Weather in Galle in December

How December compares

December is the 7th warmest month of the year in Galle and ranks 16th of 134 destinations we compare for December - see where else is hot in December. Against London's average high of 7.7°C in December, Galle is 20.5°C warmer by day and 21.2°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in December

The typical December day in Galle peaks at 28.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.2°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 56 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.9°C; one night in ten drops to 23.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest December day here reached 31.0°C (2003-12-29) and the coldest night 20.9°C (2010-12-24).

Rain in December

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 22 days with 1 mm or more, 221 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest December was 1993 with 423 mm, the driest 2003 with 71 mm. Humidity averages 85%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in December

The sea averages 28.2°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 27.8°C to 28.7°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.5°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 3.0 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:11 and sets about 17:57 local time in mid-December. Average cloud cover is 74%.

Is December a good time to visit Galle?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Galle on our scoring are March, February, January; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days, warm nights and sticky conditions

December is hot without regularly reaching extreme temperatures: just 2% of days reach 30°C. Humidity is the bigger consideration, at 85%, so the warmth can feel sticky even when the thermometer looks manageable. Choose loose, breathable clothing and avoid making your most active plans for midday. Average night lows of around 24°C mean evenings offer limited relief rather than a distinctly cool spell; light clothing should remain useful after dark. For comparison, London's average December high is around 8°C. If you enjoy warmth but dislike humid nights, think carefully about sleeping comfort rather than judging the trip by daytime temperatures alone.

Plan for rain, not continuous sunshine

Rain is a regular part of December, and about 3 hours of sunshine a day makes this a poor fit if your main aim is reliable sunbathing. That does not mean every wet day is a washout, but the monthly figures cannot tell you when showers will arrive or how long they will last. Keep outdoor plans movable rather than assuming mornings or afternoons will always be better. A light waterproof and protection for your phone and spare clothes are sensible packing choices. Galle still works for travellers who prioritise warmth and can adapt; it is less convincing for anyone whose holiday depends on consistently dry weather.