Colombo in December

What is the weather like in Colombo in December?

Quick answer: December in Colombo is hot, humid and much drier than November. On average it has a high of 30.9 C (88 F), a low of 23.5 C (74 F) and 170.7 mm of rain over 9 rain days, about half of November's rain. The Department of Meteorology expects slightly above-normal rain in most of the country this December, so plan a little indoor time.

For the city itself, see our Colombo guide. For the whole island this month, see Sri Lanka in December.

How does December compare with November and January in Colombo?

The table uses the WMO normals for the Colombo station. "Rain days" means days with at least 1 mm of rain. "Hot days" means days that reach 30 C (86 F) or more.

Three things stand out:

• Rain halves each month. From November to December, rain falls from 345.8 mm to 170.7 mm. From December to January it halves again, to 79.6 mm.
• Heavy rain days drop. November averages 8.5 days with 10 mm or more. December averages 4.8, and January 2.4.
• The heat barely changes. Highs stay between 30.6 C and 31.4 C, so it is the rain, not the heat, that makes December feel different from November.

The wettest single day in the normals period shows the gap too. The highest daily rain recorded in November was 440.2 mm, against 118.2 mm in December.

What is the December 2026 weather outlook for Colombo?

The Department of Meteorology's seasonal forecast, issued on 30 October 2026, gives a higher chance of slightly above-normal rain across most parts of the country in December 2026, with near-normal rain in the Northern Province (Department of Meteorology seasonal forecast). The forecast puts the 1991 to 2020 December average for Colombo district at 181.4 mm.

The same forecast says November and December need close attention because of an increased cyclone risk, and recommends being prepared for floods and flash floods. In practice, this means checking the Department of Meteorology's latest forecast and advisories in the days before you travel, and keeping one flexible day in your plan.

For January 2027, the forecast expects near-normal rain in the Western Province, which includes Colombo.

Which day trips from Colombo are driest in December?

Most day trips from Colombo leave the city's district, and some are wetter in December. This table uses the Department of Meteorology's 1991 to 2020 district averages, so it compares like with like. The district is the one each place sits in.

What this means:

• Negombo is the driest day trip in the table, which also suits a last day near the airport.
• The south coast (Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle) gets more December rain than Colombo, but still far less than in November.
• Kandy and Sinharaja are the wettest picks. Go early in the day, and see our day trips from Colombo guide for times and transport.

Which holidays fall in Colombo's December?

The Central Bank's holiday list gives these dates (CBSL holidays 2026).

The UK Foreign Office says alcohol is not usually available on religious holidays and that drinking in public on those days could be culturally insensitive (UK Foreign Office, safety and security). If you plan a dinner out on 23 December, check with the venue first. Our languages and etiquette guide lists the Poya days into 2027.

Is December a busy month in Colombo?

Yes. Sri Lanka Tourism's travel tips call mid December to mid January the peak season (Sri Lanka Tourism travel tips). The official figures back this up: the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority counted 258,928 visitors in December 2025, the most of any month that year, up from 248,592 in December 2024.

Book rooms early if you will be in Colombo over Christmas or the New Year. Our where to stay in December guide compares bases across the island.

What should you pack for Colombo in December?

Pack for heat and short, heavy showers. Light clothes work for the city, and a small umbrella or rain jacket is worth carrying every day. If you plan to visit a temple, keep a layer that covers your shoulders and legs. The UK Foreign Office says to cover your legs and shoulders and take off shoes and hats at Buddhist temples. Our what to wear guide has a full packing list.

Can you swim near Colombo in December?

As of 4 November 2026, the UK Foreign Office advice (updated 21 September 2026) says many beaches in Sri Lanka have dangerous surf or rip tides at certain times of the year, and advises getting advice from your hotel or tour operator before going in the sea (UK Foreign Office, safety and security). Check the Department of Meteorology's sea forecast for the day before you swim (Department of Meteorology), and if the sea looks rough, stay out of the water that day.

Should you arrive in Colombo in December or January?

If you can choose, January is drier, with less than half of December's rain. December still works well if you keep one flexible day for rain. Our Sri Lanka in January guide shows how the weather changes across the island the following month. If you are landing at the airport, our Colombo airport to Colombo city guide covers the trip into town.