December in Sri Lanka marks the start of the high season for the beach resorts on the south and west coasts. This month also sees the beginning of the whale-watching season off the south coast. The north-east monsoon continues to bring intense rainfall to the island’s north and east regions.
| Activity/Event | Location/s and/or Remarks |
|---|---|
| Beach stay | Kalpitiya, Negombo, Colombo, Waskaduwa, Wadduwa, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Dickwella, Weligama, Mirissa, Tangalle |
| Wildlife safari | Yala, Wilpattu, Kumana and Udawalawe national parks |
| Sightseeing | World’s End in Horton Plains national parks |
| Bird watching | Galoya, Udawalawe and Bundala national parks, Kalametiya bird sanctuary, Yala national park lagoons |
| Cultural world heritage sites | Sacred city of Anuradhapura, Ancient city of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla cave temple, Sigiriya, Sacred city of Kandy, Old town of Galle |
| Adam’s Peak (Sripada) hike | Sri Pada pilgrimage season started on full moon poya day of December. Much cooler but less crowed |
| Whales & Dolphin watching | Mirissa, Kalpitiya(Dolphin watching) |
| Swim with sea turtle | Hikkaduwa |
| Tea plantation visit | Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Ella |
| Rafting & Abseiling | Kitulgala (Water level of Kelani river has drop and calm down due to dry season) |
| Sailing | Mirissa, Bentota |
| Paramotoring | Bentota |
| Surfing | Hikkaduwa, Weligama |
| Kitesurfing | Kalpitiya & Mannar (Winds are less reliable and lighter) |
| Scuba diving & Snorkelling | Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna |
