Where to Go in Sri Lanka in December: 20 Best Places & Complete Guide
Wondering where to go in Sri Lanka in December? Discover the 20 best places to visit, the finest beaches, cultural sites, hill country escapes, and activities during Sri Lanka's sunniest peak season.
December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka. The weather is stable, the west and south coasts glow with sunshine, and the sea is calm and crystal clear — ideal for beach days, sightseeing, and adventure. Here is a complete guide on where to go in Sri Lanka in December, covering the cultural triangle, the hill country, and the southern and western coasts.
Why December is the best time to visit Sri Lanka
December marks the height of Sri Lanka''s peak tourist season. A large influx of travellers arrives from Europe, escaping the northern winter for warm tropical sunshine. The southwest monsoon has retreated, leaving the west coast, the south coast, and the hill country dry, sunny, and safe for outdoor activities.
For a broader overview of the island''s best routes, see our Sri Lanka tour guide at Seerendipity Tours and the itineraries available at Serendipity Pvt.
Sri Lanka''s climate in December
Sri Lanka is only 65,610 square kilometres in extent, yet it packs remarkable variety in landscape and weather. In December, temperatures on the coast hover around 32 °C, while the mountains — with the highest point at Pidurutalagala (2,524 m) — can drop close to 0 °C at night.
December weather at a glance
| Region | Weather in December | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| West coast | Sunny, dry, calm sea | Beaches, water sports |
| South coast | Sunny, dry, clear water | Swimming, whale watching, surfing |
| Hill country | Cool, mostly dry, occasional showers | Trekking, tea country, scenery |
| Cultural triangle | Warm and dry | Heritage and archaeology |
| East & north coasts | Wet, rough sea (monsoon) | Avoid for beach holidays |
High season vs. low season
- Peak season (November – April): Dry weather on the west, south, and hill country. Highest prices and busiest resorts.
- Low season (April – October): Rain and rough seas in the west and south, but the east coast comes into its own with dry, sunny beach weather.
The 20 best places to visit in Sri Lanka in December
- Colombo
- Anuradhapura
- Kandy
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Dambulla cave temple
- Polonnaruwa
- Sinharaja rainforest
- Udawattekele forest
- Nuwara Eliya
- West coast Sri Lanka
- The southern coast of Sri Lanka
- Yala National Park
- Udawalawe National Park
- Galle
- Mirissa beach
- Ella
- Kitulgala
- Minneriya National Park
- Wilpattu National Park
- Adam''s Peak
Best beaches for a December beach holiday
If you want a leisurely tropical beach holiday, head to the south and west coasts. The sea is calm, crystal clear, and free of dangerous underwater currents — perfect for swimming, snorkelling, diving, and surfing.
15 popular beaches on the southwest coast
- Kalpitiya Beach
- Waikkal Beach
- Negombo Beach
- Mount Lavinia Beach
- Wadduwa Beach
- Kalutara Beach
- Bentota Beach
- Beruwala Beach
- Ambalangoda Beach
- Hikkaduwa Beach
- Unawatuna Beach
- Mirissa Beach
- Polhena Beach
- Tangalle Beach
- Hambantota Beach
For a deeper look at these coastal escapes, read our South West Sri Lanka beach holidays guide and the 7-day south coast itinerary.
Best places to visit in December to explore culture
Sri Lanka has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, five of them in the cultural triangle. December''s dry weather makes it the ideal month to explore ancient cities and monuments.
- Anuradhapura
- Polonnaruwa
- Sigiriya rock fortress
- Dambulla cave temple
- Temple of the Tooth Relic (Kandy)
- Galle Fort
- Adam''s Peak
Planning a heritage-focused trip? See our Sri Lanka heritage tour and the Sigiriya or Kandy comparison.
Wildlife and rainforests in December
Sri Lanka is one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. About 24% of the country is under natural green cover, and its national parks and rainforests are rich with elephants, leopards, birds, and endemic species.
- Sinharaja rainforest — a UNESCO World Heritage rainforest
- Minneriya National Park — famous for the elephant "gathering"
- Udawalawe National Park
- Yala National Park — highest leopard density in the world
- Wilpattu National Park
- Kithulgala rainforest
The hill country in December
The tea country climbs from lush lowlands to 2,524 m at Pidurutalagala. December is cool and mostly dry, with occasional refreshing showers. It''s the perfect contrast to the coast.
Best places in the hill country
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
- Bandarawela
- Kandy
- Haputale
- Horton Plains National Park
- Hatton and Dickoya
Ride the world-famous train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or check the full Sri Lanka train trips guide.
13 best activities for travellers in December
- Sun and sea bathing
- Diving and snorkelling
- Surfing, boating, and saltwater sports
- Visiting historical monuments
- Exploring Galle Fort
- Whale watching in Mirissa
- Wildlife safaris
- Kayaking and river rafting
- Rainforest exploration
- Bird watching
- Visiting botanical gardens
- Trek to Adam''s Peak
- Trekking, hiking, and land-based adventures
Adventure activities in December
Sri Lanka''s rivers and waterfalls provide safe, warm, worm-free water (around 27 °C) for water-based adventures. Top adventure destinations include:
- Kithulgala — white-water rafting, canyoning
- Bentota — jet ski, banana boat, river safari
- Nuwara Eliya — hiking and mountain scenery
- Kandy — cycling and forest trails
Seasonal highlights: Adam''s Peak
The pilgrimage and hiking season at Adam''s Peak (Sri Pada) runs from November to April. December is one of the best months for the pre-dawn climb — clear skies, safe trails, and the famous shadow of the peak at sunrise.
Sri Lankan food and Ceylon tea
Sri Lankan cuisine was named the No. 1 trending cuisine by BBC Good Food. Do not miss hoppers, kottu roti, pol sambol, and fresh seafood curries. Pair your meal with a cup of unblended Ceylon tea, brewed fresh at a hill-country tea factory.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes. December is peak season with warm, sunny days on the west, south, and hill country. Expect higher prices and busier beaches.
Where should I avoid in Sri Lanka in December?
Avoid the east coast (Trincomalee, Passikudah, Arugam Bay) and the north (Jaffna) for beach holidays — they are affected by the northeast monsoon and rough seas.
What should I pack for Sri Lanka in December?
Light clothing for the coast (32 °C), a warm layer for the hill country (nights near 0 °C), sun protection, and rain gear for occasional showers.
Plan your December trip
Ready to build your own itinerary? Browse more stories on our Sri Lanka travel blog, or plan a tailor-made tour with Seerendipity Tours and Serendipity Pvt.