Colombo Weather in December

December weather

Colombo stays warm in December, with highs around 29°C and rain on 22 days. Humidity is high, and clouds often soften the sunshine. Showers can interrupt a beach afternoon or a walk around the Fort, so keep indoor stops in your plans. The National Museum and the cafés around Cinnamon Gardens work well when rain sets in.

Rain is lower than in November, but December is still a wet month. January is drier, and January and February are usually the better months overall. For now, enjoy Galle Face Green between showers, rather than counting on a long, sunny stretch.

Christmas and crowds

Christmas brings lights, church services and festive displays to parts of the city, especially around Galle Face and major hotels. Colombo is also a useful base for celebrating Sri Lanka's public holidays, though Christmas is most visible in the city's Christian communities. Unduvap Poya, a Buddhist full-moon holiday, also falls in December; some businesses may close.

The holiday season draws more visitors than the quieter wet months, and hotel prices can rise around Christmas and New Year. Families who want a calmer city break may prefer January, when the rain eases and the Christmas rush has passed.

Getting around

Rain can make Colombo's roads slow, especially around Fort and Pettah. A short tuk-tuk ride may take longer than it looks when traffic builds, so leave room between stops. If a shower catches you near Pettah Market, duck into a covered arcade and explore its shops while you wait.

Couples who enjoy food stops can try isso wade, a spicy prawn fritter sold at Galle Face Green; it's a relaxed way to end a damp day by the sea.