Sri Lanka in December
Christmas, whales and calm seas — book early
December is the start of peak season on the south coast. The dry weather settles in, the sea calms down and blue whales return off Mirissa. The last two weeks are the busiest of the year, with the highest prices.
Weather around the island in December
South & west coast
GreatMostly dry and sunny with calm seas. A few showers early in the month.
East coast
WetNortheast monsoon. Most east coast hotels are quiet or closed.
Hill country
GoodDrying out. Adam's Peak season opens on the December full moon.
The sea on the south coast
Calm and clear. Whale watching is in full swing, and beginner surf at Weligama is ideal.
Best things to do in December
- Whale watching from Mirissa
- Christmas and New Year's Eve parties in Galle, Mirissa, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa
- Adam's Peak season opens on Unduvap Poya
- Snorkelling with turtles at Hikkaduwa
Festivals, holidays and seasons in December
- Religious FestivalChristmasDecember 25 (every year) — Celebrated by Sri Lanka's Christian community with decorations and breudher cake.
- Religious FestivalUnduvap PoyaDecember 4, 2025 · November 24, 2026 (Full Moon Poya) — Commemorates the arrival of the sacred Bo Tree sapling in Anuradhapura.
- SeasonalPeak Tourist Season (South Coast)December - March (annually) — Dry weather, calm seas, and the best beach conditions on the south coast.
- Food & HarvestToddy Tapping SeasonYear-round (best: December - April) — Traditional coconut sap tapping for toddy, arrack, and treacle.
- National HolidayNew Year's Eve & DayDecember 31 - January 1 (every year) — Celebrations at hotels, beach parties, and fireworks across the south coast.
Where to go on the south coast in December
What to pack
- Swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen
- Smart-casual clothes for New Year dinners
- A layer for Adam's Peak
Local tip
✦ The first half of December is noticeably quieter and cheaper than 20 December – 5 January. If you're coming for Christmas, book rooms and NYE dinners months ahead.
Travelling in December?
Tell us your dates and we'll plan a day-by-day route around the weather, festivals and the places that are at their best that month.
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