Sri Lanka in winter: December, January and February

When it is cold and dark in Europe, Sri Lanka’s main season begins. From December to February the south and west coasts are sunny, the sea is calm and the hills are green after the rains.

The weather

• South and west coast: mostly dry and sunny, daytime temperatures around 30 °C, sea calm and warm.
• Hill country: pleasant days and cool nights. In Nuwara Eliya, nights can drop below 10 °C, so bring a warm layer.
• Cultural Triangle: mostly good. December can still bring showers from the north-east monsoon.
• East coast and north: rainy season. Not the time for Trincomalee or Arugam Bay.

Highlights of the season

• Whale watching from Mirissa, best from December to March.
• Adam’s Peak: the pilgrimage season starts with the December full moon, and night climbs to watch sunrise are possible.
• Beaches from Unawatuna to Tangalle at their best.
• Clear views in the hills, especially in January and February.

Christmas and New Year

The weeks from about 20 December to 10 January are the busiest of the year. Hotels on the south coast fill up and many charge peak-season supplements. If you want to travel then:

• Book early, ideally by September or October.
• Expect minimum stays at some beach hotels around New Year.
• Consider starting the trip in the Cultural Triangle and ending on the coast after New Year, when prices drop.

Which route?

Our 14-day classic round trip is ideal for this season: Cultural Triangle, Kandy, tea country, Ella, Yala and the south coast. If you have less time, take 10 days or 7 days.