Last updated: March 19, 2025
In December, Colombo, Sri Lanka experiences a warm and humid climate characterized by an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). Visitors can expect maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (89°F), while nighttime lows settle around 23°C (73°F). This month also marks a time of increased rainfall, with 179 mm (7.1 in) of precipitation spread over 17 days, contributing to a humidity level of 80%. Travelers should be prepared for brief but frequent showers, adding a refreshing touch to the tropical atmosphere.
In December, Colombo, Sri Lanka experiences warm and inviting temperatures, with daily minimums around 23°C (73°F) and pleasant averages lingering around 27°C (81°F). As the month progresses, the maximum temperatures can reach up to 32°C (89°F), making it an ideal time for beach outings and festivities. This slight dip in nighttime temperatures compared to the preceding month creates a comfortable atmosphere for evening strolls and gatherings. Overall, December's warmth reflects the tropical climate's consistency, while also hinting at the transition into cooler, drier months ahead.
In December, Colombo, Sri Lanka experiences a notable shift in its precipitation patterns as the rain eases off compared to the preceding months. With an accumulated 179 mm (7.1 in) of rain falling over 17 days, December showcases a decline from the heavy downpours typical of October and November, which collectively bring over 600 mm of rain during their peak. While the month still sees some rainfall, it is markedly less intense, signaling the closing of the monsoon season. This transition sets the stage for the drier months ahead, as the city prepares for a brief respite from the frequent showers that characterize the earlier part of the year.
In December, Colombo, Sri Lanka, experiences a humidity level of 80%, maintaining the city's characteristic tropical feel. As we move from the start of the year, humidity levels tend to hover around the 77-82% range from January through July, peaking in August at 83%. This trend reflects the high moisture content typical of the region, particularly during the monsoon months of June and July. As the year progresses, the humidity slightly decreases in September and October but remains consistently high through November and December, ensuring a humid end to the year. Overall, December's humidity underscores the warm, tropical climate of Colombo, which visitors should prepare for throughout the year.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, the UV Index remains consistently high throughout the year, with December showcasing a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high. Although slightly lower than the extreme levels of preceding months, it still underscores the importance of sun safety precautions. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, residents and visitors alike should remain vigilant. This trend of elevated UV exposure is evident from January to November, where values frequently peak at extremes of 14 and 15. The slight reduction in December invites a brief respite, but awareness and appropriate sun protection remain crucial for anyone outdoors. For more detailed information, visit the Colombo UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In December, Colombo, Sri Lanka basks in a generous 312 hours of sunshine, marking a delightful transition into the new year. This month showcases a consistent trend of abundant sunlight, closely mirroring February's tally of 312 hours. As the year progresses, Colombo enjoys a predominantly bright climate, with only a noticeable dip in November at 279 hours. The robust sunshine experienced during the latter months, especially from March to July, where hours peak impressively at 336 and 333, creates a vibrant atmosphere perfect for exploration and relaxation. In contrast to the darker, cooler days experienced in some regions, Colombo remains a luminary destination, offering travelers the perfect backdrop of warmth and light as they close out the year.
In December, Colombo, Sri Lanka enjoys a promising likelihood of sunny weather, boasting a 54% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant increase compared to the preceding months, where sunny days were often limited—November, for instance, sees only a 14% chance. As the Sri Lankan dry season approaches, the trend shifts toward sunnier skies, which is reminiscent of the more favorable conditions observed in February (53%) and April (46%). December's typically warm and bright days attract both locals and tourists, making it an ideal time to explore the city and its stunning beaches.
In Colombo, Sri Lanka, the daylight duration gracefully ebbs and flows throughout the year. From January to February, the city enjoys a consistent 11 hours of sunlight, setting a calm tone for the start of the year. As spring unfolds in March, daylight extends to 12 hours, bringing longer, brighter days that continue through the April to September stretch. This period features a delightful and steady 12-hour daylight duration, ideal for outdoor exploration and immersion in the vibrant local culture. As October rolls in, daylight begins to wane, reverting to 11 hours in November, and again maintaining this shorter length in December. This cyclical dance of light not only marks the seasonal changes in Colombo but also invites residents and visitors alike to savor the unique charm of each month.
As December settles in Colombo, the wind begins to whisper gently, with an average speed of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), reminiscent of the calmer months that precede the year-end festivities. Observing the trends throughout the year, there's a noticeable peak in wind speed during the mid-year, particularly in July at 5.6 m/s (13 mph), while the early months, like January and March, bring lighter breezes. The transition into December marks a slight dip in wind intensity, following a trend of moderate breezes that foster a delightful atmosphere for the city’s vibrant street life and coastal charm. As the year closes, locals and visitors alike enjoy the gentle winds that complement Colombo’s tropical warmth, setting an inviting tone for the holiday season.
The weather in Colombo changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Colombo and find detailed weather information for every month.
In December, temperatures in Colombo range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month is characterized by significant rainfall, receiving approximately 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 days, contributing to a high humidity level of around 80%. In contrast, January presents slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), while maintaining the same average of 27°C (81°F). January experiences considerably less rainfall, totaling only 54 mm (2.1 in) over just 7 days, and a slight decrease in humidity to 77%. For more details, you can check Colombo weather in January.
December and February present relatively warm climates, yet they exhibit distinct variations in temperature and precipitation. In December, the minimum temperature hovers around 23°C (73°F), while the average temperature stands at 27°C (81°F), peaking at 32°C (89°F). However, it is also a wetter month, with 179 mm (7.1 in) of rain spread over 17 days and a high humidity of 80%. In contrast, February sees a slight drop in the minimum temperature to 22°C (73°F) and an increase in the average to 28°C (82°F), with maximum temperatures reaching 34°C (94°F). Significantly drier than December, February only receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rainfall over 9 days and a lower humidity level of 73%. For more detailed insights, you can check Colombo weather in February.
December and March present notable contrasts in weather patterns. December typically features a range of temperatures with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 32°C (89°F), averaging around 27°C (81°F). This month is characterized by higher precipitation, with 179 mm (7.1 in) falling over 17 days, leading to a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, March sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and a maximum of 33°C (92°F), averaging 28°C (83°F). The overall precipitation decreases to 118 mm (4.6 in) over the same number of rainy days, resulting in a more comfortable humidity of 74%. For a deeper look at the specific weather conditions during this time, you can visit Colombo weather in March.
December and April both experience warm temperatures, though April tends to be slightly hotter on average. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), while April sees temperatures ranging from 25°C (77°F) to 33°C (91°F). The precipitation levels in December are higher, with 179 mm (7.1 in) of rain over 17 days, compared to April's 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain over 25 days. Additionally, humidity remains notably high in December at 80%, while it decreases slightly to 74% in April. For more detailed information, you can check Colombo weather in April.
In December, the weather is generally warm with minimum temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and an average high of 32°C (89°F). However, this month sees significant rainfall, with about 179 mm (7.1 in) of precipitation spread over 17 days and a high humidity level of 80%. In contrast, May presents slightly warmer temperatures, featuring a minimum of 25°C (78°F) and an average high of 32°C (90°F). May is much wetter, with total precipitation reaching 295 mm (11.6 in) across 29 days, although the humidity is somewhat lower at 76%. For those interested in more specifics, check out Colombo weather in May.
In December, the weather typically showcases warm temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 32°C (89°F). Despite the warmth, December experiences significant rainfall, with 179 mm (7.1 in) of precipitation over 17 days and humidity levels averaging 80%.
In contrast, June presents slightly warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures rising to 25°C (78°F). The average temperature is 28°C (82°F) and peaks at 31°C (87°F). However, June is notably wetter, with precipitation levels reaching 257 mm (10.1 in) spread across 28 days and a marginally higher humidity of 82%. For a detailed overview, check out Colombo weather in June.
Overall, while both months are warm and humid, June tends to be wetter and slightly warmer compared to December.
Comparing the weather in December and July, both months showcase warm temperatures, but with notable differences. December features a slightly lower average temperature, ranging from a minimum of 23°C (73°F) to a maximum of 32°C (89°F), while July maintains a warmer range with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 30°C (87°F). Precipitation is relatively high in both months, with December receiving 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 days and July experiencing 168 mm (6.6 in) across 26 days, indicating July has more frequent rainy days despite slightly less overall rainfall. Humidity levels are high in both months, peaking at 80% in December and slightly higher at 82% in July. For a more detailed outlook, you can check Colombo weather in July.
December and August both feature warm average temperatures, hovering around 27°C (81°F), but December tends to be slightly cooler with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) compared to August's minimum of 25°C (77°F). While both months receive substantial rainfall, December's 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 rainy days is slightly less than August's 189 mm (7.4 in) spread over 27 days, indicating that August is generally more wet. Humidity levels are also quite high in both months, with December at 80% and August slightly higher at 83%. For more specific details about weather conditions in August, you can check Colombo weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, hovering around 27°C (81°F). However, December tends to be slightly warmer, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 32°C (89°F) compared to September's max of 30°C (86°F). In terms of precipitation, September is significantly wetter, experiencing 234 mm (9.2 in) over 26 days, while December sees 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels are quite comparable, with December at 80% and September at 82%. For a more detailed look at September's conditions, you can check Colombo weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, December tends to be slightly warmer with minimum temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching up to 32°C (89°F). In contrast, October's minimum temperature is a notch higher at 24°C (76°F), with a maximum of 30°C (86°F). While both months have similar average temperatures of 27°C (81°F), October experiences significantly more rainfall, with 347 mm (13.6 in) over 29 days compared to December's 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 days. Humidity levels are comparable, hovering around 80% in December and slightly higher at 81% in October. For more detailed information, check out Colombo weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, both months exhibit warm temperatures with minimal variation. In December, the minimum temperature reaches 23°C (73°F), while November starts slightly warmer at a minimum of 24°C (75°F). The average temperatures remain consistent at 27°C (81°F) in both months, but December has a slightly warmer maximum temperature of 32°C (89°F) compared to November's 31°C (88°F). Precipitation is significantly lower in December, with totals at 179 mm (7.1 in) over 17 rainy days, compared to November’s 294 mm (11.6 in) across 26 days. Humidity remains high and steady at 80% for both months. For a detailed look at November's weather patterns, you can visit Colombo weather in November.
As December settles into Colombo, the city experiences a distinct shift in weather patterns, characterized by a warm and humid atmosphere. With temperatures hovering around a comfortable 27°C (81°F), the month provides a balmy respite compared to the sweltering heat of earlier months. However, December is also marked by increased precipitation, averaging 179 mm over 17 days, making it one of the wettest periods of the year. This heightened humidity, often reaching 80%, adds to the tropical feel, inviting both locals and visitors to enjoy the lush, vibrant surroundings that flourish with the rains. For a deeper understanding of what to expect throughout the year, visit Colombo Climate.