Asia

Sri Lanka in December

The south and west coast season begins. Christmas and New Year are the busiest, priciest weeks of the year.

GoodDrying in the south and west, highs near 86F (30C); wet in the east

Sigiriya rock fortress, Sri Lanka — Sri LankaPhoto: Maadhil, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Sri Lanka. The south and west coast season begins. Christmas and New Year are the busiest, priciest weeks of the year.

Weather: Drying in the south and west, highs near 86F (30C); wet in the east
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Sri Lanka

December is when the south and west coast season begins. Those areas dry out, with highs near 86F (30C), while the east is wet. Whale season starts off Mirissa and the Adam's Peak pilgrimage season opens. Christmas and New Year are the busiest, priciest weeks of the year, and good hotels sell out.

It is a good month for families with holiday breaks and travelers who want beaches and wildlife. Book hotels and drivers far ahead for the holidays. If you want the same weather with fewer crowds, come in early December or in February.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Sri Lanka this month.

Whale season begins

Blue whale season off Mirissa starts around December. Choose operators that follow the guidelines.

Adam's Peak season opens

The pilgrimage season starts, with lit paths and tea stalls for night climbs.

South coast beaches

Galle, Unawatuna, and Hiriketiya come alive as the dry season begins.

What to pack for December

Swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen
Light clothes and a hat
A warm layer for the hill country
Modest clothes for temples

Our timing tip

Book any December travel before the holidays early, and plan your whale-watching trips for the first half of the month.

Book Sri Lanka for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Sri Lanka
Opens a hotel search for Sri Lanka in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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Vacation rentals in Sri Lanka
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Sri Lanka
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Sri Lanka for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Adam's Peak pilgrimage season

Roughly December to May, from the Unduvap to the Vesak full moon

Paths are lit and tea stalls are open for night climbs. Weekends and full moon days are very crowded.

Things to do in Sri Lanka

Full guide

Sigiriya

Climb at opening, around 7am, before the heat and the tour groups. The climb takes about one to two hours up and down.

Tickets and tours →

Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist site. Visit during the morning or evening puja ceremony and dress in white or modest clothing.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Kandy to Ella train

Cyclone Ditwah damaged the line in late November 2025 and it has reopened in stages, with the Nanu Oya to Ella stretch back first. Check current Sri Lanka Railways service before booking; when it runs, reserve seats well in advance.

Tickets and tours →

Galle Fort

A walled Dutch colonial town. Walk the ramparts at sunset. Best from December to April.

Tickets and tours →

Yala National Park

Leopards and elephants, best in the dry months. The park often closes for part of September and October; check dates before you book.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Whale watching at Mirissa

Blue whale season is roughly December to April. Choose operators that follow the viewing guidelines.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Follow the monsoons, not the calendar. In July and August, when Europe's summer holidays fill Galle and Ella, spend more of your time on the dry east coast.
Climb Sigiriya at opening or in the last two hours, and consider the Pidurangala rock next door for the view of Sigiriya itself.
If the hill country train is running on your dates, book reserved seats as far ahead as allowed. Unreserved carriages in peak season are standing room only.
Avoid full moon (Poya) weekends at pilgrimage sites like Adam's Peak and Anuradhapura, when they are packed with pilgrims.

Know before you go

Every full moon (Poya) day is a public holiday. Alcohol sales are banned, and some shops and restaurants close.
Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid April closes many businesses for several days. Plan transport and meals ahead.
Yala National Park often closes its main zone for part of the dry period, roughly September to mid October, to let the park recover.
Rough seas during the southwest monsoon (May to September) close many beaches on the south and west coasts to swimming and stop some whale-watching boats.

Sri Lanka in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

December is a good month to visit Sri Lanka. The south and west coast season begins. Christmas and New Year are the busiest, priciest weeks of the year.

What is the weather like in Sri Lanka in December?

Drying in the south and west, highs near 86F (30C); wet in the east.

Is Sri Lanka crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Sri Lanka; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Sri Lanka in December?

Adam's Peak pilgrimage season (roughly december to may, from the unduvap to the vesak full moon).