Travelling to Sri Lanka in December: What Are the Best Places to Visit?

Sri Lanka is a paradise island that is wonderful to travel to at any time of the year. With its stunning hills, beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife that enchant visitors, combined with its rich heritage and culture, tropical weather, and the warmth and hospitality of its people, the nation has plenty to offer in every way. To complement all of these, the weather in Sri Lanka in December is perfect to explore the island. December marks the beginning of the peak dry season in the western, central, and southern parts of the country, meaning that visitors can enjoy their travels without having to worry about adverse weather conditions.

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in December

With dry, sunny weather on the western and southern coasts, cool and pleasant weather in the central hills, and slightly rainy but improving conditions in the north and east, we’ve narrowed down a few spots, below, that we think could help answer every traveller’s question: Where to go in Sri Lanka in December?

Beaches

The Sri Lankan climate in December makes it a peak tourist season-which also means that you can bask in the glory of the island’s golden beaches with their turquoise waters. Weligama and Mirissa on the south coast are beloved by surfers, some of whom return to Sri Lanka annually for waves that suit everyone from beginner to pro. Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa is an increasingly popular Insta-friendly spot. December also marks the start of whale-watching season, and Mirissa offers a high probability of spotting blue whales (the largest animals in the world), sperm whales, fin whales and Bryde’s whales. Always book ahead for whale-watching boat safaris. Bentota, too, offers pristine beaches and shallow areas of sea for visitors to enjoy. There are river safaris which allow travellers to experience and learn about mangroves, and spot birds and wildlife such as crocodiles and local monkeys.

West Coast

While one might be able to spot the occasional pod of dolphins in Mirissa, they are more likely to be seen in larger numbers around Kalpitiya, which is further up along the west coast. Again, book ahead for boat safaris. A little further down along the coast, Negombo – dubbed ‘Little Rome’ with over 25 Catholic churches – is alit and abustle during the Christmas season, with plenty of bargains up for grabs. Colombo, too, gets decked up in every corner, with hotels, restaurants, and cafés serving special menus, and pop-up Christmas markets offering an array of goodies, handicrafts, and décor. The National Museum, Liveramentu Commonwealth War Graves, Gangaramaya Temple, and Independence Square are worth visiting, while a stroll through Galle Face Green at sunset, followed by an evening at one of the city’s many rooftop bars is on many-a-visitor’s bucket list.

Central Country

December is a good time to visit Nuwara Eliya, where robust pines, luscious tea estates, and vegetation line the hills. The climate is chilly, so pack some warm clothes if you’re headed that way. Tea estate and factory visits are a great way to learn about the history and production of Ceylon tea-one of the country’s most sought-after exports. There are several hiking routes that one can enjoy up in the hills. Kandy and Ella offer scenic and adventurous hike route options, too, with the Knuckles Mountain Range and Hantana Hills being frequently-trod paths in Kandy. Kitulgala, on the way up to the hill country, is a terrific spot for white water rafting, offering rapids of different levels of difficulty for enthusiasts to pursue.

Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle is great to visit all-year-round. However, December does ensure better weather in terms of low-to-no rainfall and milder temperatures. Visitors can enjoy the beauty and history of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilisations, kingdoms, and Buddhism, through temples, preserved ruins, monuments and more within UNESCO World Heritage Sites that span across Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Sigiriya, and Dambulla. Travelling between these cities also offers a great opportunity to take in the changing landscape of the country, and the wildlife in these areas.

Best Way to Explore Sri Lanka in December

If you’re visiting Sri Lanka in December, the best way to explore the island would be to hire a vehicle with a chauffeur. Given that roads and public transport will be busier during the season, and that it is the beginning of peak tourism, this would enable you to navigate the hustle and bustle of December more easily, and a local chauffeur would be more familiar with the best times and routes to take when travelling around.

Kings Rent-a-Car is one of the most reliable car rental services in Sri Lanka. We offer a wide range of vehicle options from saloon cars to SUVs and 4WDs at competitive rates. Customers have the option of renting vehicles to self-drive, or can make use of our highly-recommended chauffeur service. We also offer add-on options of child/infant car seats, jumper cables, first aid kits and GPS-enabled tablets.

Visit Kings Rent-a-Car online for rates and options, or WhatsApp us on +94 77 773 9492 for information and inquiries. Book ahead to avoid disappointment during the season.