December weather forecast
Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

December brings slight relief from the heat in Anuradhapura with the city wrapped in a slightly cooler climate. Despite being cooler than November, temperatures remain typically warm in keeping with the tropical climate. Rainfall subsides further to 107mm (4.21"), signaling the end of the monsoon season. The capital city sees a reduction in overall weather activity in December, concluding the weather for the year. With December winding up, the transition into a new year takes the city back to its warm and humid January.

Temperature

The coldest period in Anuradhapura tends to be December, when average temperatures fluctuate between a high of 29.5°C (85.1°F) and a low of 21.7°C (71.1°F).

Heat index

The average heat index in December is evaluated at a sweltering 37°C (98.6°F). Additional precautions are required to avert heat cramps and heat exhaustion. Persistent activity may culminate in heatstroke.
When referencing the heat index, its values are suitable for shady environments and light breezes. Direct sunlight might lead to a heat index increase by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees.
Note: The heat index, also known as 'felt air temperature' or 'real feel', combines both the air temperature and the humidity level to give a perceived human temperature. An individual's perception of weather can be affected by a variety of elements including metabolic differences, being pregnant, and their level of physical exertion. In the direct sunlight, the weather's impact can be amplified, possibly boosting the heat index by up to 15 Fahrenheit (8 Celsius) degrees. Heat index values are highly critical for babies and toddlers. Young individuals are generally in more danger than adults due to their lower capacity to sweat. Moreover, their large skin surface in relation to their small bodies and the increased heat generation from their activities makes them more vulnerable.
In high temperatures, perspiration kicks in, allowing the human body to cool down through the evaporation of sweat. When the relative humidity is high, the evaporation rate is reduced. The warmth is removed from the body at a lower rate, causing the body to retain more heat than it would in dry air. With body temperatures on the rise, inefficient heat shedding can lead to dehydration and its associated complications.

Humidity

December is the most humid month in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, with an average relative humidity of 84%.

Rainfall

In December, in Anuradhapura, the rain falls for 22.4 days. Throughout December, 107mm (4.21") of precipitation is accumulated. In Anuradhapura, during the entire year, the rain falls for 199.1 days and collects up to 893mm (35.16") of precipitation.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight.
On the first day of December, sunrise is at 06:07 and sunset at 17:47. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 06:22 and sunset at 18:00 +0530.

Sunshine

With an average of 5.1h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year in Anuradhapura.

UV index

The months with the lowest UV index are January, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 6. A UV Index estimate of 6 to 7 represents a high health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV radiation for ordinary individuals.
Note: In December, the UV index of 6 transforms into the following advice:
Enforce precautions and stick to sun safety measures. Preservation from skin and eye damage is essential. UV radiation from the sun is at its strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to limit direct exposure during these hours. On days when the sun blazes, arm yourself with sunglasses that block UVA and UVB radiation.