December is a good month to visit Sri Lanka if you base your trip on the south and west coasts and the hill country, where the dry season is starting. The east coast and the north are at the wettest point of their year, so save Trincomalee, Arugam Bay and Jaffna for another trip. December is also when the Adam's Peak pilgrimage season opens, and it is one of the busiest weeks of the year for hotels around Christmas and New Year.
This guide covers December weather region by region, the festivals and holidays that fall in December 2026, where to go and where to skip, and what it costs to get into the main sights.
Updated November 2026. After Cyclone Ditwah in late November 2025, the hill country railway is running only between Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla. Trains from Colombo and Kandy into the hills are suspended, and no full reopening date has been confirmed. Check our Kandy to Ella train guide for the latest status before you plan around the train.
Sri Lanka in December at a glance
| Region | December weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| South and west coast (Galle, Mirissa, Colombo) | Highs around 30–31°C, showers easing as the month goes on | Go, especially from mid-December |
| Hill country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) | Kandy around 28°C by day; Nuwara Eliya about 12°C at night | Go, but pack a warm layer and expect some rain |
| Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Anuradhapura) | Hot and fairly wet, with rain from the northeast monsoon | Possible; go early in the day and be flexible |
| East coast (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay) | The wettest part of the island, with rough seas | Skip; go from May to September instead |
| North (Jaffna) | Hot with heavy rain | Skip unless you're happy with wet days |
December weather in Sri Lanka, explained
Sri Lanka has two monsoons that hit opposite sides of the island. December falls in the northeast monsoon, which brings most of its rain to the east coast, the north and the dry-zone plains. The south-west of the island sits in the rain shadow of the central mountains, so it gets drier as December goes on.
Here are typical December averages from Climates to Travel. They are long-term averages, not a forecast, but they show the pattern clearly:
| Place | Average low / high | December rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 23°C / 31°C | about 175 mm |
| Galle | 24°C / 30°C | about 175 mm |
| Kandy | 20°C / 28°C | about 205 mm |
| Nuwara Eliya | 12°C / 19°C | about 185 mm |
| Anuradhapura | 23°C / 30°C | about 225 mm |
| Jaffna | 23°C / 29°C | about 275 mm |
| Trincomalee | 24°C / 29°C | about 340 mm |
| Batticaloa | 24°C / 29°C | about 470 mm |
Two things are worth knowing. First, the south-west still gets some rain in December, usually as showers rather than all-day downpours, and conditions tend to improve through the month. Second, late-year storms do happen: Cyclone Ditwah hit the island in late November 2025 and caused the damage that still has the hill country railway partly closed. Check the forecast in the days before you fly and keep a little slack in your plans.
Festivals and holidays in December 2026
December has two public holidays in 2026, according to the official 2026 holiday calendar:
- Unduvap Full Moon Poya – Wednesday 23 December 2026. Every full moon is a Poya day in Sri Lanka, a Buddhist holy day and public holiday. Unduvap Poya marks the arrival of the nun Sangamitta, who is said to have brought a sapling of the sacred Bo tree to Anuradhapura. Expect temples to be busy with worshippers dressed in white. Bars and liquor shops close on Poya days, and some hotels won't serve alcohol, so plan any celebrations around it.
- Christmas Day – Friday 25 December 2026. Christmas is a public holiday. Many Sri Lankan families travel at this time too, so trains, buses and popular hotels fill up.
The Adam's Peak season opens
The pilgrimage season on Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) traditionally starts on Unduvap Poya in December and runs until Vesak Poya in May. In 2025 it began on 4 December, as reported by Ada Derana. In 2026, Unduvap Poya falls on 23 December, so expect the season to open around then. Confirm the exact date locally before you go.
During the season, the path is lit at night and the tea stalls along the way are open, which is why most people climb overnight to reach the top for sunrise. Before the season opens, the climb is possible but unlit and much quieter, and the weather on the summit is less reliable. Poya days and weekends are the most crowded times to climb.
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is a big night in the beach towns of the south coast and in Colombo's hotels. Some hotels set minimum stays or put on compulsory gala dinners over the holiday period, so read the booking terms carefully before you pay.
Where to go in Sri Lanka in December
South coast beaches
The south coast is the safest bet for December. Mirissa, Unawatuna, Weligama, Hiriketiya and Tangalle all sit on the dry side of the island this month, and the sea calms down as the northeast monsoon settles in. Whale watching boats run out of Mirissa from about November to April, with February and March usually the peak months.
Our guide to southern Sri Lanka covers the main beach towns in more detail.
Galle and the west coast
Galle Fort is a good December stop, rain or shine, because it's compact and easy to walk between showers. There's no general fee to enter the fort itself; you only pay for individual museums. Further north, Bentota and the stretch towards Colombo also enter their dry season now.
The hill country
Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella are all worth visiting in December, but expect some rain and cool evenings, especially in Nuwara Eliya. Mornings are usually the clearest time for views, so plan hikes such as Little Adam's Peak early in the day.
Because of the rail closure, you can't currently take the train from Kandy. The scenic section between Nanu Oya and Ella is running, so many travellers now drive or take a bus to Nanu Oya and board the train there. See our train guide for how that works.
Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle
The Cultural Triangle is in the dry zone, which gets much of its yearly rain between October and January. You can still visit in December, but showers are likely. Climb Sigiriya early in the morning, when it's cooler and before afternoon rain builds, and keep a spare half-day in case the weather turns.
Where to skip in December
Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay are in their wet season, with rough seas and frequent heavy rain. Jaffna is also wet. If the east coast is a must for you, plan a trip between May and September instead.
Entry fees for the main sights
Foreign visitors pay separate rates at most cultural sites and national parks. These are the non-SAARC adult prices listed by Tuk Tuk Rental's entrance fee guide (verified March 2026). Fees quoted in US dollars are often paid in rupees at the day's rate, which was about Rs. 319 to the dollar when they were checked.
| Sight | Foreign adult fee |
|---|---|
| Sigiriya Rock (includes museum) | US$35 |
| Pidurangala Rock | Rs. 1,000 |
| Dambulla Cave Temple | Rs. 3,000 |
| Temple of the Tooth, Kandy | Rs. 2,000 |
| Polonnaruwa Ancient City | US$30 |
| Anuradhapura Sacred Area | US$30 |
| Horton Plains National Park | about US$40 per person all-in (two sharing a jeep) |
| Yala National Park | about US$45 per person all-in (two sharing a jeep), plus jeep hire |
| Udawalawe National Park | about US$27 per person all-in (two sharing a jeep), plus jeep hire |
Prices change, so check at the ticket office before you go.
Tips for a December trip
- Book early for late December and early January. This is peak season, with both international visitors and local holidaymakers. Good beach hotels and drivers get booked up, and prices are usually highest over Christmas and New Year.
- Apply for your ETA before you fly. Since 25 May 2026, tourists from 40 countries get a free 30-day visa, but you still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arrival, as reported by News 1st. Use only the official government ETA site.
- Pack for two climates. Light clothes and a rain jacket for the coast, plus a fleece or jumper for Nuwara Eliya and for an Adam's Peak sunrise.
- Cover up for temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and you'll take off your shoes and hats. Temples are especially busy on Poya days.
- Build in a buffer day. Rain can still close roads or cancel boat trips, so don't book a tight schedule with no room to move.
December in Sri Lanka: FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, for the south and west coasts and the hill country, particularly from mid-December. It's not a good month for the east coast or the north, which are at their wettest.
Does it rain in Sri Lanka in December?
Yes, everywhere gets some rain. The south-west usually has showers that ease through the month, while the east coast and north get heavy, frequent rain from the northeast monsoon.
Can you climb Adam's Peak in December?
Yes. The pilgrimage season traditionally opens on Unduvap Poya, which is 23 December in 2026. From then the path is lit at night and the tea stalls are open. Confirm the opening date locally.
Is the Ella train running in December?
Only partly. As of November 2026, trains run between Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla, but not from Colombo or Kandy. Check our train guide for updates.
Is Sri Lanka expensive in December?
The last two weeks of December are peak season, so hotels on the south coast and in the hill country usually charge their highest rates. Early December is quieter and often cheaper.
