Get in touch

Sri Lanka weather & when to go: December

Sri Lanka December weather overview

Along the western and southern coasts the rainfall continues to decline as south-west monsoon fast becomes a distant memory. As the recent unsettled weather fades away, plenty of sunshine and dry days are expected as peak beach conditions return. Up in the hills the rainfall also drops slightly, although it’s still wet and evenings continue to be chilly. 

Further north in the Cultural Triangle, rainfall is still high, although the peak figures of the previous month should have dropped considerably, especially by the end of the month. In the north and along the east coast, rainfall continues to be high.

Find inspiration for your holiday to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka weather & when to go

Pick a month below

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

December’s weather in detail

Along Sri Lanka's western and southern coasts the rainfall continues to decline as the south-west monsoon fast becomes a distant memory. As the recent unsettled weather fades away, plenty of sunshine and dry days can be expected as peak beach conditions return (avg temp: 30°C). The west and south coasts are your best bets for beach time if you're looking for a Christmas holiday in Sri Lanka.

Up in the hills the rainfall also drops slightly, although it’s still wet and evenings continue to be chilly. December marks the beginning of the Adam's Peak pilgrimage season, which runs throughout the dry season until May.  

In the Cultural Triangle, rainfall is still high, although the peak figures of the previous month should have dropped considerably, especially by the end of the month (avg temp: 27 °C). In the north and along the island's east coast, rainfall continues to be high as the north-east monsoon blows.

The best of Sri Lanka’s beaches in December:

The south-west (the section south of Negombo & Colombo) and the entire south coast: Peak season.

The entire east coast: Monsoon season.

The central and northern section of the west coast (from Negombo northwards): Monsoon season.

We think you may like this journey…

surfing at Arugam bay

Sambol, Surf & Safari

Combine the island’s top wildlife crowd pleasers with some magnificent hidden gems and cultural highlights before spending some time on the beach.

Price from: £3,190 US$3,990
Ideal length 14 days
Take me there
Sri Lanka Journey Wildilfe Adventure

Looking for inspiration?