When to Go
What's the weather like in Sri Lanka in December?
Weather conditions generally improve through December, with high season returning from mid-month onwards. The island is green and refreshed after the autumn rains.
Early December can be relatively quiet before the festive rush. While showers are still possible, they are often brief and warm. The southwest coast and tea plantations are particularly enjoyable at this time. Christmas and New Year are extremely popular, and as many hotels are small and boutique in style, booking up to a year in advance is advisable.
Which beaches are best in Sri Lanka in December?
Best region: South Coast, particularly from mid-month onwards
Beaches to consider: Weligama, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Ahangama, Kabalana, Midigama, Hiriketia, Mawella, Tangalle, Rekawa, Habaraduwa
East coast: Not recommended this month
Note: Christmas and New Year book up very quickly, early booking strongly advised
December sees the southern coastline returning to generally good form, particularly from mid-month onwards. Weligama, Mirissa and Unawatuna are popular choices and tend to get busy over the festive period, so for those who prefer a quieter stretch of coast we would point you towards Ahangama, Kabalana, Midigama and Hiriketia, or the more unspoilt beaches of Mawella, Tangalle, Rekawa and Habaraduwa further east. The most popular hotels along this coastline book up very quickly for Christmas and New Year, so early booking is strongly advised.
Wildlife in Sri Lanka in December
From mid-December onward, safari becomes increasingly reliable as dry conditions re-establish across much of the dry zone. Yala offers a strong mix of leopard and elephant sightings. Uda Walawe, Wasgamuwa and Gal Oya remain dependable for elephants. Migratory bird season is fully established in Bundala and Kumana. Please note that November to March is the Eastern Monsoon period, and safaris can still be done in Yala, Gal Oya, Wilpattu, Uda Walawe, Minneriya and Kaudulla, although you may encounter some rain. Visitor numbers rise sharply over Christmas and New Year.
Places to consider: Yala, Wilpattu, Uda Walawe, Wasgamuwa, Minneriya, Kadulla, Gal Oya, Kumana, Bundala, Sinharaja, Horton Plains, Knuckles
Drying conditions return from mid-month
Weather in Colombo & Negombo in January
Colombo kicks off the year nicely with pleasant warm temperatures normally around 23°C to 31°C and relatively low rainfall of about 40mm, though you never know what weather might throw at you. It's usually part of the dry season, making it often a great time to explore the capital city without getting drenched!
As a tropical island, Sri Lanka may experience occasional warm showers, but these are typically brief and intense. The island's compact size means that no matter when you visit, there's always a region with favourable conditions. This makes Sri Lanka a viable destination throughout the year.
25 - 30ºAugust
Sri Lanka is an excellent year-round destination thanks to its diverse microclimates. When the west and south coasts (Colombo, Galle, Tangalle) have their best conditions from December to March, the east coast offers good weather from May to September. The ancient cultural sites like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa are accessible throughout most of the year, while the cool hill country around Nuwara Eliya provides a refreshing escape in any season. National parks like Yala and Wilpattu are most rewarding during dry periods when wildlife gathers around water sources.
25 - 30ºOur private itineraries are designed around you and when you want to travel
Here are some ideas of where to go and what to do in December.
Need a helping hand?
Whatever your passion, we make it happen.
Featured hotels
What our travellers say
We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026)
Choose your adventure
Speak to one of our team to get started. After all, your travel journal won’t write itself.