December in Polonnaruwa averages 29C by day and 23C at night, with 243 mm of rain over about 23 wet days. It is the 3rd wettest month of the year. By Christmas, Polonnaruwa is back to the cool, clear conditions that define the high season ahead. Book early if travelling over the holidays.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29C by day, 23C at night |
| Rainfall | 243 mm, about 23 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Unduvap Poya (full moon observance)
- Christmas week brings a rise in Western tourist numbers
What to Do This Season
- Clearer skies and cooler temperatures from mid-December onward
- Good cycling conditions returning to the ruins loop
- Less crowded than January despite rising demand
What to Watch Out For
- Early December can still bring leftover monsoon showers
- Prices and bookings tighten fast in the last week of the month
What to Wear
Light layers for daytime heat, with a light rain jacket for early-month showers.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Yes
More on Polonnaruwa
Flexible on dates? Compare Polonnaruwa in November and Polonnaruwa in January. The best time to visit Polonnaruwa sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Polonnaruwa. The main Polonnaruwa page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Polonnaruwa and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.