December is one of the best months to visit Sri Lanka, especially if you’re dreaming of soft sand, golden sunsets, tropical weather, and crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant beach party scene, calm family-friendly shores, or untouched coastal escapes, Sri Lanka offers something for every type of traveller.

With perfect weather on the southern and western coasts, December becomes beach heaven — making it the ideal time to discover the island’s most beautiful beaches.

In this guide, we cover the top beaches in Sri Lanka to visit in December, what makes each destination unique, and how Off2SriLanka can help you plan your perfect beach getaway.

Why December Is Perfect for the Beach

• Warm, sunny weather

• Calm seas ideal for swimming

• Peak season for whale watching

• Surf-friendly waves in selected spots

• Beach festivals, nightlife, and holiday vibes

Let’s dive into the best beaches you should add to your December itinerary!

1. Mirissa — The Ultimate Tropical Escape

Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s most loved beaches, especially during December. With turquoise waters and golden sand, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, relaxing, or dolphin watching.

Why Mirissa is perfect for December

• Calm waters ideal for swimming

• One of the world’s best whale-watching locations

• Beachfront restaurants and bars

• Stunning sunset views

• Popular Coconut Tree Hill viewpoint

Image Alt Text Suggestion: Mirissa Beach Sri Lanka in December

2. Unawatuna — Family-Friendly and Full of Life

Unawatuna is another popular beach destination with ideal December weather. It’s known for its shallow waters, which makes it great for families, couples, and beginners.

Best things to do

• Snorkeling with turtles

• Visiting the Japanese Peace Pagoda

• Water sports

• Exploring Galle Fort nearby

Image Alt Text: Unawatuna Beach Sri Lanka

3. Hiriketiya — The Crescent-Shaped Surfer’s Paradise

Hiriketiya has quickly risen in popularity thanks to Instagram — and for good reason. This small bay offers a relaxed vibe with boutique stays, vegan cafes, and surf lessons.

Perfect for:

• Beginner and intermediate surfers

• Digital nomads

• Couples and solo travellers

Image Alt Text: Hiriketiya Beach surfing Sri Lanka

4. Tangalle — Quiet, Peaceful, and Scenic

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape away from crowds, Tangalle is your perfect destination.

What makes Tangalle special

• Less crowded beaches

• Long coastline perfect for walks

• Luxury beach villas

• December sunshine and calm waters

Image Alt Text: Tangalle Beach Sri Lanka

5. Nilaveli & Trincomalee — Calm, Clear & Magical

While the east coast’s peak season is from May to September, Nilaveli and Uppuveli still offer great weather in early December.

Top experiences

• Pigeon Island snorkeling

• Crystal-blue shallow waters

• Dolphin spotting

Image Alt Text: Nilaveli Beach Sri Lanka

6. Bentota — A Luxury Beach Experience

Bentota is great for families, honeymooners, and adventure lovers.

December highlights

• Water sports: jet-ski, banana boat, windsurfing

• River safari on Madu Ganga

• Luxury beachfront hotels

Image Alt Text: Bentota Beach Sri Lanka

7. Arugam Bay — Off-Season Bliss

Although Arugam Bay is famous for surfing from May–September, December still offers unique experiences:

Why visit in December

• Fewer tourists

• Quiet, relaxing beaches

• Lagoon tours and crocodile watching

Image Alt Text: Arugam Bay Sri Lanka lagoon

Best Beach Activities in December

• Surfing

• Snorkeling

• Whale watching

• Sunset cruises

• Beach yoga

• Candlelit dinners by the ocean

Plan Your December Beach Holiday with Off2SriLanka

From romantic escapes to family vacations, we help you design the perfect beach-filled holiday. Whether you prefer luxury or adventure, our itineraries are fully customizable.

Ready to explore Sri Lanka’s best December beaches?
Contact Off2SriLanka today to plan your beachfront getaway!