Sri Lanka in December: Weather, Where to Go and What to Expect

December is when Sri Lanka’s peak season begins. The south-west monsoon has moved on, the sea along the south and west coasts turns calm and clear, and travellers from the UK, Europe and Australia arrive for winter sun. If you are thinking about Sri Lanka in December, the short answer is yes: it is one of the best months of the year to visit, as long as you know which parts of the island to choose.

This guide explains the December weather region by region, the best places to go, what Christmas and New Year are like on the island and how to plan a trip that makes the most of the season. For the rest of the year, see our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka month by month.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Sri Lanka?

Yes. December marks the start of the dry season on the south and west coasts, which is where most first-time visitors spend their beach time. Days are warm and sunny, the sea is calm enough for swimming and snorkelling, and wildlife viewing is excellent.

There are two things to keep in mind. First, the north-east monsoon is active, so the east coast and the far north are wet. Second, the last two weeks of the month are the busiest and most expensive of the year. Travel in the first half of December and you get much the same weather with fewer people and better rates.

Sri Lanka Weather in December by Region

Sri Lanka has two monsoons that affect opposite sides of the island, so the weather depends on where you are. For live forecasts before you travel, check the Department of Meteorology Sri Lanka.

South and west coasts

This is the place to be. Expect daytime temperatures of around 28 to 31 degrees Celsius, long sunny spells and a sea temperature of about 28 degrees. The first week or two can still bring a short afternoon shower, and conditions become more settled as the month goes on. Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle are all in season.

Hill country

Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Hatton and Ella are green and fresh after the rains. Days are mild, and nights in Nuwara Eliya can drop to around 10 degrees, so a jumper is essential. Mist and the odd shower are part of the scenery, especially in the afternoon, and mornings are usually the clearest time for views and walks.

Cultural Triangle

Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura sit close to the north-east monsoon zone, so December can bring showers, particularly early in the month. Rain rarely lasts all day, the landscape is beautifully lush and the sites are quieter than in high summer. Plan climbs such as Sigiriya Rock for early morning and keep the afternoon flexible.

East coast and the north

Trincomalee, Pasikudah, Arugam Bay and Jaffna are in their wet season, with rough seas and many beach hotels running reduced services. Save these for May to September, when the pattern reverses.

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in December

• Galle and the south coast: explore the lanes of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, then settle on the beach at Unawatuna, Weligama or Tangalle.
• Mirissa: the whale watching season runs from November to April, and December offers a good chance of seeing blue whales and spinner dolphins on a morning boat trip.
• Yala and Udawalawe: both parks are open and green. Yala is known for leopards, while Udawalawe is the most reliable place on the island to see wild elephants. For lodges and private game drives, see our guide to a luxury safari in Sri Lanka.
• The tea country: stay on a working tea estate, visit a factory and ride the scenic train between Nanu Oya and Ella.
• Sigiriya and Dambulla: climb the Lion Rock at sunrise and visit the painted cave temples with far smaller crowds than in summer.
• Kalpitiya: on the north-west coast, the dolphin watching season is under way, with large pods of spinner dolphins offshore.
• Colombo: the capital is at its liveliest in December, with Christmas lights, rooftop bars and some of the best restaurants in the country.

Festivals and Events in December

Unduvap Full Moon Poya

In 2026 Unduvap Poya falls on Wednesday 23 December. It commemorates the arrival of the nun Sanghamitta, who brought a sapling of the sacred Bodhi tree to Anuradhapura. Like every Poya day it is a public holiday: temples are busy with worshippers dressed in white, and alcohol is not sold in shops, bars or hotels. It is a memorable day to visit a temple, so simply plan ahead.

Adam’s Peak pilgrimage season

The climbing season for Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) traditionally opens on Unduvap Poya and runs until Vesak in May. During the season the path is lit at night and tea stalls line the route, which makes the sunrise climb far more atmospheric than out of season.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas is a public holiday in Sri Lanka and is celebrated with real enthusiasm, particularly in Colombo and in Negombo, which has a large Catholic community. Hotels put up trees, serve festive dinners and host parties on the beach on New Year’s Eve. Many hotels add a compulsory gala dinner supplement on 24 and 31 December, so check what is included when you compare prices.

How Busy and Expensive Is December?

From about 20 December to 5 January, Sri Lanka is at its busiest. Popular boutique hotels and villas on the south coast can sell out months ahead, many set minimum stays of four to seven nights, and rates are at their highest. Good chauffeur guides and safari jeeps are also in demand.

• Book early: for Christmas and New Year, aim to confirm hotels by October at the latest.
• Travel in early December: the first two weeks offer similar weather with noticeably better availability and value.
• Reserve train seats in advance: reserved tickets for the hill country trains sell out quickly in peak season.
• Allow extra time on the road: holiday traffic around Colombo, Kandy and the south coast is heavier than usual.

Sample 10-Night Sri Lanka Itinerary for December

This route follows the best of the December weather and finishes on the beach. For more route ideas, see our best Sri Lanka itinerary for first-time visitors.

• Nights 1 to 2, Sigiriya: climb Sigiriya Rock early, visit Dambulla Cave Temple and take an afternoon jeep safari to see elephants.
• Night 3, Kandy: the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.
• Nights 4 to 5, Tea country: stay near Nuwara Eliya or Hatton, tour a tea factory and take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella.
• Night 6, Ella: Nine Arch Bridge and a sunrise walk up Little Adam’s Peak.
• Night 7, Yala: an afternoon and an early morning game drive in search of leopards.
• Nights 8 to 10, South coast: beach time near Tangalle or Mirissa, a whale watching trip and a sunset walk on the ramparts of Galle Fort.

Have more time? Add a few nights in the Maldives at the end. The flight from Colombo to Malé takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, and December is the start of the dry season there too. Our guide to planning a Sri Lanka and Maldives holiday explains how to split your time.

What to Pack for Sri Lanka in December

• Light, breathable clothing for the coast and lowlands.
• A jumper or light jacket for evenings in the hill country.
• A compact rain jacket for the Cultural Triangle and tea country.
• Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples, plus socks for hot stone floors.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent.
• Comfortable walking shoes for Sigiriya, Ella and tea trails.

Plan Your December Holiday With Wander Ceylon

December rewards good planning. As a Colombo-based tailor-made tour operator, Wander Ceylon designs private journeys around the weather, with a chauffeur guide, hand-picked hotels, reserved train seats and safaris arranged before you land. If a shower changes the plan, your guide simply reshuffles the day. Browse our Sri Lanka tour packages for inspiration.

Thinking about Christmas or New Year in Sri Lanka? Contact our team now and we will build a private itinerary around your dates while the best hotels are still available.

Frequently Asked Questions