How cold does Nuwara Eliya get in December — what clothes should I pack?

Born and raised in Nuwara Eliya — I can give you the precise answer:

December temperatures:
- Daytime high: 16–19°C
- Night-time low: 8–12°C
- Early morning (before sunrise): can drop to 6–8°C

For a Canadian: you will find this mild, not cold. It's roughly equivalent to a cool October day in southern Ontario.

Clothing needed:
- A mid-weight fleece or light down jacket for evenings and mornings
- A waterproof layer (December is inter-monsoon — expect some rain)
- Long trousers for evenings
- Layering is key: you start the day in a jacket, shed to a t-shirt by noon, back to fleece by 3 PM

Heating in guesthouses:
- Most budget and mid-range guesthouses do NOT have room heating
- Blankets are provided but quality varies — ask for an extra one at check-in
- Better hotels (The Hill Club, Araliya Green Hills) have proper room heating
- Electric blankets are available at some guesthouses — request in advance

Rain in December:
- Yes, expect afternoon showers most days (30–60 minute bursts)
- Mornings are usually clear and crisp
- The tea estates look beautiful in misty conditions — don't let rain discourage you

Recommended: Plan outdoor activities (tea factory tours, Horton Plains) for the morning. Afternoons can be wet and foggy.