Sri Lanka · December
Best travel monthTravel seasonSri Lanka · Asia
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 32° (90°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 33° (91°)30– (86–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)30– (86–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)30– (86–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)29– (84–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)29– (84–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)31 (88) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)26– (79–)33 (91) | 31° (88°)27– (81–)33 (91) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 23° (73°)20– (68–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)24– (75–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)22– (72–)25 (77) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 9h | 9h | 8h | 6h | 6h | 6h | 6h | 6h | 5h | 5h | 7h |
🌊Water Temp | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 30° (86°) | 31° (88°) | 31° (88°) | 30° (86°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) |
🌧Rain Days | 4d55mm (2.2") | 2d39mm (1.5") | 5d79mm (3.1") | 9d175mm (6.9") | 12d269mm (10.6") | 10d155mm (6.1") | 5d65mm (2.6") | 5d68mm (2.7") | 10d209mm (8.2") | 13d288mm (11.3") | 14d321mm (12.6") | 7d110mm (4.3") |
Best travel time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel season — mid-range prices, good availability.
December is one of the best travel months for Sri Lanka — conditions are stable, temperatures reach 31°C (88°F), and outdoor activities are excellent.
Daytime highs average 31°C (88°F), cooling to 24°C (75°F) at night (daily average: 27°C (81°F)). Peaks reach around 33°C (91°F), the coldest nights around 21°C (70°F). The sun shines an average of 7 hours per day; there are 7 rain days with 110 mm (4.3 in) total. The water is a warm 29°C (84°F) — perfect for snorkelling and swimming.
Pack light summer clothing, sunscreen, and swimwear — beach and water conditions in December are ideal.
The best time for the west coast and the Cultural Triangle: Colombo, Galle Fort and Sigiriya Rock in clear light. Trincomalee on the east coast is still marked by rain, but Kandy and the hill country are ideal.
Packing list for Sri Lanka in December
- Light summer clothes
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Light umbrella or rain poncho
- Insect repellent
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
- Yes — December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka (Climate Score: 72/100). Pleasant temperatures (31°C (88°F)), good sunshine (7 h/day), and few rain days (7) make it one of the most recommended months.
- How warm is it in Sri Lanka in December?
- In December, Sri Lanka sees daily highs of 31°C (88°F). Nights cool to 24°C (75°F), with a daily average of 27°C (81°F). Peaks reach around 33°C (91°F), the coldest nights around 21°C (70°F).
- How much rain falls in Sri Lanka in December?
- In December, Sri Lanka receives an average of 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain over 7 rain days. An umbrella may occasionally be needed.
- How many sunshine hours does Sri Lanka get in December?
- Sri Lanka averages 7 sunshine hours per day in December — close to the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Sri Lanka in December?
- Water temperature in Sri Lanka in December averages 29°C (84°F) — ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
