SeasonMapNuwara Eliya weather in December
Sri Lanka
December in Nuwara Eliya: nice, soaked, with clean air — fine if you can take 19 rainy days.
#5 of 12 months in Nuwara Eliya · #399 of 1383 destinations to visit in December · comfort 82/100 (tier A)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on Nuwara Eliya in December
Other months in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya's forum calls January genuinely cold by Sri Lankan standards — regulars call it "Little England" for a reason, and some hotel rooms come with heaters for the evening chill. Frost isn't unheard of on the coldest January nights, so a proper jacket or sweater is essential packing even though the rest of the island stays warm.
Add your own note from Nuwara Eliya's card on the map.
Nuwara Eliya climate normals — December
| Daytime high | 20°C / 68°F | 😎 nice |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 12°C / 53°F | |
| Feels like (high) | 21°C / 70°F | |
| Rainfall | 172 mm / 6.8 in | ⛈ soaked |
| Rainy days | 19 days | |
| Humidity | 87% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 13°C / 56°F | |
| Sunshine | 9.1 h/day | |
| Daylight | 11.7 h | |
| Wind | 8 km/h / 5 mph | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 41 | 🍃 good |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in Nuwara Eliya in December
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
Peak crowdsAdam's Peak pilgrimage season, Christmas and New Year peak, Year-end break in Sri Lanka(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for Nuwara Eliya's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Fair weatherNuwara Eliya's weather peaks January–March, best around February.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
What's on in Nuwara Eliya in December
Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.
- Opening
Adam's Peak pilgrimage season
5 Dec – 10 May · usuallyCrowdedFrom the December poya to Vesak the steps up Sri Pada are lit and the tea stalls on them are open, and pilgrims climb through the night. Outside the season it is dark, shut and slippery. Source ↗
- Holiday
Christmas and New Year peak
20 Dec – 5 JanChristmas & New YearCrowdedBook earlyThe second of the town's two full fortnights, and the colonial-era hotels lean into it with log fires and set dinners. Book the train seats from Kandy weeks ahead or stand. Source ↗
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of Nuwara Eliya — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is Nuwara Eliya?
Nuwara Eliya in December — FAQ
- Is December a good time to visit Nuwara Eliya?
- December in Nuwara Eliya: nice, soaked, with clean air — fine if you can take 19 rainy days. It ranks #5 of 12 months for Nuwara Eliya on SeasonMap's comfort score (82/100).
- What is the weather like in Nuwara Eliya in December?
- In December, Nuwara Eliya averages a daily high of 19.8°C and a low of 11.8°C, with about 172 mm of rain over roughly 19.1 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in Nuwara Eliya in December?
- Nuwara Eliya has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 41 in December.
Other months in Nuwara Eliya
Compare Nuwara Eliya in December
Warmer or cooler than Nuwara Eliya in December
Similar destinations in South Asia — December
Within 300 km: Colombo's Blue whales off Mirissa around 1 Nov – 15 Apr, and Mirissa's Blue whale season on 1 Nov – 15 Apr.