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Weather in Sri Lanka in December – is it worth traveling to?

Is the weather good for travel in December? Find out what the weather is like in Sri Lanka to plan your trip accordingly.
Check flight prices to Sri Lanka on Avionero:
December

Is the weather good in Sri Lanka in December 2024?

OK Weather
Warm
☁️
Cloudy

For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Sri Lanka during December have been around +30°C.

In Sri Lanka the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +30°C in Colombo to +30°C in Colombo. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.

Temperature, wind and humidity in December

Average
Colombo
☀️
+30°C
Avg. max. temperature
+20°C
Min.
+34°C
Max.
159 mm
Total precipitation
80%
Avg. humidity
2 m/s
Avg. wind
4 ☀️
Sunny Days
15 ⛅️
Cloudy
12 🌦
Rainy
Our opinion: Sri Lanka has OK weather in December.
Sri Lanka in December – what city is the…
  • rainiest? Colombo, with an average of 5 mm of rain and humidity of 80%;
  • warmest? Colombo, with daytime temperatures averaging +30°C;
  • windiest? Colombo, with an average of 2 m/s;
  • coolest? Colombo, with daytime temperatures averaging +30°C;

How good is the weather in Sri Lanka in December?

During December, the Sri Lanka is characterized by variable weather with air pressure around 1009 HPa and therefore elements of sun, rain, and wind – with a little extra emphasis on the latter two. The humidity in December ranges between 80% in Colombo and 80% in Colombo.

How warm is it in Sri Lanka during December?

Variable weather with sun, rain and wind: +30°C in average daily temperature.

This is how hot it usually is in December

The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Sri Lanka. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for December:
Average
Colombo
  • Average maximum temperature for the month: +30°C;
  • Average minimum temperature for the month: +24°C;
  • Highest monthly temperature: +30°C;
  • Lowest monthly temperature: +23°C;

Monthly temperatures:

Average
Colombo
  • Warmest: January with an average +31°C during the day;
  • Coldest: June with an average +29°C of the day;
  • Hottest month in hottest city: January in Colombo;
  • Coldest month in coolest city: June in Colombo;

Winds in Sri Lanka during December

Wind speed in Sri Lanka in December based on historical data:
Average
Colombo

December tends to offer light winds averaging 3 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.

Comparison between cities in December:

  • Highest average wind speed: Colombo with 2 m/s;
  • Lowest average wind speed: Colombo with 2 m/s;
  • Windiest day of the month: Colombo with 3 m/s;
  • The least windy day of the month: Colombo with 2 m/s;

Humidity and precipitation in Sri Lanka in December

Amount of rainfall in mm during December in Sri Lanka based on historical data:
Average
Colombo
December tends to be an extremely humid month with 81% humidity and 187 mm rainfall. In general the humidity tends to be a little lower in mountainous regions and more humid closer to water.

Comparison between cities in December:

Average
Colombo
  • Highest average rainfall: Colombo with 159 mm;
  • Lowest average rainfall: Colombo with 159 mm;
  • Most number of rainy days: Colombo with 12 rainy days;
  • Least number of rainy days: Colombo with 12 rainy days;
  • Highest risk of rain during the day: Colombo with 39%;
  • Least risk of rain during the day: Colombo with 39%;
  • Highest average humidity: Colombo with 80%;
  • Lowest average humidity: Colombo with 80%;

Tips for traveling to Sri Lanka in December

Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Sri Lanka? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.

Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Sri Lanka based on the weather that December is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.

rainy, warm weather with light winds and very high humidity in December
Avionero

Pack right for December

The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
  • For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
  • Warm - neither hot nor cool, are probably the most comfortable when you think of sunbathing. Shorts, shorter skirts or dresses, tank tops and t-shirts are the basics here. If you're going to a seaside resort, don't forget your swimwear and maybe even a snorkel, mask and flippers.
  • Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
  • High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the weather in Sri Lanka in December:

What can you do outside when it's warm in Sri Lanka?

Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.

Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?

It’s always a good time to visit Sri Lanka, but the weather is changeable in December, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and exploring, and pack for every eventuality.

Monthly weather in Sri Lanka

Source of the data

For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Sri Lanka, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2022.

For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.