December weather forecast
Sri Lanka

In Sri Lanka, December is deeply entrenched in the northeast monsoon, a period predominantly influencing the northern and eastern portions of the island. Across the diverse terrains, temperatures moderately vary, generally oscillating between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82.4°F). Meanwhile, the central highlands, with towns such as Nuwara Eliya, perpetuate their cooler ambiance, showcasing temperatures from 12°C (53.6°F) to 21°C (69.8°F).

As the northeast monsoon intensifies its grip, regions like Jaffna in the north and Batticaloa in the east endure substantial rainfall. The weather is typically characterized by overcast skies and sustained periods of rain, leading to elevated humidity levels. The moisture-laden atmosphere can sometimes result in occasional flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.

On the flip side, the southwestern regions, including destinations like Colombo and Galle, revel in a more temperate climate. While sporadic rain showers can occur, they are generally of shorter duration and lack the intensity seen in the monsoon-affected regions. Consequently, the southwestern coast, with its relatively drier conditions, remains a favorite for beachgoers during December.

Interior regions, particularly the central highlands, receive variable precipitation, with some areas experiencing brief showers. As the month progresses and the year comes to an end, the northeast monsoon shows signs of abating, setting the stage for the drier months that follow in the new year.

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• Colombo - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Colombo with an average of 11h and 42min of daylight. The months with the highest UV index in Colombo are January through April, July, September, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7.
• Kandy - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Kandy is December, with an average of 11h and 42min of daylight. Kandy's December weather reaches an average high of 27.5°C (81.5°F) and an average low of 19.5°C (67.1°F), making it the coldest month.
• Galle - December »
  The months with the highest UV index in Galle are January through April, June through August, October through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. With an average of 11h and 48min of daylight, December has the shortest days of the year in Galle, Sri Lanka.
• Jaffna - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Jaffna with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight. The month of December in Jaffna is marked by an average minimum temperature of 26.1°C (79°F), slightly cooler than its daytime counterpart.
• Anuradhapura - December »
  December is the most humid month in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, with an average relative humidity of 84%. Anuradhapura's coldest month, December, generally records average temperatures ranging from a high of 29.5°C (85.1°F) to a low of 21.7°C (71.1°F).
• Nuwara Eliya - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, with an average of 11h and 42min of daylight. Nuwara Eliya's December weather, marked by an average high temperature of 24.3°C (75.7°F) and an average low temperature of 17°C (62.6°F), is the coldest in the year.
• Ratnapura - December »
  In Ratnapura during December, the rain falls for 25.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 209mm (8.23") of precipitation. In Ratnapura in December, it is raining for 25.6 days, with typically 209mm (8.23") of accumulated precipitation.
• Trincomalee - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Trincomalee is December, with an average of 11h and 36min of daylight. In Trincomalee during December, the rain falls for 22.9 days and regularly aggregates up to 127mm (5") of precipitation.
• Batticaloa - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Batticaloa is December, when the rain falls for 25.2 days and typically aggregates up to 272mm (10.71") of precipitation. The most humid month in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, is December, with an average relative humidity of 81%.
• Matara - December »
  In Matara, Sri Lanka, in December, during 17.5 rainfall days, 48mm (1.89") of precipitation is typically accumulated. The month with the least sunshine in Matara is December, with an average of 6.9h of sunshine.
• Negombo - December »
  December concludes the year in Negombo with a further decrease in temperature compared to November. January through April, July, September, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Negombo.
• Badulla - December »
  Displaying the ultimate blend of pleasant temperature and moderate rainfall, December in Badulla, Sri Lanka is characterized by a calm and serene atmosphere. With an average of 4.6h of sunshine, December has the least sunshine of the year in Badulla, Sri Lanka.