Colombo in December
In December, Colombo averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with around 12 days of rain (165 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
December offers comfortable temperatures in Colombo, with some rain to plan around.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Colombo
December is one of the coolest months in Colombo (10th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. December runs roughly the same as November (30°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (31°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Colombo
Times shown for Colombo local time (Asia/Colombo), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Colombo — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Colombo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Colombo in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Colombo's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Colombo
Colombo is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Colombo
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Colombo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 75 mm | 8 | 0 |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 65 mm | 6 | 0 |
| March | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 135 mm | 10 | 0 |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 235 mm | 15 | 0 |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 395 mm | 21 | 0 |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 225 mm | 19 | 0 |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 77°F | 135 mm | 15 | 0 |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 77°F | 115 mm | 15 | 0 |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 170 mm | 16 | 0 |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 360 mm | 21 | 0 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 mm | 18 | 0 |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 12 | 0 |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Colombo in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Colombo in December?
In December, Colombo averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in December?
December can be fairly wet in Colombo, with about 12 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Colombo?
December is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Colombo in December?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Colombo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.