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If you’re considering a tropical vacation this winter, the places to visit in Sri Lanka in December provide the best combination of sun, nature, and culture. It’s one of the driest months along the southwest coast, where visitors can enjoy the beaches, or in the central highlands, where visitors can enjoy cooler weather during hikes. December is an ideal month to explore gorgeous cities and towns, enjoy wonderful wildlife safaris in Yala, visit tea farms in Nuwara Eliya, and experience whale watching in Mirissa at its seasonal best.
10 Places To Visit In Sri Lanka In December
Experience the wide range of places to visit in Sri Lanka in December, from pristine sunny beaches to lush, misty hills. During December, you can expect great weather, numerous festivals, and amazing beauty across the country.
1. Mirissa
Photo: Abishek Palraj / Wikimedia Commons
Located to the south of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is a picturesque and peaceful beach town, and if you love to enjoy beaches and explore new places, Mirissa is a place you simply have to visit. It has a crescent-shaped beach, a clear blue ocean and plenty of marine life to keep you busy. The whale-watching season starts in December, and plenty of blue whale tours or dolphin tours depart from the beach or harbour of Mirissa, departing early in the morning for the best results. Mirissa is certainly a key highlight among places to visit in Sri Lanka in December.
Weather In December: 26 – 30°C
Costing: ₹3,000 – 5,000 / රු12,000 – 20,000 per day
2. Nuwara Eliya
Photo: NIRMAL99430 / Wikimedia Commons
Nuwara Eliya, also called “Little England”, is an enchanting hill station located in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Known for cool weather, colonial architecture, and lush tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya allows for a refreshing reprieve from the hot air. In December, Nuwara Eliya is a misty paradise and perfect for sightseeing and huddling in as the mist surrounds you and your hotel or guest house room. In Nuwara Eliya, there are abundant activities to do, like boating on Lake Gregory, exploring the Hakgala Botanical Garden, or hiking in Horton Plains to see the World’s End cliff.
Weather In December: 10 – 20°C
Costing: ₹2,500 – 4,000 / රු10,000 – 16,000 per day
3. Ella
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Ella is a lovely town nestled in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Ella is one of the picturesque towns located within a beautiful region of tea plantations, misty hills, and waterfalls that can also offer a refreshing climate in December that is perfect for uncovering its beauty. One such activity would be one of the hikes to Little Adam’s Peak, where you can view the most stunning panorama of your travels across Sri Lanka, or trek to the famous Nine Arches Bridge, which is a marvel in itself, surrounded by dense, lush forest.
Weather In December: 15 – 25°C
Costing: ₹2,000 – 3,500 / රු8,000 – 14,000 per day
4. Colombo
Photo: A Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Colombo (the capital of Sri Lanka) is an energetic mix of modern urban life and colonial charm. The city is adorned with lights, and a coastal breeze blows in during December. Everything about December in Colombo feels festive, including shopping. The Galle Face Green is a place to enjoy your evening stroll, while the Pettah Market allows you to revel in local culture amongst bright and colourful stalls. The Gangaramaya Temple is a spiritual landmark that is the only true fusion of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
Weather In December: 25 – 32°C
Costing: ₹3,500 – 6,000 / රු14,000 – 24,000 per day
5. Galle
Photo: Grayswoodsurrey / Wikimedia Commons
Galle is a lovely coastal city located in southern Sri Lanka, definitely worth a visit in its dry season. December is lounging on the beach weather, making it comfortable to wander around the quaint cobblestoned streets and look at the colonial-style architecture. The pièce de résistance is Galle Fort (a UNESCO site), which was built by the Portuguese and fortified by the Dutch. In this UNESCO Fort, there are museums, shops, and cafes in restored colonial structures along with the cobblestoned streets. Within Galle Fort, the Galle Lighthouse and the Dutch Reformed Church stand as iconic symbols of the city.
Weather In December: 26 – 30°C
Costing: ₹3,000 – 5,000 / රු12,000 – 20,000 per day
6. Kandy
Photo: A Savin / Wikimedia Commons
Kandy is located in Sri Lanka’s hill country and is a cultural highlight. Surrounded on each side by lush greenery and mountainous terrain, Kandy itself is a great escape from the heat and humidity of the tropical July weather. Kandy, the most accessible centre of Sri Lanka’s hill country, is perfect for visiting in December. December sees a cool, refreshing climate ideal for visiting many of Kandy’s famed sites and attractions. One of the must-see sites in Kandy is the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, which holds the hairs of the abominable Buddha. Kandy is a must visit itinerary inclusion for places to visit in Sri Lanka in December because it represents a beautiful blend of spiritual presence and meaning.
Weather In December: 18 – 25°C
Costing: ₹2,500 – 4,000 / රු10,000 – 16,000 per day
7. Bentota
Photo: Rambukwelladk / Wikimedia Commons
Bentota is a coastal town located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Rich in beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and fantastic watersports, it is one of the more popular areas for tourists. The Bentota River, which heads into the Indian Ocean, adds to the beauty of the area as well as provides natural experiences like boat safaris and river cruises to potential visitors. You can partake in water adventures with options like jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boats; experience a new type of thrill with the various attractions like the Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa and the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery; and witness turtles being released.
Weather In December: 27 – 31°C
Costing: ₹3,500 – 6,000 / රු14,000 – 24,000 per day
8. Anuradhapura
Photo: SHAVIN FERNANDO / Unsplash
Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest and most important cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in North Central Province, this was Sri Lanka’s first capital for over 1,000 years, beginning in the fourth century B.C.E. Anuradhapura has remarkably preserved ruins, enormous stupas (Ruwanwelisaya, Jetavanaramaya, and Abhayagiri Dagoba), and the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sapling of the original Bodhi tree where the Buddha gained enlightenment. Anuradhapura served as an important centre for Theravada Buddhism and royalty, with advanced irrigation, monastic complexes, and palaces.
Weather In December: 23 – 29°C
Costing: ₹2,000 – 3,500 / රු8,000 – 14,000 per day
9. Yala National Park
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Photo: Manelka Jayasundara / Wikimedia Commons
Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, has the most visitors as well as the second-largest national park, covering 979 square kilometres. Its most notable feature is the variety of wildlife. For example, one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, which should make it popular for wildlife lovers. The park is divided into five blocks, whereby block 1 is considered the most accessible and has a higher concentration of safaris. You may also see elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted deer, and over 200 species of birds. With dry monsoon forests, grasslands, lagoons, and coastal areas near the Indian Ocean.
Weather In December: 22 – 30°C
Costing: ₹4,000 – 7,000 / රු16,000 – 28,000 per day
10. Trincomalee
Photo: C. Lalinshan / Wikimedia Commons
Trincomalee is a city in northeastern Sri Lanka which has long served as a historical port city and is home to the world’s second-deepest natural harbour. It has a rich collection of topography and coastline with huge potential for enjoyment, from its cultural and religious history, beaches, and marine areas, allowing exploration of the very Mediterranean style. Trincomalee has clean beaches, with snorkelling, diving, and dolphin-watching opportunities in coastal gems like Uppuveli and Nilaveli. Pigeon Island National Park, riddled with coral reefs, is a pristine marine park.
Weather In December: 24 – 30°C
Costing: ₹2,500 – 4,000 / රු10,000 – 16,000 per day
From peaceful hill towns and golden beaches to sacred temples and colonial towns, the places to visit in Sri Lanka in December have something to offer every type of traveller. You can take advantage of favourable weather conditions, exciting festivals, and the island’s vibrant culture to make December one of the best months to travel around the island. If you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a spiritual experience, you can be sure that you will create incredible memories in Sri Lanka. Plan your trip today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: dronepicr / Wikimedia Commons
