Asia · December
Best time to visit Sri Lanka in December 🇱🇰
December in Sri Lanka is shoulder season — mixed conditions. a shoulder-season pick — quieter and cheaper, but expect mixed weather or a few closures.
Last updated June 2026
Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka? Quick answer
Workable — shoulder season with mixed conditions.
| Verdict for December | Shoulder season — mixed conditions |
| Average temperature | 30°C high / 23°C low |
| Rainy days | ~11 days |
| Crowds | high |
| Prices | high |
| Events this month | Christmas / NYE south coast |
| Peak months overall | January, February, March |
| Insider tip | If your dates are fixed, switch coasts to dodge the monsoon. |
Sri Lanka year at a glance
The absolute peak months for Sri Lanka are January, February, March. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.
What Sri Lanka is like in December
South-west dry season returns; surf, beaches, hill country all open. The west/south coast is best Dec–Mar. The east coast is best May–Sep. The Cultural Triangle and hill country are good most of the year except heaviest rains.
Insider tip
If your dates are fixed, switch coasts to dodge the monsoon.
December by region in Sri Lanka
South & west coast (Galle, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa)
bestDry, calm seas Dec–Mar.
East coast (Arugam Bay, Trincomalee)
off-seasonSurf and sun May–Sep.
Hill country (Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy)
bestCool year-round; clearest Jan–Apr.
Where to go in December instead
Thailand in December
A tale of two coasts and three seasons.
Philippines in December
7,000 islands, one dry season.
Cambodia in December
Cool & dry for Angkor.
Laos in December
Mekong country, cool dry winters.
UAE in December
Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.
Switzerland in December
Two seasons, both spectacular.
FAQs: Sri Lanka in December
Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
It's a shoulder month: workable but mixed. December in Sri Lanka is shoulder season — mixed conditions. Expect average highs around 30°C and lows near 23°C, with roughly 11 rainy days.
What is the weather like in Sri Lanka in December?
Average daily high around 30°C, low around 23°C, with about 11 rainy days. South-west dry season returns; surf, beaches, hill country all open.
What events or festivals happen in Sri Lanka in December?
Key events in December include Christmas / NYE south coast.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in Sri Lanka in December?
Prices in December are typically high — book early, with high crowds.
Should I book Sri Lanka in advance for December?
You can usually book closer to your travel dates in December — supply is plenty and prices stay reasonable.