As winter returns to the Northern Hemisphere, Sri Lanka remains a paradise for those seeking the sun, sand, waves and lush tropical wilderness. December marks the beginning of the country’s peak season, which lasts till the end of March. Tourists from all over the globe flock here to enjoy the pleasant weather enhanced by the island’s natural beauty. So, what can you expect in December in Sri Lanka?
Renewed south and southwest coasts
With the rainy season (southwest monsoon) behind it, the coast is nice and dry. It is the apogee of the beach season with warm sands, balmy waters and sunsets galore. Some serious watersport opportunities await you, too. Hikkaduwa, Hiriketiya, Midigama, Weligama, Madiha, Mirissa, and Dikwella beaches offer tidy, consistent swells and a range of smooth breaks for surfing. Whales are also romping in the waters, especially in Mirissa, the southern coast’s hotspot.
Do not forget Galle, the historic maritime city of the south. The Galle Fort and its cobbled streets, colonial-era buildings, quaint cafes, artisanal boutiques, hipster eateries, Dutch villas and upmarket hotels are exciting discoveries. With the northeast monsoon active on the east coast, you get a different world altogether in the south and southwest.
Negombo
December is also perfect for visiting this old colonial town on the west coast, only 9km from the BIA. It offers a thriving fishing scene, a vast lagoon and rich aquatic biodiversity. Muthurajawela March is a coastal wetland at the southern end of the lagoon, flanked by a mangrove forest. It is also the country’s largest saline coastal peat bog. There are more than 100 species of birds, some indigenous to the marsh. You can also spot the cheeky Slender loris here. Take a boat ride through it to see some exceptional sights. The many Catholic churches in the town, some built by colonial settlers, give it the moniker ‘Little Rome’.
The Hill Country
Adam’s Peak pilgrimage season begins in December up until May. It is the island’s most sacred mountain. The lack of rain makes it safer to climb during this time. Kandy experiences dry weather, too. It is ideal for visiting the Temple of the Tooth and Royal Botanical Gardens.
The Central Highlands receive rainfall from both monsoons (southwest and northeast). There will be some rain in its run-up to drier conditions in January. Its cooler climes prevail year-round due to its higher elevation (2000 m). The mist-veiled verdant hills and mountains are an exquisite sight. Take the Kandy to Badulla train for one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.
Safaris in the big parks
You can spot wildlife year-round in the dense jungles of Sri Lanka. All big parks open in December. National Parks like Yala in the southeast are coming out of inter-monsoonal rain after a dry spell. Light showers bring a burst of greenery. Animals are more relaxed from park closure during the height of the dry season and rejuvenated from the refreshing rains. December is the best month to witness the many herds of elephants at Bundala National Park. It is also the beginning of the dry season in Udawalawe.
Cultural Triangle
Four of the five sites of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle are in the north-central plains – Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Also called the dry zone, December sees its wet spell tapering off. There will be some rain until late December. The weather is mild and not too hot for the celebrated task of climbing Sigiriya. You can also comfortably explore the ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and the caves of Dambulla.
Exotic Christmas
Although Sri Lanka is predominantly Buddhist, it is also vibrantly multicultural. December is rife with Christmas celebrations, especially in Colombo. Shops, hotels, restaurants and public spaces come alive with decorations. Get your shopping done in the city at swanky malls like CCC, Havelock City, One Galle Face, Crescat Boulevard, Arcade Independence Square and more.
Hotels and resorts bring out their Christmas-themed events and menus. So, if you want to have a roast for Christmas lunch or curl up cosy with a glass of eggnog, you have many options. Enjoy fusion cuisine unique to the island. You can also ring in the New Year in style in various locations, Colombo leading the party scene.
Turn your winter into a summer of good cheer with Blue Lanka Tours
Sri Lanka in December stays true to the hype. The island offers plenty of exciting things to do, from endless beach days to wildlife safaris. Spend your days under the clear skies or escape to cooler climes surrounded by blankets of tea plantations. Celebrate Christmas and the New Year without the winter blues.
Have your dream holiday in the sun tailor-made for you by Blue Lanka Tours. Enrich your travels with authenticity, empathy and unique perspectives. Discover the real joys of an idyllic tropical getaway with the chance to celebrate the season. Enquire now and let us know how you like to spend your winter getaway in Sri Lanka.