Middle of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Sigiriya & Dambulla in December
This is the coldest month in Sigiriya & Dambulla: highs average 80°F (27°C) and lows 69°F (20°C), with about 9.4 in (238 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by humidity.
- Avg high
- 80°F (27°C)
- Avg low
- 69°F (20°C)
- Rain
- 9.4 in (238 mm)
- Humidity
- 89%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 32 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What December feels like
Highs settle around 80°F (27°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
Lows average 69°F (20°C).
Humidity averages 89%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is a real factor, with about 9.4 in (238 mm) across the month.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are January & February and June & July.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Comfort improves from 44/100 in November to 48/100.
- December sits inside the Dec – Apr window our Sri Lanka: Rock Forts to the South Coast route recommends.
What to pack for December
- Light, breathable clothes80°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics89% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes9.4 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Sigiriya & Dambulla in December
With 9.4 in of rain, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Rastha Hotel
Casual Sigiriya village restaurant for Sri Lankan rice and curry and kottu.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 9.4 in of rain.
King coconut stall
Roadside stands selling chilled orange king coconuts, Sri Lanka's go-to drink after a climb.
Why now Easy to slot in when December's rain moves in.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
5th-century palace atop a 200 m rock, with frescoes, a mirror wall and lion-paw gate.
Jetwing Vil Uyana
Eco-resort built around restored paddies and wetlands, with a restaurant open to non-guests.
Why now Keeps part of the day dry on wetter December days.
Polonnaruwa Ancient City
Medieval royal capital of palaces, stupas and the carved Buddhas of Gal Vihara, 60 km east.
Nearby in December
- Kandy in December~47 mi · highs 78°F, 9.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Ella in December~78 mi · highs 72°F, 10.3 in rain · 4°C (8°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Galle in December~138 mi · highs 83°F, 8.0 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, drier
- Munnar in December~292 mi · highs 69°F, 1.5 in rain · 6°C (11°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Sigiriya & Dambulla in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Sigiriya & Dambulla?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by humidity. The best months are January & February and June & July. Expect highs of 80°F (27°C) and 9.4 in (238 mm) of rain. December is inside the Dec – Apr window our Sri Lanka: Rock Forts to the South Coast route recommends.
How hot is Sigiriya & Dambulla in December?
Average highs are 80°F (27°C) and average lows 69°F (20°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sigiriya & Dambulla in December?
Yes: about 9.4 in (238 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 57.9 in (1471 mm).
What should I pack for Sigiriya & Dambulla in December?
Bring light, breathable clothes (80°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (89% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (9.4 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Sigiriya & Dambulla
Routes in season in December
- Sri Lanka: Rock Forts to the South Coast Dec – Apr
Planning Sigiriya & Dambulla in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.