If you’re planning a trip to Colombo around Christmas, get ready for warm days, sticky air, and a pretty good chance of rain. Daytime temperatures hover near 31°C (about 88°F), and at night, it only dips to around 24°C (75°F). It’s a hot, tropical holiday setting, for sure.
The sea sticks to a cozy 27°C, so swimming and beach time are still great even in late December.
Rain shows up pretty often, usually as heavy but quick showers in the afternoon or evening. You’ll want to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella, but honestly, mornings and early afternoons tend to stay sunny enough for sightseeing or just relaxing outside.
Humidity stays high, and you’ll feel it—sometimes the air gets really sticky, though a gentle breeze can help. Expect a mix of bright skies and those sudden, dramatic downpours, thanks to Colombo’s seasonal monsoon pattern. This combination of sun, rain, and heat creates a holiday vibe that’s both tropical and festive.
Typical Weather Conditions in Colombo During Christmas
During Christmas, you’ll deal with hot days, warm nights, and frequent rain. Even with the showers, there’s still plenty of sunshine, and the sea stays warm enough for a swim.
Average Temperatures in December
In December, Colombo weather doesn’t budge much. Daytime highs usually sit at 31°C (88°F), while nights cool off just a bit to 24°C (75°F).
The Indian Ocean helps keep things steady, so you won’t notice big temperature swings. Even after dark, the air rarely feels cool, so expect warm evenings.
Light cotton clothes are your best bet for comfort. Most hotels and restaurants have air conditioning, but outside, you’ll definitely feel the heat. The sea averages 27°C (81°F), so swimming is always an option.
Rainfall Patterns Around Christmas
December lands in Colombo’s northeast monsoon season, which means rain comes often. The city usually gets about 185 mm of rainfall during the month, spread over roughly 10 wet days. Showers tend to roll in during the late afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clearer.
Rain typically arrives in quick bursts instead of dragging out all day. This gives you a few hours of sun before clouds gather. If you’re out and about, a light rain jacket or poncho makes sense.
Even with the rain, Colombo still racks up over 200 hours of sunshine in December. So you can plan sightseeing or beach trips earlier in the day and expect showers later.
Humidity and Wind Levels
Humidity stays high in December, usually around 70–75%. The air feels sticky, especially in the afternoon. You’ll notice it more when walking in crowded spots or away from the coast.
Winds stay pretty calm, averaging 1 m/s. You might catch an occasional breeze by the water, but inland, it’s usually still. Without much wind, the humidity can feel even heavier.
Take breaks indoors or in the shade to stay comfortable. Remember to drink water regularly—carrying a bottle is smart when exploring the city.
Daytime and Nighttime Climate Differences
Colombo stays warm in December, but you’ll feel a difference between the heat of the day and the (slightly) cooler nights. The tropical conditions are steady, though comfort shifts depending on the hour.
Daytime Highs and Sunshine Hours
During the day, especially in late December, Colombo often reaches 30–32°C (86–90°F). Direct sun can make it feel even hotter, so light clothes and sunscreen are a must. Humidity adds to the heat, making it feel heavier.
You usually get 7–8 hours of sunshine each day. Rainfall is less than in the wettest months, but those quick showers can still pop up. Luckily, they tend to move on fast, leaving behind clearer skies.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable. Midday brings the harshest sun and higher UV, so you’ll want to limit your exposure or find some shade.
Nighttime Lows and Comfort
At night, Colombo cools down to about 23–24°C (73–75°F). It’s more comfortable, though the humidity sticks around. You might not need the air conditioner, but a fan helps keep things pleasant.
Evenings are nice for walks, outdoor dinners, or catching local events. You won’t need heavy sun protection, but stick to light clothes.
Since nights rarely drop below 22°C (72°F), you’ll never feel chilly. The steady warmth makes planning easy, even over Christmas.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends in Late December
Late December in Colombo brings warmth and humidity, with rain that’s noticeable but not constant. Expect a mix of sunny spells and passing showers as the city shifts out of the wettest months.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Colombo averages about 10 rainy days in December, based on long-term records. That’s roughly rain on one out of every three days.
Rain usually comes in short bursts, not all-day events. You might wake up to sunshine, see clouds in the afternoon, and then get a quick downpour.
Total rainfall for December lands around 180–190 mm, which is less than the heavy rains of October and November. By late December, showers let up compared to earlier in the season, making it easier to plan outdoor activities.
Try to schedule outings in the morning or early afternoon. Evening showers happen more often, but they’re not guaranteed.
Types of Rainfall Expected
Rainfall in Colombo during late December is mostly convective—it develops from warm, rising air. This leads to short, heavy showers, usually in the afternoon or evening.
These bursts can dump a lot of rain fast, but they don’t stick around long. Streets might flood briefly, but water usually drains away within hours. All-day rain is rare.
Thunderstorms can happen, though they’re not as common as during peak monsoon months. When they show up, expect heavier rain, lightning, and gusty winds.
Because it’s a tropical climate, humidity stays high even after rain. You’ll get damp conditions, but once showers pass, skies often clear up, giving you both wet and dry stretches in a single day.
Humidity and Atmospheric Conditions
During late December, Colombo deals with high humidity and steady tropical warmth. These conditions really shape how the air feels, and they can affect your comfort outside.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Colombo is always up there, and December doesn’t change that. Relative humidity averages 74–76%, giving the air a heavy, moist feel.
Mornings often feel the stickiest, since overnight air holds onto moisture. By afternoon, sea breezes might help a bit, but the dampness sticks around.
Compared to mid-year peaks of 79%, December is a touch lower but still high enough to notice. February usually brings the lowest levels at about 69%, so December sits closer to the top end.
You’ll rarely get dry air here. Even when temperatures stay around 27–30°C (81–86°F), the humidity makes it feel warmer. That’s just typical for Colombo’s tropical rainforest climate, where rain and clouds keep things consistently humid.
Impact on Comfort and Activities
High humidity changes how you feel the heat. Sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly, so outdoor activities can feel more tiring. Even walking or exploring markets might wear you out faster than you’d expect.
If you’re sightseeing, try to get outside early or later in the day when it’s a little less oppressive. Midday is better for shaded spots, indoor attractions, or a break.
For beach days, the warm air and humidity mixed with sea breezes can actually feel pretty manageable. Stick to light clothes, drink plenty of water, and take breaks in cooler places to stay comfortable.
If you have respiratory sensitivities, you might notice the dampness more, especially after rain or when skies stay overcast. Keep this in mind so your plans stay fun and not exhausting.
Seasonal Weather Patterns and Monsoon Influence
Colombo’s December weather comes from shifting winds and rainfall patterns. You can expect warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and changes in rainfall as the year moves between monsoon seasons.
Transition Periods
In December, Colombo sits right in the northeast monsoon. This monsoon mainly brings rain to the eastern and northern parts of Sri Lanka, so Colombo on the southwest coast gets less of it. Instead, you’ll notice scattered showers—often short, sometimes heavy.
Temperatures stay steady, usually between 24–31 °C (75–88 °F). Nights are a bit cooler than earlier in the year, making outdoor evenings more comfortable. Humidity stays high, but it’s not as stifling as during the middle of the year.
Rainfall averages about 100–150 mm during this period, with more showers in the first half of December. By late December, the rain usually tapers off, leaving clearer skies and longer sunny breaks.
This transition period works out well for visitors—you’ll get decent beach weather along the west and south coasts, but you should still be ready for a sudden afternoon or evening shower.
Effect of Monsoon Cycles
Sri Lanka’s two main monsoons, Southwest (Yala) and Northeast (Maha), split the island into wet and dry zones. Colombo gets hit hardest by the southwest monsoon from May to September, when rain pours down. The northeast monsoon, from December to February, doesn’t hit Colombo as hard.
In December, the northeast monsoon pushes most rain to the east coast. Colombo benefits from this, with less rain than earlier in the year. That makes December one of the better times to visit the western side.
Still, Colombo’s coastal spot means things can change quickly. Showers can pop up fast but usually move on within an hour, letting the sun come back. This cycle of brief rain and clear skies is just part of Christmas weather here.
Travel Tips for Visiting Colombo at Christmas
Expect warm, humid days and occasional rain if you’re heading to Colombo in December. Light clothes, smart packing, and a little weather awareness will keep you comfortable.
Clothing and Packing Recommendations
Daytime temperatures around Christmas usually hit 27–31°C (81–88°F), with high humidity. Pack light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Short-sleeved shirts, airy dresses, and loose trousers help with comfort and modesty.
Rain showers are likely, so a compact umbrella or light rain jacket comes in handy. For shoes, bring comfortable sandals for city walks and closed shoes for wet weather.
If you’re planning to visit temples or religious spots, carry a scarf or shawl for covering shoulders and knees. For evenings, a light sweater is optional—honestly, you probably won’t need it.
A small day bag makes it easy to keep sunscreen, water, and insect repellent close. Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are smart for midday sun.
Weather-Related Travel Advice
December falls during the northeast monsoon. Still, Colombo sits on the west coast, so you won’t get as much rain as other places nearby. You’ll probably see short, heavy showers instead of endless downpours. Sometimes, the roads flood for a bit, so it’s smart to give yourself extra travel time when you’re heading across the city.
Humidity sticks around and can feel pretty intense. Try to plan your sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon—it’s just more comfortable then.
Public events and Christmas celebrations often bring out big crowds. Toss in a sudden shower, and you’ll probably hit traffic delays. If you use ride-hailing apps or book your rides ahead of time, you’ll likely save yourself some hassle.
The sea usually stays warm, about 28°C (82°F). After it rains, though, currents can get stronger. Always check what the locals say before you jump in. If you keep an eye on the weather, you’ll get to enjoy the city and the beaches without any big surprises.