The south and west coast wake up
By the first or second week of December, the beach towns along the south and west coast are usually back in full swing. Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Tangalle: the water is calmer, the days are sunny, and the evenings are warm enough that you’ll barely need more than a t-shirt.
You’ll feel the change in the towns too. Beach cafés set out their tables again, fishermen are out early, and there’s a holiday buzz that’s hard to put into words. It’s the kind of place where you plan to stay for one night and end up staying three.
Whale watching season begins
One of the big reasons people choose December is whale watching out of Mirissa. The season generally runs from around December to April, and blue whales and dolphins are often spotted off the southern coast.
We’ll be honest: it’s wildlife, so nothing is guaranteed. Some mornings the whales show up and everyone on the boat goes quiet. Other mornings you see dolphins and a lot of ocean. Either way, being out on the water at sunrise is worth the early alarm. Go with a responsible operator who keeps a respectful distance from the animals. It matters.
Culture, ruins and temples inland
Heading inland, December is a comfortable time to explore the Cultural Triangle. Climbing Sigiriya, walking through the old cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, and visiting the cave temples at Dambulla are all much more enjoyable when you’re not fighting the heat of the dry season or dodging heavy rain.
A small tip: start early. Sigiriya in the soft morning light, before the crowds arrive, is a completely different experience from Sigiriya at noon.
You may still catch the odd shower in some inland areas early in the month, as the northeast monsoon finishes its run. It rarely ruins a day, but a light rain jacket is a smart thing to have.
Safari time
December is a good month for wildlife too. Yala, Udawalawe and Minneriya are all popular, and elephants are the stars of the show. If you’ve never seen a wild elephant family walking out of the bush at dusk, it stays with you. Leopards, crocodiles, peacocks and plenty of birdlife are possible as well.
The hill country, cool and misty
Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Eliya and the tea estates are lovely in December, but pack for it. Mornings and nights can be genuinely cold, especially in Nuwara Eliya, so bring a warm layer. Some days are clear and bright, others are wrapped in mist. Weather in the hills changes quickly, and that’s part of their charm.
The train ride from Kandy towards Ella is still one of the best journeys you can take in Asia. Tea hills, small stations, people waving from the doorways. Book your seats early, because they sell out.
What December isn’t great for
It wouldn’t be fair to say everywhere is perfect. The east coast, including Trincomalee, Pasikuda and Arugam Bay, has its best weather from around April or May to September. December can be wet and rough there.
This is exactly why planning matters. Sri Lanka is a small island, but it has different weather in different places at the same time. A good itinerary points you toward the sun.
Plan early, because everyone else is too
December and the New Year are peak season. The best hotels, drivers and guesthouses fill up quickly, and prices go up as the dates get closer. If you’re thinking about visiting at this time, don’t leave it until the last minute. Even a rough plan made a few months ahead makes a big difference.
Travel with us
We’re Travel Buddy Sri Lanka, a local team that loves showing people around our island. We don’t do cookie-cutter trips. Some of our guests want beaches and nothing else. Some want temples, trains and tea plantations. Most want a bit of everything. Tell us what you like, and we’ll shape the trip around you.
If you’d like to plan a December holiday in Sri Lanka, get in touch:
WhatsApp us: +94 76 1100 402
Email: bookings@travelbuddysrilanka.com
Send us your dates, how many of you are travelling, and what you’re hoping to see. We’ll reply with ideas and take it from there.
Come and see Sri Lanka at its best. We’d love to be your buddy along the way.
Planning your Sri Lanka holiday?
Let TravelBuddy create your personalized Sri Lanka itinerary.
