Looking places to visit in Sri Lanka in December?

Sri Lanka is a tropical heaven that provides wonders in various landscapes, culture, wildlife, and experiences. The island has golden beaches, which are lushly lined with tea plantations, ancient temples, and national parks that are home to wildlife, among others, which can be found in every traveler. Although Sri Lanka can be visited all year round, the month of December is one of the ideal months to visit the island, particularly when you are in need of sunshine, exotic beaches and adventure activities.

Sri Lanka also starts to receive the peak season of tourists during the month of December. The southwest monsoon has been largely dissipated, and the south and west coasts have clear skies and smooth seas. This guide will discuss the most ideal places to visit in Sri Lanka during the month of December, useful tips on traveling there as well as the most frequent questions. You might want to unwind on gorgeous beaches, visit the ancient UNESCO sites, take up wildlife safaris, or visit the tea country in Sri Lanka. In any case, the perfect weather in December is the right time to do it.

Why Visit Sri Lanka in December?

December is generally regarded as the best month to visit Sri Lanka since it is the beginning of the dry season in the south and the west of the country. Rainfall is also reduced drastically in the tourist areas of the coast during this period and this means that the tourists are assured of sunny days at the beach and favourable weather conditions.

The great weather at the beaches is one of the largest attractions to the travelers visiting Sri Lanka during the month of December. Mirissa, Unawatuna, Bentota, Weligama and Hikkaduwa are coastal resorts with warm sunlight, clear oceans and pleasant temperatures. These are the best conditions to swim, snorkel, surf and have a rest along the ocean.

It is also during December that the whale watching season starts in Sri Lanka, south. Tourist destinations like Mirissa turn out to be most preferred departure points in the whale watching tours where people may encounter blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins in their natural setting. It is the only wildlife adventure that is attracting tourists worldwide.

The second benefit of sightseeing in Sri Lanka in December is that one gets a chance to experience the various landscapes in the country. Within a few hours, travelers can get out of tropical beaches and misty mountain towns. The destinations in the Mullerian hill country area such as Ella and Nuwara Eliya have lower temperatures and beautiful tea plantation-waterfall scenery.

Weather in Sri Lanka in December

The weather of Sri Lanka in December is warm and pleasant with few variations based on the area. Due to the tropical rainfall and two monsoon seasons, the weather conditions in various regions of the country are different.

The south and the west coasts are dry and sunny in December. The beach destinations during the seasons are Mirissa, Bentota, Unawatuna, and Hikkaduwa which have clear skies and calm oceans, and thus are ideal beach destinations and also water sports.

Most of Sri Lanka has average temperatures of between 25C and 30C (77F and 86F) during the day. The humidity is not too high, and the amount of rainfall is not too significant in the coastal areas during this period.

Ella and Nuwara Eliya fall under the hill country areas and are cooler because of the elevation. In these regions, temperatures are usually between 15 o C to 22 o C (59 o F to 72 o F) especially in the evenings and in the early mornings. Tourists going there can carry a light jacket.

Meanwhile, the area of the Cultural Triangle, consisting of Sigiriya and historical sites around it have warm but bearable temperatures during December. The climate is favorable to do sightseeing and ascend attractions such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The thing is that in Sri Lanka the rainy season on the eastern coast of the island is observed in December, and that is why the majority of the travelers concentrate on the destinations in southern, western, and central parts of the island.

All in all, the climate during the month of December is very good to visit beaches, mountains, wildlife parks, and historical sites in Sri Lanka.

Best Places To Visit in Sri Lanka in December

Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the most renowned beach resorts in Sri Lanka and it is particularly appealing during the months of December. It has a beautiful crescent-shaped beach that has turquoise waters, a relaxed tropical atmosphere in the town.

Whale watching is among the major attractions in Mirissa during the month of December. The offshore waters in the south coast turn out to be among the most suitable locations in the world where blue whales can be spotted. The tour boats that leave early in the morning allow the visitor time to watch these amazing marine giants.

Another scenic view that Mirissa is well known for is Coconut Tree Hill which has views of magnificent sunsets. Tourists are able to have some rest in beachfront cafes, swim in warm oceans, or visit some hidden beaches in the area such as Secret Beach.

Wildlife activities, scenic scenery and lively night life have made Mirissa one of the best destinations to visit in December in Sri Lanka.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a scenic seaside resort in the adjoining town of Galle, a historic city in Sri Lanka. It has the best beaches and calm waters in Sri Lanka and therefore is the best place to swim and snorkel.

December weather in Unawatuna is superb as it is sunny and the sea is calm. Tourists have the opportunity to visit coral reefs, go on boat tours or just spend time on the beach.

Another cultural tourist site in Unawatuna is the Japanese Peace Pagoda where a visitor can see stunning panoramic views of the coast. The beauty of the place is enhanced by jungle temples and beachfronts in the vicinity.

Unawatuna has its vibrant restaurants, beach bars and friendly environment making it a wonderful place to visit when one wants to relax and have fun at the same time.

Bentota

Bentota is one of the most common beach resorts in the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Being famous with its upscale resorts and long golden sand areas, Bentota is the place to go when a traveler wants to spend time at a beach and enjoy themselves.

Bentota has a sunny and smooth sea in December, and thus makes water sports like jet skiing, wind surfing and snorkeling the perfect choice. Tourists also have an opportunity to complete scenic boat tours along the river Bentota where there are mangrove forests that form a natural peaceful environment.

Bentota is especially the favorite of couples and families due to the calm nature and picturesque environment.

Ella

Ella is a small town situated in the hill country in Sri Lanka and it has gained fame as a travel destination of the country. Ella is a picturesque destination that surrounds the stunning landscape and outdoor adventure due to its green mountains and tea plantations.

The weather at Ella throughout December is cool and pleasant and thus ideal in regard to hiking. The most favored paths are the Little Adam’s Peak and the Ella Rock which have a spectacular view of the valleys around them.

The other popular landmark is the Nine Arches Bridge which is an ancient bridge and it is built on jungle and tea fields. The most notable experience of visiting Sri Lanka is watching the train cross the bridge.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, commonly referred to as Little England, is a beautiful hill station that is characterized by cool climatic conditions and colonial buildings. It is situated next to tea plantations, which offer a cooling effect to the tropical coast.

There are also the Gregory lake, tea factories and colorful gardens that can be visited in Victoria park by the visitors. Nuwara Eliya is a soothing place to visit, which has a cool mountain climate and provides the traveler with a serene view.

Yala National Park

One of the best places of wildlife in Sri Lanka is Yala National Park. The park is known to have a big number of animals including leopards, the elephants, crocodiles and several bird species.

The weather in December is favorable to safari as animals are very active and can be seen more easily around water. Jeep safaris enable the tourist to tour forests, grasslands and lagoons in search of wildlife.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress is among the most typical historical sites in the country of Sri Lanka. This old rock stronghold is almost 200 meters above the plains surrounding the area which used to be a royal palace.

Tourists have the option of getting up the top so that they view the remains of old buildings and get a panoramic view of the landscape. The place also has ancient frescoes and landscaped gardens.

Galle

Galle is a historical seaside town with the Galle Fort which is listed among the world heritage sites by UNESCO. Constructed by the Portuguese, the fort was subsequently reinforced by the Dutch and has cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, museums and boutique stores.

The month of December is full of holiday joy in Galle and it is one of the most attractive destinations with beautiful oceanic scenery and cultural heritage.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a resort identified with vibrant beach life and good snorkeling sites. Coral reefs in the coastal waters are the feeding grounds of colorful fish and sea turtles hence a popular underwater adventure area.

Night life in the town is also very lively with beach parties, live music and restaurants with fresh seafood.

Weligama

Weligama is a stunning bay with a favorable beginner surf wave. There are surf schools along the beach, which provide lessons to visitors who wish to know how to ride the waves.

The traditional stilt fishermen also make the town a renowned tourist spot to witness a several cultural spectacle that has become a renowned brand of Sri Lankan life in the islands.

Travel Tips for Visiting Sri Lanka in December

December is the high season of tourists in Sri Lanka and therefore one has to plan in advance. It is also advisable to book the accommodation early due to the fact that hotels in tourist attraction sites are overcrowded.

The transportation should also be planned by the travelers, particularly when visiting more than one part of the island. The roads and traffic can be winding and therefore travel time may be longer than anticipated.

Carrying light garments, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes will make touring easy. A light jacket can also be brought in case one would plan to visit the hill country areas.

Lastly, observe local traditions in visiting temples by dressing modestly and also take off shoes in religious places.

December in Sri Lanka is an amazing tour experience with sunshine, adventure and cultural exploration. Whether you are on a trip to the island to relax on tropical beaches or go hiking in any of the misty mountains or visit historical sites of the ancient times, the island has got something to offer to every kind of traveler.

Mirissa, Unawatuna and Bentota are beautiful seaside resorts that offer spectacular views and thrilling water activities, whereas Ella and Nuwara Eliya are beautiful resorts in the hills with cool climates and dramatic landscapes. The Yala National Park provides amazing wildlife safari holidays to people, and history tourists can visit such landmarks as Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Galle Fort.

Since December is one of the most frequently visited months in Sri Lanka, it is possible to plan your trip and book a place to stay early to make sure that you have a pleasant and peaceful vacation. Sri Lanka is still among the most rewarding destinations to visit during the winter travel season amid its warm hospitality, the natural beauty and the variety of attractions offered. To get more inspiration to travel and have more information about different destinations, visit the travel information on WanderTropics and begin planning your memorable Sri Lankan trip.

FAQs