When we Talk about the Best Beaches in Sri Lanka to visit in December Sri Lanka gives beachgoers a great mix of sun, sand, and sea. The dry season begins bringing weather that’s just right for coastal adventures. This makes Sri Lanka one of the best spots to check out in December. People who travel there can enjoy clear skies calm waters, and nice temperatures. These conditions set the scene for beach experiences you won’t forget.
During this time, visitors can check out many of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches. From the golden sands in the south to the clean shores in the east, Sri Lanka’s coastline suits different tastes. People can relax, play water sports, or enjoy scenic views, as the country’s varied coastal areas have lots to offer. This article will show readers the best beaches to visit, give weather info, and share key tips to help them enjoy their Sri Lankan beach trip in December.
Weather in Sri Lanka in December
Temperature and Rainfall
Sri Lanka’s December weather creates a nice climate for tourists. The western and southern coasts have temperatures around 30°C (86°F), which makes them great for beach fun. The central highlands, including hotspots like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya stay cooler at 22-26°C (72-79°F). This means December is a good time to check out the country’s different landscapes.
Rain falls across Sri Lanka in December. The southwest area, with Colombo and Galle, starts its dry season. But the northeast monsoon brings rain to the northeast part of the country. Visitors can expect about 6 to 7 hours of sun each day in December.
Best Regions to Visit
Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts draw visitors in December. These spots have the best beaches as the southwest monsoon ends. Beach lovers flock to Negombo, Mirissa, and Bentota for sunny skies and warm weather. The Cultural Triangle home to old cities like Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa has mild and dry conditions perfect to explore historic sites.
How It Affects Beach Fun
December’s weather has an influence on beach activities in Sri Lanka. The dry season in the southwest creates good conditions to do water sports and relax. Bentota Beach has become a place for activities like waterskiing, jet skiing, sailing, and windsurfing. The calm seas also make this time perfect to snorkel and dive near the southwestern coasts. Surfing and kite surfing fans can enjoy good waves and wind conditions during this time.
Best Beaches in Sri Lanka to visit in December?
Sri Lanka known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” has gained fame for its stunning beaches. The country enjoys warm tropical weather all year providing some of the best beach experiences. This is true in December when the monsoon season ends on the west and south coasts creating ideal conditions for beach enthusiasts. But which beach is best in Sri Lanka in December? Let’s take a look at the top choices!
1. Unawatuna Beach
When you think about the best beaches in Sri Lanka in December, Unawatuna Beach stands out. You’ll find it in the southern province close to Galle. People love Unawatuna for its golden sand and quiet waters during the busiest tourist time. December brings just the right mix of sun and nice weather making it great to swim, snorkel, or just chill under a palm tree.
- Why Visit in December? The water is so clear, you can see everything when you snorkel or dive. Also, because it’s holiday time, the beach bars and cafes are buzzing, which creates a fun festive vibe.
2. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach, another jewel in southern Sri Lanka, draws visitors with its crescent-shaped coastline and lively after-dark scene. December brings warm weather and tranquil waters perfect for catching waves and spotting whales. This beach ranks among the country’s top locations to observe blue whales, which often swim near the shore during this month.
- Why Visit in December? December kicks off Mirissa’s busy season offering breathtaking sunsets and chances to enjoy water activities. For thrill-seekers, this beach provides an ideal mix of downtime and exciting pursuits like surfing and whale watching.
3. Hikkaduwa Beach
For people who want a lively beach with lots of parties, Hikkaduwa Beach is the best choice in December. This beach stands out for its coral reefs and bustling nightlife. You can discover the underwater world, with chances to swim with sea turtles or ride the smooth waves.
- Why Visit in December? December creates great conditions to snorkel, with clear waters that let you see the many types of sea life. The beach parties here give visitors extra fun during the holiday season.
4. Bentota Beach
Bentota Beach situated north on the southern coastline, suits those seeking a more tranquil upscale beach getaway. This shoreline stands out for its luxury resorts providing a more serene and laid-back environment compared to busier beaches such as Unawatuna or Mirissa.
- Why Visit in December? Bentota’s placid waters are ideal to engage in water sports like jet-skiing and windsurfing. December also offers a great chance to take river safaris on the Bentota River allowing you to discover mangroves and observe wildlife.
5. Arugam Bay
Even though Arugam Bay draws more people during surf season (April to September), folks still come in December for a calmer beach vibe. On the East Coast, Arugam Bay has a chill atmosphere, and while December might not bring big waves, the peace makes it great for travelers who want to get away from it all.
Why Visit in December? If you want to dodge the crowds and enjoy a quiet beach trip in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay gives you plenty of peace and quiet, with fewer tourists around during this slow season.
Beach Activities and Water Sports
Sri Lanka’s beaches give water sports fans lots to do. December’s dry weather makes it perfect to enjoy water activities. People love to surf and kitesurf in Arugam Bay and Kalpitiya. Surfers at Arugam Bay can catch waves up to 25 knots when it’s busiest. This makes it one of the best spots to visit in December if you’re into water sports.
Snorkeling and diving fans can explore the clear waters near Unawatuna and Mirissa. These spots have lively coral reefs and many sea creatures making them great to discover underwater. If you want to see bigger sea animals, you should try whale-watching tours. The best time to spot whales is from November/December to March/April. Early morning trips give you the best chance to see blue whales, sperm whales, and different types of dolphins.
Beach festivals make Sri Lanka’s coast even more fun. Take Hikkaduwa, which puts on a three-day Beach Fest each December. This event brings in DJs from around the world to play music right on the sand. It mixes the rush of water sports with upbeat entertainment drawing in lots of tourists.
Right now, Sri Lanka has the perfect weather for these activities. December brings clear skies and calm seas. You can surf, dive into underwater sights, or just chill on golden beaches. Sri Lanka’s coastline sets the stage for a trip you’ll remember for a long time.
Tips for Beach Trips in December
What to Pack
To plan a beach trip to Sri Lanka in December, you need to pack the right stuff for the weather and things to do. Light, airy clothes work best for the heat. Bring swimsuits, stuff to block the sun like hats and shades, and a wrap to cover up on the beach. Don’t leave out bug spray to keep mosquitoes away, as they show up a lot in hot damp places. A waterproof bag helps keep your gadgets safe during beach fun or surprise rain.
Safety Precautions
When you’re at Sri Lanka’s beaches, you need to put safety first. The beaches can have strong currents when monsoons hit. Before you jump in waters you don’t know always ask locals for advice. Tourists face a big risk of drowning. Be sure to follow local rules – no nude or topless sunbathing on Sri Lankan beaches. Also, watch out for the strong sun and put on sunscreen often.
Best Times to Visit Beaches
December kicks off the dry season on Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts making beach trips a great choice. The weather cooperates, with temperatures hitting about 30°C (86°F) along the western and southern shores. If you want to watch whales, head out in the morning. This activity is big from November/December to March/April.
Accommodation Options
Sri Lanka has a wide range of places to stay for beach lovers in December. You can find everything from fancy beach resorts to cheap guesthouses fitting every type of traveler’s needs. Well-known beach spots like Bentota, Mirissa, and Unawatuna have lots of hotels that cater to different tastes. You should book, since December is a busy time in Sri Lanka, with more visitors coming and prices going up.
Conclusion
Sri Lanka’s beaches in December give travelers a great mix of sun, sand, and sea for a tropical vacation. The dry season brings great weather to the southwest coast making it the best time to check out well-known beaches like Unawatuna, Bentota, and Mirissa. These spots have golden sands clear waters, and lots to do, from water sports to whale watching, which suits all kinds of interests and likes.
To sum up, Sri Lanka’s beach areas in December offer an amazing seaside experience. The weather is nice, the ocean is calm, and the sun shines a lot, so visitors can do many fun things while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. If you want excitement, rest, or a bit of both, Sri Lanka’s beaches in December have options for everyone. This makes it a great choice for a winter getaway you’ll remember.
FAQs
What are the best beaches to visit in Sri Lanka during December?
In December, you’ll love Trincomalee Beach and Tangalle Beach. They look amazing and have a great vibe. Don’t miss Rekawa Beach if you want to see turtles nesting and breathtaking sunsets. It’s perfect for swimming and chilling out.
Is it possible to swim on Sri Lanka’s beaches in December?
Yes, you can swim on Sri Lanka’s beaches in December. The monsoon starts to calm down so swimming gets better. Beaches on the west and south coasts become good for swimming after the worst of the monsoon rains and storms are over.
Is December a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
Yes, December kicks off the peak season in Sri Lanka, with the driest weather along the south and west coasts. This time is perfect to visit beach spots like Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. These places offer beautiful scenery and great conditions for surfing.
Where should I go to Sri Lanka in December?
For a December trip to Sri Lanka, check out Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Yala National Park, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, and Bentota Beach. Each place has its own special things to do and sees good weather this month making them ideal to explore.
