Where to go in Sri Lanka in December

December opens Sri Lanka's main tourist season. The northeast monsoon settles over the north and east, leaving the south and west coasts, the hill country, and the Cultural Triangle predominantly dry and sunny. Beaches from Negombo and Bentota around to Mirissa and Tangalle come alive, seas calm for swimming, and the Mirissa whale watching season builds toward its best months. In the highlands, the Adam's Peak pilgrimage season traditionally opens on the Unduvap Poya full moon, and clear mornings make for superb hiking and train journeys, though nights are cold at altitude. Kalpitiya's kitesurfing and dolphin seasons get going on the northwest coast. Early December is relatively quiet and good value, but from mid-month the Christmas and New Year surge sends prices to their annual peak and books out the best hotels, trains, and safari jeeps. The east coast is at its wettest and is best left off the itinerary this month.

Where to go in December

Festivals & events

• ◆Unduvap Poya, opening the Adam's Peak pilgrimage season
• ◆Christmas and New Year celebrations, especially lively in Colombo and the southern beach towns

Tips for December

• ✓Travel in the first two weeks for peak-season weather without peak-season prices.
• ✓Christmas to New Year is the most expensive, most booked-out week of the year; reserve months ahead.
• ✓Pack warm layers for hill country nights and pre-dawn Adam's Peak climbs.
• ✓Book the Kandy-Ella train reserved seats as early as the booking window allows.