December

December in Sri Lanka marks the full swing of the northeast monsoon, affecting the eastern and northern parts of the island. Meanwhile, the southwest and southern regions enjoy drier, sunny weather, making it an excellent time to explore the coasts, engage in water-based activities, and go on thrilling safaris. December is a peak travel season, especially for holidaymakers looking to enjoy Sri Lanka’s warm tropical climate during the festive season.

National Park Private Safaris

The national parks in the southwest and central regions are vibrant and lush in December, with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities:

• Yala National Park: One of the best times to visit Yala, December offers incredible chances to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The park’s dry conditions provide easy access to its diverse landscapes.
• Udawalawe National Park: Known for its large elephant population, Udawalawe remains an excellent destination in December. The clear, dry weather makes wildlife sightings frequent and enjoyable.
• Wilpattu National Park: Wilpattu continues to offer great wildlife experiences despite some rain. Its vast wilderness is home to leopards, deer, and exotic birdlife, creating a perfect adventure for safari enthusiasts.
• Bundala National Park: Bundala is a birdwatcher’s paradise in December, with migratory birds arriving in large numbers. It’s also a great place to see elephants and crocodiles.
• Minneriya National Park: While the Great Elephant Gathering has subsided, December still offers smaller herds of elephants and lush green surroundings in Minneriya.

Discovery Kitesurfing Course (Kalpitiya)

The northeast monsoon affects Kalpitiya during December, making kitesurfing less favorable due to rainy and windy conditions. This is an off-season for the sport, so kitesurfers might want to explore other adventure options during this time.

Deep Sea Fishing Boat Tour

December brings perfect conditions for deep-sea fishing along the southwest coast, especially around Negombo, Bentota, and Hikkaduwa. The calm seas provide opportunities to catch barracuda, trevally, and mackerel. The east coast experiences rough seas, making it unsuitable for fishing tours during this period.

Scuba Diving

December is a prime time for scuba diving along the southwest coast, with Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Bentota offering excellent visibility and diverse marine life. You can explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and encounter a variety of tropical fish, rays, and turtles. The east coast remains under the influence of the northeast monsoon, making diving there less viable.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling conditions are ideal on the southwest coast in December. Locations like Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Bentota offer beautiful coral reefs, vibrant fish species, and the chance to swim with sea turtles. The clear, calm waters make for a perfect snorkeling experience.

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

December is a great time to enjoy dolphin watching along the southern coast, especially in Mirissa. The waters are calm, and sightings of playful pods of dolphins are frequent. Kalpitiya dolphin watching is not recommended during this time due to the northeast monsoon.

Whale Watching Boat Tour

December is the height of the whale watching season on the southwest coast, particularly in Mirissa. Visitors can expect to see blue whales, sperm whales, and sometimes orcas during their migration through the warm waters. The clear skies and calm seas provide optimal conditions for an unforgettable whale-watching experience.

Hot Air Ballooning (Dambulla, Kandalama, Habarana, Sigiriya)

Hot air ballooning in December is ideal, especially around the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Habarana). The weather is generally clear in the mornings, offering stunning views of the misty landscapes, ancient ruins, and vast forests. The lush, green countryside adds to the beauty of the experience, making it a popular choice for travelers during the holiday season.