Sri Lanka in December: Weather, Monsoons and What to Expect
· 1 min read Practical
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different coasts — the southwest monsoon (May–September) hits the west and south coasts, while the northeast monsoon (October–February) hits the east coast. This means somewhere in Sri Lanka is always in dry season.
Weather in December
Peak season. Excellent throughout the west and south. Christmas–New Year is the most expensive period — book ahead. Whale watching, Sigiriya, and Galle all at their best.
Where to Go in Sri Lanka in December
- Colombo: Colombo guide
- Galle: Galle guide
- Sigiriya: Sigiriya guide
- Ella: Ella guide
- Arugam Bay: Arugam Bay guide
- Mirissa: Mirissa guide
Planning
See the best time to visit Sri Lanka for a full seasonal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good month for Sri Lanka?
- December is excellent for the west and south coasts — dry, warm conditions, the whale watching season is in full swing at Mirissa, and the Cultural Triangle is fully accessible. Christmas and New Year bring a spike in visitors and prices.
- Is Sri Lanka busy at Christmas?
- Christmas and New Year (December 22–January 3) is the single busiest period in Sri Lanka. Beach hotels in Mirissa and Galle are fully booked, prices are at their highest, and popular attractions are crowded. Book 3–4 months ahead for this period.
- Is December good for Sigiriya?
- December is an excellent month for Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle — dry, clear conditions make the views from the Lion Rock spectacular. Start the Sigiriya climb early (gates open at 7am) to beat the heat and the tour groups.