There are 2 distinct seasons in terms of weather which determine the tourist seasons in Sri Lanka. The season in the South and West coasts are during the dry season in this region not affected by the southwest monsoons which take effect between May to October annually. Therefore anybody who likes to spend a beach holiday in the South or West coasts of Sri Lanka should ideally make it happen between November or ideally from end December till April. There are specialized coastal areas where special activities are conducted. Mirissa and Kalpitiya are the best spots where whale and dolphin watching could be started. Activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling can be done at Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa and again Kalpitiya. While Kalpitiya is also a kite-surfing hot spot during the high windy season between June and August. Midigama is a surfers paradise. The best beaches in the south coast belong to Hikkduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Tangalla (further down south).