It’s also one of the busiest months of the year, especially from mid‑December onward, so booking early is essential.
Seasonal Highlights in December
- Whale Watching at Its Best
Mirissa offers peak blue‑whale sightings, with calm seas and reliable conditions. - Festive Atmosphere
December brings a lively, celebratory feel — beach towns, hotels, and restaurants often host seasonal events, especially toward Christmas and New Year. - Excellent Visibility for Photography
Clear skies and bright light make December one of the best months for landscape and wildlife photography. - Ideal for Multi‑Region Itineraries
With stable weather across the south, west, and Cultural Triangle, December is perfect for combining beaches, culture, and the Hill Country in one trip.
Weather Overview
December brings some of the most stable weather of the year, with sunny days on the south and west coasts, hot and mostly dry conditions in the Cultural Triangle, cool and clear mornings in the Hill Country, and wet, windy weather on the east coast.
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Places to Visit in December
December is especially good for:
- Cultural Triangle: Sigiriya Town for Lion Rock, Dambulla Cave Temples, Polonnaruwa
- Hill Country: Ella town, Kandy town, Nuwara Eliya
- South & West Coasts: Galle, Mirissa, Weligama, Hiriketiya
Avoid the east coast — it’s fully off‑season
Need itineraries? Check out my 3-week Sri Lanka itinerary or my Cultural Triangle itinerary for inspiration.
National Parks in December
December is a strong wildlife month across much of the island.
Good Conditions
- Yala — Excellent for leopards; peak season conditions.
- Udawalawe — Reliable elephant sightings year‑round.
- Wilpattu — Good visibility and active wildlife as the landscape dries.
Decent Conditions
- Minneriya / Kaudulla / Hurulu — Elephants are more dispersed, but sightings are still possible.
Not Recommended
- Kumana — still affected by monsoon patterns.
Book in Advance for December
December is one of the busiest months of the year, especially from mid‑December onward, so book accommodation and transport in advance to secure the best options.
Accommodation
book ahead with Booking.com
book with agoda
book with hostelworldTours & Transport
Book tours and experiences with klook
book transport with 12goConsider booking your travels through my links — it supports the site at no extra cost to you. You can secure most accommodation, tours, and transport easily through the major platforms below.
Verdict: Should You Visit Sri Lanka in December?
Yes — December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka.
With excellent beach weather on the south and west coasts, reliable conditions in the Cultural Triangle, and clear, cool days in the Hill Country, December offers some of the most enjoyable travel conditions of the year. Just book early, especially for beach towns and national parks.
Want to compare all the months? Check out my guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka, or explore another month in depth below.
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