What December feels like in Colombo
December sits between Colombo's dry and wet seasons. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights stay warm and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Colombo in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about every other day. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 10.5 mm (0.4 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. That is close to Colombo's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10 mm).
Daylight and sunshine in December
In mid-December, sunrise is at about 6:14 am and sunset at about 5:57 pm (local time) — 11 h 43 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-November (5 min shorter). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. Measured sunshine covers about 76% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 6th warmest month in Colombo. Against November, the average high is 0.3°C (0.5°F) higher, with 183 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into January. January averages a high of 30.1°C (86.2°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Colombo in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Colombo in December?
It feels hot: typical highs are 29.2°C (84.6°F), with lows near 23.1°C (73.6°F).
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in December?
It does: about 18 rainy days bring roughly 190 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Colombo in December?
Based on the averages: rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Colombo?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#2 of 12 vs #4). January has fewer rainy days.