One of the best months for visiting the southern and western coasts and the cultural triangle with generally dry, sunny weather. Tourism peaks around the holidays with higher prices and fuller accommodation in popular areas.
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Sri Lanka in December.
Colombo, Galle, Bentota
December returns to settled, drier weather and the southwest enters its high season: Galle Fort and Mount Lavinia are lively, and evening breezes make coastal dining pleasant. Expect higher prices and sold‑out guesthouses around Christmas and New Year; put in reservations early. Daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable for sightseeing, but bring a light layer for cooler evenings by the sea.
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Horton Plains
December cools further and mornings can be misty with frost‑like temperatures in the highest spots around Nuwara Eliya; daylight warms comfortably for trekking. Adam’s Peak pilgrimage season begins in December and climbs take place in clearer conditions-book guesthouses in advance. Pack a warm mid‑layer, as evenings can feel genuinely cold compared with the coast.
Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya
December cools slightly in the mornings and remains mostly dry-popular for touring the Cultural Triangle because daylight is comfortable and visibility is excellent for climbing Sigiriya or circling Anuradhapura by bike. Holiday bookings increase slightly around Christmas, but the region is less crowded than the southwest coast. Pack light clothing for day and a thin layer for cooler dawns.
Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay
December often carries the full influence of the northeast monsoon with wetter, windier conditions along the east coast; dive visibility suffers and ferry services to small islands may be suspended. Arugam Bay is quieter and many surf camps are closed for the off‑season. If you must travel now, choose Trincomalee’s better‑protected bays and bring layered clothing for cooler, windy mornings.
Jaffna, Mannar, Delft Island
December typically sees increased rain and wind from the northeast monsoon, with choppier seas that affect ferries to Delft and smaller islands. Jaffna town receives more frequent showers, but cultural sites remain accessible between storms. Travel is quieter and some coastal guesthouses reduce services; check ferry and accommodation availability and bring a waterproof jacket and layered clothing.
There are no major festivals or events in Sri Lanka during December to be aware of.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.