Sri Lanka in December 2025 – is it worth going on vacation? Weather in Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa, Bentota, reviews, air and water temperatures, beaches without waves, hotel prices. What to do and see in Sri Lanka in December, where to go and visit – says Eurotraveler.
Even today, in 2025, the word “December” does not go well with the phrase “beach vacation.” Most European tourists, of course, have heard that “somewhere out there” and at the very beginning of winter you can have a good time on the shore of the warm sea and under the hot sun. But only a minority can afford to go on vacation to the far reaches of the region at the very end of the calendar year.
It’s sad, of course. But the reality is that you have to put up with it.
However, sometimes you can rebel. AND end the year on a high note – and not for crazy money. You can relax in Sri Lanka in December for quite a reasonable price for a working family the amount.
Which one exactly? We went into detail. But we didn’t limit ourselves to the purely monetary component!
Weather in Sri Lanka in December
If you go to almost any website that sells tours or excursions, you will be pleased to find that the beginning of winter on the designated tropical island is the most real high beach season. As a result, a high azure sky, endless sandy coasts illuminated by the bright sun and a calm sea, joyfully smiling at you and inviting you to swim, will immediately appear in your consciousness.
In reality, however, everything is not so simple. And you can also find confirmation of this if you carefully read “between the lines” and find out that December in Sri Lanka is the time is quite stormy. And the average monthly precipitation of 150-170 mm can hardly be called “a few light rains.”
Again, the ocean at this time does not always disguise itself as a tame pet. Not at all – he gets excited easilyand only those who are initially ready to face a (small but very unpleasant) wave will be able to get real pleasure from swimming.
As for families with small children, they should initially prepare to maximum vigilance. Which, alas, does not go well with maximum relaxation
However, this is where the list of potential inconveniences can end. Unless, of course, you are planning to go to Sri Lanka in December to resorts such as Unawatuna or Bentota, Hikkaduwa or Mirissa. That is, you will consciously forget about Trincomalee and the entire eastern coast – there winds blow in winterwhich are difficult to describe other than rampant.
The air temperature in Unawatuna or Hikkaduwa in December is quite comfortable and fluctuates between +28-30 °C during the day, without falling below +25 °C at night. Winds are light and precipitation by local standards moderate.
Number of rainy days along the entire southwest coast per month will not exceed 8-10 days. And their maximum concentration usually occurs in the first half of the month – after the 20th of December on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka it’s getting drier.
Clear periods, however, will also not be in the majority – warm weather traditionally prevails, but cloudy weather
Where to swim and water temperature
You will find the best beaches without waves in Sri Lanka in December near Unawatuna. Reviews rightfully advise choosing Dellahuela, where, due to the presence of a barrier reef and shallow depths near the shore, there should be convenient for kids.
Adult vacationers praise this beach only for the abundance of turtles that you can stare at. And they don’t like it because it’s impossible to swim to your heart’s content – normal depths begin only behind the reef. And there, alas, it may already be unsafe due to waves and currents.
Unawatuna itself is also considered a place where you can comfortably swim and ride the waves safely. But Weligama is only suitable for surfers, including beginners.
In principle, you will be able to find an opportunity to swim in Mirissa. Whose huge sandy beach is considered by many to be the best in Sri Lanka. Even despite the often noticeable roughness in the ocean and the presence of dangerous undercurrents.
Opposite Parrot Island there are rarely strong waves. And they might try sea baths there families with older children
In Hikkaduwa in December, you can swim in the first half of the day in the absence of strong waves. It is also considered great place for snorkeling and sightings of large sea turtles.
Bentota Beach is not suitable for swimming: due to too long shallow water and often large, albeit gentle waves. But he is considered one of the best places in Sri Lanka to watch the sunsets.
The water temperature off the coast of Sri Lanka throughout December fluctuates around +29 °C. So you can swim at any time, unless the weather forecast and red flags on the shore prohibit it.
If they are posted, don’t be a fool and stay on the beach. Because local rescuers (if they are even on site) may not get you out.
What to take with you
You should probably take a valid (at least 6 months after departure) international passport with you anyway. Otherwise, where will they issue you a 30-day visa? Electronic visas, which in theory allow you to overcome border controls at full speed upon arrival in Sri Lanka, for some reason will not be issued in the fall of 2025.
We will also advise you to take out medical travel insurance. It is not required (they don’t ask at the border), but highly desirable – especially if you are going on vacation with children.
It is considered an absolutely necessary thing for a tourist in Sri Lanka. voluminous traveling first aid kit. With a full range of antipyretic and disinfectant medications, as well as medications that relieve food poisoning.
The reviews rightfully advise taking it with you on a beach holiday at sea in Sri Lanka and usual hygiene products. Including shampoos and sanitary pads, toothbrushes, even toothpaste.
Fumigators of the Russian and, apparently, in principle, European “system” relatively useless against Sri Lankan flying evil spirits
But you definitely need to take sunscreen, long-skirted clothing and various panama hats (caps) with you. And start actively using it as soon as you land at Colombo airport.
Prices 2025
If you intend to buy a tour, then you should focus on the level of 170-180 thousand rubles. In the event that you fly from Moscow in the first half of December!
As the New Year approaches, trips to Sri Lanka become more expensive. But this is understandable – the season is getting more and more high, sunny and dry.
- The best cheap tours to Sri Lanka
Airplane tickets from the Russian capital to Colombo and back at the start of winter will cost 650-700 + € per passenger and him (not at all for children, 20-25 kg, luggage). Flights from Belgrade, as well as many other European capitals, will cost more, at least 750-800 €.
But hotels in Sri Lanka are not particularly expensive even in high season. So for 50-70 € per day you can rent something very decent equally in Mirissa or Unawatuna. In the first, by the way, for this money you can find a hotel or guest house very close to the beach!
In the second, however, too. For example, we I really liked it small cozy hotel La Veranda Di Serena in Unawatuna with good breakfasts and simply stunning views of the ocean. By the way, it’s still not too expensive – a double room will cost ~60 € per night in mid-December!
The cost of excursions and tours in Sri Lanka is also not amazing. If you are ready to accept the fact that almost everything conducted in English.
For example, you can take part in a safari in Yala National Park by paying only 20-25 €. A tour of Galle Fort will cost even less: 16-20 € per person.
Worth noting
that many travelers who come to Sri Lanka on their own, and not on a tour package, purposefully break the holiday into 2 parts.
In the first, they explore all the most interesting things that the country has (Sigiriya and Dambulla, Kandy, Ella). And in the second go to the beach… comprehend what you see.
Things to do
It is worth considering that although you will be able to see the main attractions in Sri Lanka in December, you will (possibly) have to do this in not the most suitable weather. In general – factor into the holiday “equation” a fair chance of (heavy) rain.
Literally the first place where tourists in Sri Lanka often go when they first arrive in Colombo is the Pinnawela Elephant Sanctuary. Not just a unique place even by global standards, but also a well-equipped place from the point of view of tourist infrastructure.
Also on the island you need climb Mount Sigiriya and visit the ancient cave temple of Dambulla
Visit the city of Kandy, climb Little Adam’s Peak near Ella, explore the tea plantations and the pretty town of Nuwara Eliya itself.
About safari in Yala National Park we mentioned above: there you can admire both leopards and monkeys, and see baby elephants. About fort in Galle Needless to say, those who stay at the resorts on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, of course, will not miss this absolute “must see”.
In December, it is also worth spending time and money on seasonal and quite unique entertainment – going to sea in search of blue whales. After all, it is from November to April that these giants appear off the coast of Ceylon!
© Eurotraveler
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