Sri Lanka experiences the height of the Indian Monsoon season in May. While temperatures fluctuate between warn to hot, you should expect some unpredictable downpours on about half the days. The most popular tourist destinations to visit include Colombo, Kandy, Trincomalee, and Anuradhapura.
Continue reading this guide to know what to expect in Sri Lanka in May weatherwise and travel-wise.
Sri Lanka Weather in May: Overview
Averages:
- Temperature range: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 21 cm (8 inches)
- Rainy days: 13
- Sunshine hours/day: 7
- Humidity: 79% (oppressive)
May in Sri Lanka sees warm temperatures, ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). The country also receives about 21 cm (8 inches) of high rainfall spread over 13 days. But despite the rain, there is an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day, with oppressive humidity averaging 79%.
When visiting Sri Lanka in May, prepare for sunny and rainy intervals, with outdoor activities limited when it is raining.
May Climate Comparison for Sri Lanka's Top Tourism Areas
| City/Area | Temperatures | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | Warm–Hot | Very high |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | Mild–Hot | Moderate |
| Trincomalee (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | Warm–Hot | Very high |
| Anuradhapura (Wilpattu National Park, elephants, leopards, natural lake) | Warm–Very hot | Low |
| City/Area | High (ºC) | Low (ºC) |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | 32°C (90°F) | 26°C (79°F) |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | 29°C (84°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| Trincomalee (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | 31°C (88°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| Anuradhapura (Wilpattu National Park, elephants, leopards, natural lake) | 33°C (91°F) | 27°C (81°F) |
| City/Area | Rain (cm) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo (main city, travel hub, architecture, culture) | 31 | 12 |
| Kandy (second city, history, culture, colonial architecture) | 14 | 6 |
| Trincomalee (World Heritage colonial fort townscape, beaches) | 32 | 13 |
| Anuradhapura (Wilpattu National Park, elephants, leopards, natural lake) | 6 | 2 |
In May, most of the four top tourism regions receive around 13 rainy days and high rainfall with warm-to-hot temperatures. Kandy is cooler and more moderate in rainfall. Anuradhapura, with the least rain showers, has 8 rainy days on average totalling about 6 cm (2 inches).
The Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in May
May is another ideal time to explore Sri Lanka's top destinations. You can visit Colombo for its vibrant city life, Kandy for its cultural and historical sites, and Trincomalee for its charming colonial architecture and beaches. Anuradhapura is famous for its exciting wildlife safaris.
1. Colombo: Dive into Urban Delights
When the inevitable heavy showers come in May, Colombo's Pettah market and modern malls offer ideal shopping experiences. Visitors can go to shop for unique souvenirs and spend time exploring under roofs with their families/companions.
Apart from visiting the malls, visitors can try out Colombo's restaurants and cafés for savoring Sri Lankan flavors. You will find traditional dishes or contemporary fusion cuisine, with Ceylon tea being a must-try.
For those who don't enjoy the market or malls, you can take advantage of the rainy days by exploring Colombo's diverse cultural heritage at the National Museum or appreciating modern art at the Lionel Wendt Art.
Recommended Tour:
2. Kandy: Cultural Immersion
Kandy is a city rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty. In May, when the weather is sunny and rainfall is moderate, visitors can go to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage site to understand Buddhist traditions and the city's spiritual life.
For nature lovers, you can check out the Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, just a short drive from the city center in Peradeniya. The moderate showers experienced in May transform the gardens into a beautiful scene.
For more interesting touring, visitors can try out the Tea Museum Tour, which includes visiting a former Sri Lankan tea factory — now the Ceylon Tea Museum, to learn about the history of tea-making while enjoying views of the surrounding tea plantations.
3. Trincomalee: Historic and Coastal Treasures
Trincomalee is a beautiful coastal town in Sri Lanka's Eastern Province, offers natural beauty and historical significance. Even with high rainfall, you can still dodge the occasional rainfall by touring Trincomalee's historic streets.
One of the top attractions is Pigeon Island National Park, one of the three marine national parks of Sri Lanka where visitors can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the clear waters of the Indian Ocean. The sandy Uppuveli, Trincomalee, and Nilaveli beaches provide the best spots for relaxation and sunbathing.
In addition to its natural attractions, Trincomalee is home to significant cultural sites. The ancient Koneswaram Temple (Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple), perched on Swami Rock, offers amazing views of the bay and a glimpse into the region's rich Hindu heritage. The Dutch Fort, another historical landmark, invites exploration with its well-preserved architecture and captivating history.
Recommended Tour: You can also Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Customize a Personalized Trip to suit your preferences.
4. Anuradhapura: Wildlife Encounters
With about 8 rainy days, May is the best time to see wildlife in Wilpattu National Park. Here, you can spot elephants, leopards, and many bird species as you explore the park's assorted ecosystems. Apart from that, you can also combine cultural exploration with nature walks and photography within the park.
Finally, Anuradhapura offers unique opportunities to enjoy natural lakes or "willus" spread throughout the park for relaxation. The warm temperatures and minimal rain guarantee the best conditions for relaxing by the lake shore after a fun day of wildlife adventures.
Recommended Tours:
Crowds and Cost
May in Sri Lanka offers exciting cultural experience. But then, you must be mindful of the two major holidays that can impact accommodation costs, tourism crowds, and transportation:
- Labor Day: Often celebrated on the 1st day of May each year, Labor Day / May Day is an international holiday observed across more than 80 countries, including Sri Lanka. On this day, you might expect slightly higher transportation rates due to increased local travel. In Sri Lanka, celebrations mainly focus on flag-hoisting ceremonies, dances, parades, and performances.
- Vesak Poya Day (Dates Vary): This is a major Buddhist holiday and the holiest day in the Buddhist calendar. On this day, there is significant shift in Sri Lanka because most shops and businesses close, with public transportation running on a Sunday schedule. Vesak Poya Day will be celebrated on the 12th of May 2025. While visiting, expect higher crowds and potentially increased accommodation prices near major religious sites.
What to Wear in Sri Lanka in May
Both Colombo and Trincomalee receive very high rainfall. When visiting any of these two areas, pack light and breathable clothing to stay cool in the humidity. Don't forget a loose poncho or umbrella, which are essential for the heavy showers. We also recommend waterproof shoes for walking around the city.
Kandy is cooler than Colombo and Trincomalee. Rainfall in this area is also moderate. So, it would be best to wear light layers, including long-sleeve shirts and light sweaters for cooler evenings. Comfortable shoes are also great for exploring the cultural sites and botanical gardens.
Anuradhapura experiences low rainfall and higher temperatures. When visiting, wear light, moisture-wicking clothing for staying comfortable during safaris or other outdoor activities. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also essential to protect you against the strong sun. Wear closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals for walking on Wilpattu park's rugged terrain.
Recommended Tours for Sri Lanka in May
Here are the best of our customizable tours to consider when visiting this island country in May:
- 7-Day Best of Sri Lanka Tour
- 15 Days India and Sri Lanka Highlights Tour
- For more options, see Top Sri Lanka Private Tours
You might also consider widening your travels with our Best South Asia Tours to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan.
Whatever your travel interests and requirements are, we are confident we can create a tailor-made trip for you.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
