December to March
December to March is a fantastic time to explore the Western and Southern coasts of Sri Lanka, and the hill country, as the rainfall from the south-west monsoon is replaced by clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine. In contrast, the North and East regions experience frequent rainfall during this period.
If you're planning to visit Sri Lanka in December, it is essential to have a good understanding of the weather patterns, travel routes, travel times, and excursions to make the most of your trip. December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, and the on-season in the West and South coasts allows travelers to soak up the sun on mesmerizing beaches while enjoying refreshing coconut water or beer.
The dry season during December enables visitors to explore popular destinations like Kandy, Galle, Colombo, and national parks like Udawalawe without fear of unexpected rains. Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination, but December to mid-April is considered the peak season.
The South-West of Sri Lanka experiences pleasantly warm and dry weather from December to March after facing heavy rains from the south-western monsoon between May and September. The day temperature in December is 30°C, and the lovely evenings see a temperature drop to 22ºC, making it the prime time for tourism in the South-West while the North-East is rainy and wet.
Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama are some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka in December, offering perfect beach weather conditions with average sunshine, sea temperature, rainfall, and temperature. With the right planning, December to March is an ideal time to explore Sri Lanka's stunning coastal regions and hill country.