. Rainfall averages approximately 140mm over 20 days, indicating a high chance of precipitation.
December in Jaffna is characterized by the continuation of the northeast monsoon, resulting in heavy rainfall. Average high temperatures are around 27.5°C, with lows of 26.1°C. Rainfall averages approximately 140mm over 20 days, indicating a high chance of precipitation.
Open
Outdoor activities and certain attractions may be limited due to the heavy rainfall.
Outdoor activities and certain attractions may be limited due to the heavy rainfall.
Not recommended
December experiences heavy rainfall and low tourist activity. While the environment is lush, the wet conditions can disrupt travel plans. Travelers should be prepared for rain and consider indoor activities during their visit.
December experiences heavy rainfall and low tourist activity. While the environment is lush, the wet conditions can disrupt travel plans. Travelers should be prepared for rain and consider indoor activities during their visit.
January
MEDIUM
26-27°C
January is the coldest month in Jaffna, with temperatures ranging from 25.5°C to 26.8°C. The average precipitation is 33mm over approximately 11.2 days, resulting in a 37% chance of rain.
January is the coldest month in Jaffna, with temperatures ranging from 25.5°C to 26.8°C. The average precipitation is 33mm over approximately 11.2 days, resulting in a 37% chance of rain.
Open
Early booking recommended due to peak season demand.
Early booking recommended due to peak season demand.
Recommended
January offers pleasant weather, making it a popular time for tourists. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance to secure availability and better rates.
January offers pleasant weather, making it a popular time for tourists. It's advisable to book accommodations in advance to secure availability and better rates.
February
MEDIUM
25-28°C
February sees temperatures between 24.7°C and 28.1°C. Rainfall averages 29mm over 4 days, indicating a 27% chance of rain.
February sees temperatures between 24.7°C and 28.1°C. Rainfall averages 29mm over 4 days, indicating a 27% chance of rain.
Open
Advance reservations are advisable during peak season.
Advance reservations are advisable during peak season.
Recommended
February's warm and relatively dry conditions make it an attractive month for visitors. Planning ahead is recommended to ensure accommodation availability.
February's warm and relatively dry conditions make it an attractive month for visitors. Planning ahead is recommended to ensure accommodation availability.
March
LOW
26-30°C
March experiences temperatures from 25.8°C to 30.2°C. With 26mm of rainfall over 3 days, the chance of rain is 19%.
March experiences temperatures from 25.8°C to 30.2°C. With 26mm of rainfall over 3 days, the chance of rain is 19%.
Open
More options available due to decreased demand.
More options available due to decreased demand.
Recommended
March offers warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for visitors seeking a quieter experience. Accommodation prices may be more favorable.
March offers warm temperatures and minimal rainfall, ideal for visitors seeking a quieter experience. Accommodation prices may be more favorable.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses provide an affordable means to travel within the city and to nearby towns, with frequent services from the central bus stand and the Private Bus Stand located on Old Post Office Road.
Taxi
Recommended
Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available throughout Jaffna and offer a convenient way to reach the Old Town from any point within the city. Ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber are also operational in the area.
Train
Recommended
Trains, such as the Yal Devi Express, connect Jaffna to other major cities, arriving at the Jaffna Railway Station, which is centrally located.
Bike
Bicycles and scooters can be rented from local shops and guesthouses, allowing for an eco-friendly way to explore the city.
Car
For those traveling by car, the Old Town is accessible via the main road network that converges on the city center. Parking is available on Old Post Office Road and near major attractions.
Walking
Walking is a viable option, especially for short distances within the city center, enabling visitors to experience local life up close. The Jaffna Railway Station and the main Jaffna Bus Stand are within walking distance of the Old Town.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required