Month guide · Colombo · Sri Lanka
Colombo in December
What December is really like in Colombo: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Charaka Ranasinghe, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
December is one of the best months to visit Colombo. Expect average highs of 30°C (86°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 10 rainy days and roughly 11.7 hours of daylight. Drier weather returns and the west coast's high season starts; Christmas lights decorate Galle Road and the malls.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 30°C (86°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 10
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea temperature
- 27°C (81°F)
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in December
December is the coolest month in Colombo: days average 30°C (86°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 10 of its 31 days. Compared with November (30°C (86°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 December)
- About 06:14
- Sunset (15 December)
- About 17:58
- Daylight
- About 11.7 hours
- Sea
- 27°C (81°F)
Second inter-monsoon (October–November). Frequent, heavy afternoon and evening storms; one of the wettest periods of the year in Colombo.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, December rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.
Events in December
- Christmas decorations along Galle Road and in the malls
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in December
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
Waterfront · Galle Face and Kollupitiya
Galle Face Green
This 500-metre seafront lawn and promenade, laid out by the British in 1859, is where Colombo comes to relax.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Food
- After dark
- Iconic
- Outdoors
Religious site · Slave Island
Seema Malaka
Visit at sunset, then walk along the Beira Lake promenade.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Architecture
- Couples
- Photo spot
- After dark
Park · Cinnamon Gardens
Viharamahadevi Park
Colombo's largest central park, formerly Victoria Park, faces the white-domed Town Hall and has a large seated Buddha, fountains, shady trees and a children's playground.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- Outdoors
- Nature
Market · Pettah
Pettah markets
Go on a weekday morning, keep valuables secure and use a local guide or walking tour if you want to understand the lanes.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Food
- Photo spot
The sea averages 27°C (81°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Colombo.
What to pack
For highs near 30°C, lows near 22°C and 10 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is December a good time to visit Colombo?
One of the best months to visit Colombo, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–March. Compare every month.
Colombo in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is December a good time to visit Colombo?
It is one of the best months to visit Colombo. Drier weather returns and the west coast's high season starts; Christmas lights decorate Galle Road and the malls.
+How warm is Colombo in December?
Average highs are around 30°C (86°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Colombo in December?
Expect rain on about 10 days of the month.