Visiting Sri Lanka in December

Sri Lanka weather guide by month

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

 

The south-west monsoon is long gone, with some wonderful weather across the south and west – warm, dry and a perfect time to hit the beaches, such as by the Indian Ocean at Tangalle or Unawatuna. Christmas and New Year are popular so can be very busy, but visit earlier in the month and you’ll escape the worst of the crowds.

On the opposite coast, it’s the peak of the rainy season in the north and east, with some of the year’s highest rainfall in Trincomalee, and rainy conditions in the north-west from Negombo.

It’s still wet in the Cultural Triangle too, although rainfall gets less and less throughout the month. It’s also getting less rainy in the hills this month with lush green growth to enjoy, but it’s cool in the evenings and you won’t be guaranteed dry days for walking. If you’re happy to chance it, December marks the start of the season for Adam’s Peak, running throughout the drier months until May.

Whale-watching season is well underway at Mirissa on the south coast – you might be lucky and spot a blue whale, although most don’t arrive before February. Dry season means it’s easier to spot elephants at Udawalawe National Park, as well as some great sightings at Yala National Park, though this will be busy during the second half of the month.

Festivals: Although Sri Lanka is not a majority Christian country, Christmas is still celebrated across the island with a national holiday and all faiths making the most of the day to see family and friends.

Best for: Beaches in the south and west, wildlife spotting at Udawalawe and Yala National parks, whale watching

Region	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
North / East	● 28°C 🌤️	● 29°C 🌤️	● 31°C 🌤️	● 33°C ☀️	● 35°C ☀️	● 35°C ☀️	● 35°C ☀️	● 34°C ☀️	● 34°C ☀️	● 32°C 🌦️	● 29°C 🌦️	● 28°C 🌦️
Central	● 19°C ☀️	● 21°C ☀️	● 22°C 🌤️	● 22°C 🌦️	● 21°C 🌦️	● 19°C 🌤️	● 19°C 🌤️	● 19°C 🌤️	● 20°C 🌤️	● 20°C 🌧️	● 20°C 🌧️	● 20°C 🌦️
South / West	● 30°C ☀️	● 30°C ☀️	● 31°C ☀️	● 31°C ☀️	● 30°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌧️	● 29°C 🌤️