Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Are you thinking about getting away from the cold winter? Then December may be a good time for you to visit Sri Lanka?
If you are looking for more than just a beach, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of experienced to enjoy whilst is is cold back at home.
The main holiday season in Sri Lanka starts towards the middle of the month as tourist start arriving from the Northern Hemisphere to escape the winter weather.
Historically, the main tourist season is between late December until March.
However, as Sri Lanka is now on so many travellers bucket lists, the tourist season is extending. More tourists are willing to take a gamble on good weather to avoid the crowds at the tourist hot spots.
Sri Lankan Tourist Numbers doubled December 2023 compared to December 2022.
The Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority (SLTDA) publishes tourist arrivals on a weekly and monthly basis.
You can see by clicking the link that December 22 arrivals were 91,961 and they rose to 210,352 in December 2023. This is a staggering 128% increase year on year!
The SLRDA has an ambitious target of increasing annual tourist arrivals from 1.487m in 2022 to a revised 2m travellers in 2023.
In 2025 they are aiming for 3m tourists!
Sri Lanka in December
Early December can be a bit more of a risk weather wise and you may get a bit of rain spilling over from November.
Avoid the North and East coasts of the country as the weather is better during May to September to explore those sides of the island.
The West coast and Southern beaches are popular with sun worshippers wanting to get some winter colour. There are lots of activities at the beach and you will find many surf camps allowing you to enjoy more than just the beach.
Visit a Turtle hatchery and watch the little ones make their way into the ocean.
Venturing away from the coast will allow you to explore the history and culture of the island.
Many travellers visit the cultural triangle to see the temples in Kandy, Anaradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
It can be rainy in this part of the country in December, so take a rain jacket.
An early morning climb of Lion Rock in Sigiriya or Pidurangula can be joined with a safari to see elephants in Minneriya of Kaudulla National Parks.
New Year's Eve in Sri Lanka
For Sri Lankans, the 31st December is not as significant as Sinhala and Tamil New Year.
However, as tourism is an important industry for the island you will find lots of opportunities to welcome in the New Year.
Lots of larger hotels hold New Years Eve dinner and dances.
In 2023 there was a firework display around the Lotus Tower in Colombo. You can read about the plans for 2024 in the following link.
What's the weather like?
As the North East monsoon dissipates and the dry season approaches, you can expect pleasant warm weather.
The temperatures tend to be around (25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) ), with minimal rainfall and lots of sunshine.
Rainfall along the western and southern coasts the continues to decline during the month and the south-west monsoon fast becomes a distant memory.
As the unsettled weather fades away, plenty of sunshine and dry days are expected which is great for spending time at the beach.
Rainfall reduces somewhat in the hill country, however it still can be wet and the evenings may be chilly.
The rainfall around the Cultural Triangle, is still likely to be high, although it will be less than the previous month, especially as you near the month end.
Avoid the north and the east coast as rainfall continues to be high.
For up to date information on the weather in Sri Lanka please visit he Sri Lankan Department of Meteorology.
What beaches are best in December?
Pick the south-west and south coasts in December.
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons. Make sure you select the part of the country which is monsoon free during your visit.
Where to avoid!
During December the monsoon hits the East coast and the central and northern section of the west coast (from Negombo northwards).
The best weather for beaches in December
The south-west (the section south of Negombo & Colombo) and the entire south coast.
Seeking waterfalls
Sri Lanka has a variety of waterfalls around the country.
We have both Diyaluma and Bambarakanda Waterfalls within an hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.
Discovering and enjoying the Upper Pools at Diyaluma Waterfall are a special experience that we love.
Provided it has not rained very much, later December is a great time to enjoy the pools.
Hiking, trekking, walking
There are amazing opportunities to walk through different landscapes around the island.
It all depends on how much energy you want to expend and what type of terrain you can handle.
The weather in December is quite good for hiking as it is not as warm as it is during January to March. You are also less likely to see many walkers on your way.
Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO) is one of our favourite places to hike.
The eleven kilometre circular walk takes you past Lesser and Greater World’s End where you can enjoy spectacular views.
Bakers Falls is a beautiful waterfall that you will see during the hike.
These elements are fantastic however, the flora and fauna that you will come across in the Montane Cloud Forest is for us the real beauty.
The all new Pekoe Trail
This new 300km trail which consists fo 22 stages opened in 2023.
The hike starts in Kandy and passes through the different landscapes of Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella.
It’s becoming quite popular with hikers and there are some that have already completed the entire 300km.
GlenMyu Estate is near to stages 12 and 13 which start or end at Haputale.
The Weather in the Central Hills
What is the weather like in the Sri Lankan Hill country and Ella
December through February is the perfect time to be in Ella and the Sri Lankan hill country.
The average temperature on the higher side fluctuates between 27°C and 23°C. However it rains during this period (8-17 days in a month) so you will need a train jacket occasionally.
You can read more about the weather in the Sri Lankan hills and Ella by clicking on the link to Accuweather.
December is good in Sri Lanka, but later in the month is better
December is a good time to visit Sri Lanka, particularly later in the month when the rains die down.
Although visiting the island early in December provides more chance of rainy days, you will find it easier to get a train ticket or there will be less crowds in some of the tourist spots.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.