December is one of the most delightful months to travel across Sri Lanka. The island basks in festive cheer, southern and western coasts open up to sunshine, and the hill country becomes misty and romantic. Here are nine destinations that make for the perfect December getaway.

1. Down South (Mirissa, Bentota, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna & Hiriketiya)

Best for:

Beach relaxation, water sports, whale watching, surfing, and nightlife.

Weather in December:

Dry, sunny, and warm with calm seas, ideal for swimming and beach activities.

Average temperature: 28–31 °C.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Mirissa: December marks the start of whale-watching season. Take a morning boat trip to
  spot blue whales and spinner dolphins.

• Bentota: Great for jet-skiing, banana boating, and river safaris along the Bentota River.

• Galle: Walk through the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, visit art
  galleries, and enjoy sunset views from the ramparts.

• Hikkaduwa: Famous for its coral reefs and lively beach vibe. Try snorkelling or explore
  beach cafés and shops.

• Unawatuna: Perfect for families and couples; calm bay waters and good beachfront dining.

• Hiriketiya: A crescent-shaped bay that blends surf culture with a relaxed, eco-friendly
  atmosphere. Yoga, smoothie bowls, and small surf breaks define this little paradise.

Travel Tips:

Book accommodation early, as the south coast is at its busiest in December. Pack sunscreen and plan beach days early to avoid midday heat.

2. Trincomalee

Best for:

Peaceful beachside stays, cultural exploration, and ocean views.

Weather in December:

Trincomalee lies in the northeast, which gets the tail end of the monsoon this month. Expect mild rain but pleasant days.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Visit Koneswaram Temple, perched dramatically over the ocean.

• Explore Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in the 1600s.

• Take an evening stroll along Uppuveli Beach or Nilaveli Beach, both quieter and less
  crowded in December.

Travel Tips:

While it’s not peak beach season, Trinco is perfect for solitude and reflection. Bring light rain gear for short drizzles.

3. Arugam Bay

Best for:

Laid-back coastal escapes, lagoons, and nature lovers.

Weather in December:

Off-season with occasional rains, but still warm and peaceful.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Walk or kayak through Pottuvil Lagoon, home to birds, crocodiles, and elephants.

• Visit Kudumbigala Monastery, an ancient rock temple nearby.

• Take a jeep safari to Kumana National Park, which remains rich in birdlife even after the
  main “Gathering” season.

Travel Tips:

During the off-season (November to March), the nightlife is much quieter, with fewer parties and some venues closed. You can still find chilled-out spots with music and drinks, but the major parties are typically limited. Fewer restaurants are open, but the quiet atmosphere makes it ideal for reflection or a digital detox. Roads may be muddy after rains plan transport ahead.

4. Nuwara Eliya & Haputale

Best for:

Cool weather, tea estates, colonial charm, and scenic views.

Weather in December:

Cool and misty with average temperatures of 10–20 °C. Perfect sweater weather.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• In Nuwara Eliya, stroll around Gregory Lake, tour a tea factory, or visit Hakgala Botanical
  Gardens.

• In Haputale, hike to Lipton’s Seat for sunrise views over endless tea fields or explore
  Adisham Bungalow, a Tudor-style monastery.

Travel Tips:

Book cozy stays with fireplaces or heaters. December nights can get quite cold, especially above 1,800 m altitude.

5. Ella

Best for:

Hiking, waterfalls, breathtaking mountain scenery and relaxing by luxury hillside pools with a view.

Weather in December:

Pleasant and cool, with occasional light showers and misty mornings.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Ella Ravana pool club

• Hike Little Adam’s Peak for sunrise views.

• Visit Nine Arches Bridge — time your visit with a passing train for great photos.

• See Ravana Falls, full after the monsoon rains.

• Enjoy café hopping — Ella has some of the best hillside views in Sri Lanka.

Travel Tips:

December to March is a great time for hiking. Carry a light jacket as evenings can be chilly.

6. Negombo

Best for:

A convenient coastal getaway near Colombo and the airport.

Weather in December:

Dry and sunny — one of the best times to visit the west coast.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Take a boat ride on Negombo Lagoon or visit the Dutch Fort.

• Enjoy the lively Christmas decorations and seafood feasts.

• Try exciting ATV rides, cycling tours, and water sports.

• Experience snorkeling and speedboat rides in the calm December waters.

• Watch fishermen haul in their catch on Negombo Beach at sunrise.

Travel Tips:

Ideal as a first or last stop on your December trip. The beach is calmest in the mornings and at sunset.

7. Jaffna

Best for:

Culture, heritage, and authentic northern experiences.

Weather in December:

Warm but slightly humid, with some rainfall from the northeast monsoon.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, one of the island’s most sacred Hindu temples.

• Explore Jaffna Fort and take a ferry to Delft Island, known for wild ponies and coral walls.

• Taste local delicacies like crab curry, odiyal kool which is a traditional and highly
  nutritious spicy seafood and vegetable stew (soup) originating from the Jaffna region, and
  palmyrah jaggery sweets.

Travel Tips:

Dress modestly at temples. Jaffna is quieter during December, which makes it perfect for exploration without crowds.

8. Yala and Udawalawa – The Wild Side of Sri Lanka

Best for:

Wildlife safaris and outdoor adventure.

Weather in December:

Warm (24–30 °C) with mild humidity — comfortable for safaris.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Yala National Park: Home to elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and the world’s highest
  leopard density.

• Udawalawa National Park: Famous for its large herds of elephants and
  diverse birdlife.

• Visit the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for before release.

Travel Tips:

Morning safaris offer the best sightings. Book with licensed guides to ensure ethical wildlife viewing.

9. Sigiriya & Dambulla

Best for:

Cultural exploration, history, and light adventure.

Weather in December:

Pleasant and warm with minimal rainfall — excellent for sightseeing.

Top Attractions & Experiences:

• Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the 5th-century royal citadel with its famous frescoes.

• Visit Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 150 Buddha
  statues.

• Detour to Minneriya National Park for possible elephant sightings.

• Stay at scenic hotels offering breathtaking views of Sigiriya Rock, especially stunning at
  sunrise and sunset.

Travel Tips:

Start climbs early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds. Carry water and comfortable shoes. December in Sri Lanka is a month of perfect contrasts — golden beaches in the south, misty mountain mornings, festive city nights, and thriving wildlife parks. Whether you want to surf, sip tea, or soak in history, every region offers its own charm this season. Specific Offers and Providers in Sri Lanka (Current as of November 2025)

Offers for December 2025 are currently available, with some promotions running until mid-month before peak holiday pricing usually begins around December 20th. 

• Jetwing Hotels: Offers a “Room Rush” with 35% off, valid for stays until December 15, 2025. You can view current offers on their website.

• Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts: Provides various seasonal offers, including potential early bird discounts (e.g., saving 30% when planning 60 days ahead) and all-inclusive packages. Check their offers page for the latest deals.

• Browns Hotels: Offers a range of deals including early bird savings, last-minute discounts for locals, and benefits like dining discounts for extended stays. Explore their special offers.

• Aitken Spence Hotels: Offers discounts of up to 40% when staying at their hotels in Sri Lanka or the Maldives.

More details can be found on the Aitken Spence Hotels website.

• Day Out Packages: For day trips, websites like dayouting.lk list numerous hotel offers and day out packages across different districts in Sri Lanka.

• Retreats and Tours: A specific “Enlightening Retreat and Heritage Tour to Sri Lanka” is scheduled from December 25, 2025, to January 9, 2026, offering a unique getaway experience.

• For the most up-to-date availability and pricing, it is recommended to directly contact the properties or use their official booking channels Pack light but smart beachwear for the coast, a sweater for the hills, and an open heart for adventure. This December, there’s no better gift than discovering the beauty of your own island.