Airbnb market data · 202512 months to April 2025
Watarappola, Sri Lanka Airbnb Market Data: Revenue, Occupancy & Trends
The average Airbnb in Watarappola brought in Rs 910,422 over the 12 months through April 2025, across just 20 active listings, so a single property can move that figure.
AirROI's latest figures for Watarappola run through April 2025.
The short answer
Watarappola Airbnb Market at a Glance
Listings averaged Rs 15,793 a night and were booked on 20% of available nights.
Timing matters: in May, the best month, the average listing earned about 4.6 times as much as in December, the slowest. With only 20 active listings, a few bookings can reorder the months.
With 20 active listings, Watarappola is the 14th-largest of 18 Western Province markets AirROI tracks.
Browse the live Watarappola Airbnb market See Every Watarappola ListingRevenue
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Make in Watarappola?
Gross bookings per Watarappola listing averaged Rs 910,422 over the 12 months to April 2025 (Western Province average: Rs 1,691,673), before cleaning, platform and management costs and taxes.
The average Watarappola listing brought in Rs 394,000 in May, its best month, and Rs 86,300 in December, its slowest. The three strongest months bring in 38% of a full year's revenue, where an even calendar would give any three months 25%.
Across Watarappola's 20 active listings, monthly revenue by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) earn Rs 466,000+ a month, about 2.8 times the typical property.
- Strong performers (top 25%) earn Rs 289,000 or more, roughly Rs 120,000 a month above the median.
- Typical properties (median) earn about Rs 169,000 a month.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn Rs 82,500 or less, about half of the median.
These are monthly figures for listings active in each month. The annual average above also counts listings that operated for only part of the year, so it runs below twelve times these figures.
May earned about 4.6 times what December did
Average revenue per active listing, by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, Rs 221,000. Dashed: April left out, as the latest month's data looks incomplete.
Watarappola Airbnb Data by Month
Latest 12 months in the April 2025 data.
May led on revenue. Nightly rates peaked in December and bookings in November, so the best-paying month is not always the busiest or the priciest.
| Month | Avg. Revenue | Occupancy | Avg. Nightly Rate | Booking Lead Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | Rs 394,360 | 44.1% | Rs 12,525 | 78 days |
| Jun 2024 | Rs 323,411 | 23.7% | Rs 12,615 | 84 days |
| Jul 2024 | Rs 205,601 | 29.9% | Rs 12,904 | 9 days |
| Aug 2024 | Rs 184,648 | 24.5% | Rs 12,779 | 8 days |
| Sep 2024 | Rs 255,828 | 20.0% | Rs 12,710 | 3 days |
| Oct 2024 | Rs 266,395 | 45.2% | Rs 12,723 | 1 day |
| Nov 2024 | Rs 240,884 | 47.3% | Rs 12,628 | 2 days |
| Dec 2024 | Rs 86,287 | 23.0% | Rs 15,149 | 5 days |
| Jan 2025 | Rs 105,475 | 11.8% | Rs 13,852 | 13 days |
| Feb 2025 | Rs 149,828 | 20.5% | Rs 13,850 | 8 days |
| Mar 2025 | Rs 215,129 | 35.5% | Rs 13,737 | 14 days |
| Apr 2025* | Rs 184,098 | 10.0% | Rs 13,702 | 82 days |
Averages per active listing in each month. Highlighted: the highest-revenue month. Booking lead time is the days between booking and check-in for stays in that month. *Apr 2025 is the latest month and looks incomplete: its occupancy sits well below the calendar months either side of it, as the latest month often does before late bookings are recorded. It may be revised and is not counted as a best or worst month.
These are market-wide figures. To see what one particular Watarappola home could earn, enter its address, bedrooms and guests in the Airbnb revenue calculator; it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
Profit
Is an Airbnb in Watarappola Profitable?
Yes, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average Watarappola Airbnb took in Rs 910,422 in the 12 months to April 2025, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing in the top quarter, run by its owner at everyday costs, keeps about Rs 95,700 a month after running costs.
These amounts come before housing costs. Where the mortgage or rent is less each month, the difference is profit; a home owned outright keeps it all after property tax, home insurance and any building or condo fees.
Watarappola Airbnb Income, Expenses and Profit per Year
| Line | Average listing | Top-quarter listing |
|---|---|---|
| Money in | ||
| Gross bookings | Rs 910,422 | Rs 1,559,600 |
| Running costs | ||
| Airbnb's fee15.5% of bookings, Airbnb's standard host-only fee | −Rs 141,100 | −Rs 241,700 |
| Utilities and internetAbout 5% of bookings | −Rs 45,500 | −Rs 78,000 |
| Guest suppliesToiletries, coffee, paper goods: about 2% | −Rs 18,200 | −Rs 31,200 |
| Repairs and upkeepIncluding linens and small replacements: about 3% | −Rs 27,300 | −Rs 46,800 |
| Short-term rental insuranceOne policy, on top of Airbnb's free AirCover | −Rs 9,100 | −Rs 9,100 |
| Permit and registrationWhere one is required | −Rs 4,600 | −Rs 4,600 |
| ManagementRs 0 when you run it; co-hosts charge from about 10% of nightly bookings | Rs 0 | Rs 0 |
| Pricing and messaging toolsOptional; Airbnb's own tools are free | Rs 0 | Rs 0 |
| Lodging taxesAdded to the guest's bill and passed on | Rs 0 | Rs 0 |
| Total running costsAbout 27% of bookings | −Rs 245,800 | −Rs 411,400 |
| Left for housing costs, then profit | Rs 664,622about Rs 55,400 a month | Rs 1,148,200about Rs 95,700 a month |
| Housing costs | ||
| Mortgage or rent, property tax, home insurance, building or condo fees | Depend on the home | |
Estimate Your Own Watarappola Airbnb Profit
The estimate starts from Watarappola's average listing, run by its owner. Change how the listing performs, who runs it and who cleans to see what is left for the mortgage or rent.
To work out the profit on one Watarappola home, with its price, its mortgage or rent and your own costs, use the Airbnb profit calculator. It starts from the comparable listings around the address.
How Watarappola's Top Earners Get There
- More nights booked. The busiest quarter of Watarappola listings are booked on 41% or more of their nights, against 17% for the median listing. Ten more booked nights a year at the median rate of Rs 9,070 adds about Rs 90,700 in bookings.
- Prices that follow demand. Ranked by price, the top quarter charge Rs 13,300 a night or more, against a median of Rs 9,070. That is a separate ranking from the busiest quarter, so the two marks don't multiply into one listing's takings. For the average listing, a 10% higher rate on the nights it already books adds about Rs 91,000 a year.
- Open for the busy months. May brought the average listing about Rs 394,000, against Rs 86,300 in December, so a calendar that is open and full in the busy months carries the year.
What a listing keeps comes down to the figures this page measures: nightly rate, nights booked and the months it's open. A listing at the top-quarter mark takes in about Rs 130,000 a month, against Rs 75,900 for the average one.
Occupancy
What Is the Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Watarappola?
Watarappola listings were booked on 20% of the nights they were open over the past year, 16 percentage points below the Western Province average (36%) and 13 points below the Sri Lanka average (33%). Occupancy swings from 12% in January to 47% in November.
Across Watarappola's 20 active listings, the share of open nights booked by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) are booked 57%+ of open nights, 40 points above the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) fill 41% or more, roughly three nights a week.
- Typical properties (median) fill about 17% of open nights.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) fill 13% or less, less than one night a week.
November was the busiest month in Watarappola, January the quietest
Share of open nights booked, by month
Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month rate of 20% averages each listing's whole year, slow months included; each month here counts only the listings booked in it.
Nightly rates
How Much Does an Airbnb Cost per Night in Watarappola?
The average nightly rate in Watarappola, known as ADR (average daily rate), was Rs 15,793 over the past year, about 19% below the Western Province average of Rs 19,400 and about 47% below the Sri Lanka average of Rs 29,800. Averaged month by month, rates peak in December at about Rs 15,100 and bottom out in May and June at about Rs 12,500.
Across Watarappola's 20 active listings, nightly rates by tier:
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) charge Rs 24,900+ a night, about 2.7 times the median.
- Strong performers (top 25%) charge Rs 13,300 or more, about Rs 4,200 above the median.
- Typical properties (median) charge about Rs 9,070 a night.
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) charge Rs 6,715 or less, about three-quarters of the median.
December rates ran 21% above May's
Average nightly rate (ADR), by month
The dashed line is the average of the months shown, Rs 13,200. Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month ADR of Rs 15,793 averages each listing's own rate across its whole year; the monthly points average listings month by month, so the two differ.
Seasonality
Best and Worst Months for Airbnb in Watarappola
With only 20 active listings, the monthly pattern in Watarappola is noisy, since a few long or pricey stays can lift a month; revenue peaked in May and bottomed out in December.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Watarappola?
Guests book Watarappola stays 11 days ahead on average, so many trips are booked close to arrival. June stays are booked furthest out, about 84 days ahead, and October stays closest to arrival, about 1 days. A typical June booking is made in late March.
June stays are booked furthest ahead
Average days between booking and check-in, by month of stay
Dashed: April data incomplete. The 12-month figure of 11 days averages each listing's year as a whole; each month here averages only the listings with stays in it.
Permits
Airbnb Permits and Registration in Watarappola
5% of the 20 active listings in Watarappola display a registration, permit or license number. A low share doesn't mean no rules apply: some places don't ask hosts to show a number on the listing, and listing data doesn't capture every scheme.
Registration, permit, zoning and tourist-tax rules vary by address and change often, so confirm them with the local authority before buying or listing in Watarappola.
Neighborhoods
Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Watarappola
AirROI's area guide picks eight Watarappola neighborhoods that draw short-term rental guests, led by Watarappola Town, Walawe River and Sinharaja Forest Reserve. The picks reflect guest appeal, not earnings data or permit eligibility, so check local permit rules for a specific address before buying.
| Area | Who it suits | Landmarks nearby |
|---|---|---|
| Watarappola Town | Watarappola Town is a central hub in the area with easy access to local shops and restaurants, making it convenient for travelers looking for a local experience. | Local markets, Sri Siddhartha Buddhist Temple, Cultural festivals, Food stalls, Community events |
| Walawe River | The Walawe River region is known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities, attracting nature lovers and adventure seekers. | Walawe River safari, Water sports, Bird watching, Scenic viewpoints, Fishing spots |
| Sinharaja Forest Reserve | A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sinharaja is famous for its biodiversity and offers unique eco-tourism opportunities, appealing to nature enthusiasts. | Guided nature trails, Bird watching, Camping, Ecological tours, Photography hotspots |
| Ratnapura | Famous for its gem mining industry, Ratnapura is attractive for tourists interested in gems and jewelry, providing a unique cultural experience. | Gem museums, Gem mines, Local handicrafts, Caving adventures, Cultural heritage sites |
| Bopaththalawa | A tranquil area known for its natural beauty and tea plantations, ideal for visitors wanting to relax and enjoy the serene environment. | Tea estate tours, Nature walks, Scenic landscapes, Local tea tasting, Hiking routes |
| Kalthota | Known for its picturesque views and hiking trails, Kalthota attracts trekkers and nature lovers looking for outdoor adventures. | Hiking trails, Natural water bodies, Hilltop views, Biodiversity, Photography opportunities |
| Kanduboda | A peaceful area with a rural setting, Kanduboda is great for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and experience village life. | Local village tours, Riverside walks, Authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, Community interactions, Cultural experiences |
| Pelmadulla | Pelmadulla offers a mix of urban conveniences and rural charm, making it a suitable spot for travelers interested in both nature and culture. | Local historic sites, Markets, Cultural attractions, Natural parks, Community events |
Area descriptions are AI-assisted from public sources and are not checked against zoning.
Nearby markets
Watarappola vs. Nearby Airbnb Markets
Of the eight nearby markets in the table, all within 45 km, Colombo (8 km away) earned the most per listing, about 2.4 times as much as Watarappola. Nugegoda was the busiest, booked on 40% of nights against 20% in Watarappola.
| Market | Listings | Avg. annual revenue | Avg. nightly rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dehiwala 2 km | 85 | Rs 1,693,241 | Rs 16,983 | 37% |
| Nugegoda 5 km | 46 | Rs 1,142,201 | Rs 13,898 | 40% |
| Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte 8 km | 102 | Rs 1,318,358 | Rs 19,550 | 32% |
| Sri Jayawardanapura Kotte 8 km | 48 | Rs 824,366 | Rs 16,406 | 35% |
| Colombo 8 km | 695 | Rs 2,183,785 | Rs 22,725 | 39% |
| Katunayake 37 km | 30 | Rs 594,296 | Rs 8,761 | 28% |
| Negombo 42 km | 243 | Rs 1,230,279 | Rs 16,074 | 30% |
| Ettukala 45 km | 60 | Rs 1,100,512 | Rs 13,698 | 24% |
FAQ
Watarappola Airbnb FAQ
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Watarappola?
An active Watarappola Airbnb grossed Rs 910,422 on average in the 12 months to April 2025, according to AirROI's tracking of 20 active listings. That is before cleaning, management, taxes and financing. Busier, better-run listings do far better: the top quarter took in Rs 289,000 or more in a typical month.
How much can I make on Airbnb in Watarappola?
It depends most on the home's size, location and how it's run. The middle half of Watarappola listings earn between Rs 82,500 and Rs 289,000 in a typical month, and the top tenth Rs 466,000 or more. For one home, enter its address and bedroom count in the Airbnb income calculator: it compares the home with similar listings nearby.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Watarappola?
Listings in Watarappola were booked on 20% of available nights over the past year. That compares with 36% for the Western Province average. November was the busiest month.
How much does an Airbnb cost per night in Watarappola?
The average booked night in Watarappola cost Rs 15,793 before fees. Half of listings charge between Rs 6,715 and Rs 13,300; a few high-priced homes pull the average above that range.
Do you need a permit for an Airbnb in Watarappola?
In Watarappola, 5% of active listings display a registration, permit or license number. A low share doesn't mean no rules apply, so confirm registration, permit and tourist-tax rules with the local authority before buying.
Is Airbnb profitable in Watarappola?
It can be, as extra income from a home or room you already have. The average Watarappola Airbnb grossed Rs 910,422 in the 12 months to April 2025, 46% below the Western Province average of Rs 1,691,673, though with only 20 active listings a single property can move that figure, counting listings open only part of the year, and a listing at the top-quarter mark, run by its owner with everyday costs for Airbnb's fee, utilities, supplies, upkeep and insurance, keeps about Rs 95,700 a month. Check a specific home in the Airbnb calculator.
When is Airbnb peak season in Watarappola?
May paid best over the past year, at Rs 394,000 per active listing, and December paid least. The month-by-month table above shows how rates and bookings each move.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnbs in Watarappola?
Watarappola stays were booked 11 days before arrival on average over the past year, so a listing can still fill close to the date.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Watarappola?
Watarappola Town, Walawe River and Sinharaja Forest Reserve draw the most short-term rental interest in Watarappola. The neighborhood guide explains what brings guests to each.
How many Airbnbs are there in Watarappola?
AirROI counted 20 active Airbnb listings in Watarappola as of April 2025. The closest tracked market is Dehiwala, 2 km away.
Method
About This Data
Figures on this page cover 20 active Airbnb listings in Watarappola from May 2024 to April 2025 (trailing twelve months). AirROI refreshes them monthly from listing-level booking and calendar data covering 20+ million properties worldwide. AirROI measures bookings in US dollars; this page shows them in Sri Lankan rupees at Rs 313 per US$, the typical rate from October 2025 to September 2026. Annual revenue averages every listing active during the period, including those listed for only part of it; monthly figures average the listings active in each month; the tier lists show the spread. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-assisted. See the methodology for definitions.
Need this programmatically? The same metrics are available through the AirROI Airbnb Data API and bulk downloads in the data portal.