Galle Weather in December

Sri Lanka · December climate averages and travel tips

Avg high28°C (82°F)
Avg low26°C (79°F)
Rainfall225 mm (8.9 in)
RatingPoor 4/10

Galle in December sees daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F), dropping to about 26°C (79°F) at night. The month is very wet, with about 225 mm (8.9 in) of rain spread over 24 days. Humidity averages 81%, so it feels sticky and hotter than the thermometer suggests. You get roughly 11.7 hours of daylight and frequently cloudy skies.

Is December a good time to visit Galle?

December is not the best time to visit Galle (4/10) mainly because of the rain. The weather is much better in January and February.

Visiting Galle in December

December weather

Galle stays warm in December, but the weather can feel sticky and unsettled. Rain falls on many days, with thick cloud and only a little sunshine. Showers may interrupt a beach day or leave the Fort's streets wet underfoot.

You can still explore Galle Fort between showers, duck into the National Maritime Museum, or settle into a café along Pedlar Street. Swimming and long beach days are less dependable, so keep plans flexible. January and February are usually better bets for drier sightseeing.

Christmas crowds

Christmas and New Year bring a festive feel, and the south coast enters its busy season. Galle Fort and nearby beaches can get livelier, while rooms may cost more than in quieter months. December is wetter than January, so you're paying peak-season prices without the most settled weather.

If you hate crowds, visit in the first part of the month, before the Christmas rush. Travelling with kids? The Fort's short walks and museums are easier to fit around passing showers than a full day at the beach.

Make rain work

A rainy spell doesn't have to stop your day. Take a tuk-tuk from Galle railway station to the Fort rather than walking with bags, then explore the lanes on foot when the rain eases. The old streets can get slippery, so slow down around the ramparts and lighthouse.

For a local meal, try Galle's seafood or a rice-and-curry lunch in the Fort. Give yourself time to eat indoors if a shower rolls in. December's warm evenings can still be pleasant, even when the sky stays grey.

December weather at a glance

Average high28°C (82°F)
Average low26°C (79°F)
Daily mean27°C (81°F)
Rainfall225 mm (8.9 in)
Rainy days (1 mm+)24
Humidity81%
Cloud cover77%
Daylight11.7 hours
Est. sunshine3 hours/day
Wind11.5 km/h
vs NovemberAbout as warm as November, with 137 mm less rain.

What to pack for Galle in December

Galle weather in other months

Jan28°C / 25°C121 mmFairFeb28°C / 26°C100 mmGoodMar29°C / 27°C144 mmFairApr29°C / 28°C230 mmPoorMay29°C / 28°C264 mmPoorJun28°C / 27°C156 mmPoorJul28°C / 27°C127 mmPoorAug28°C / 27°C156 mmPoorSep28°C / 27°C202 mmPoorOct28°C / 27°C310 mmPoorNov28°C / 26°C362 mmPoorDec28°C / 26°C225 mmPoor

← NovemberBest time to visit GalleJanuary →

Better weather in December nearby

Nearby in December

Where else is good in December? See where to go in December.