Sri Lanka in may: average Weather, Temperature and Climate, Where to go?
Weather in Sri Lanka in may 2026
Here, you have access to the weather forecast for the month of may for most popular cities in Sri Lanka. These datas are probabilities for the month of may from weather reports for many years. The percentage indicates the probability of having the weather indicated.
Average weather in may in Colombo
very bad weather UV index: 7
Weather at 6am
85°F
Moderate rain at times
53% of time
22%
13%
8%
Weather at 12pm
88°F
Moderate rain at times
46% of time
34%
13%
7%
Weather at 6pm
83°F
Moderate rain at times
48% of time
26%
14%
8%
Weather at 3am
81°F
46%
33%
11%
8%
Where to go in Sri Lanka in may?
Where to go in Sri Lanka in may: destination map
Where to go in each region in may?
| Central-South of Sri Lanka (Kandy, Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya...) | 83°F to 94°F | 9 à 26 days | very bad weather* | |
| East Coast of Sri Lanka (Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Pottuvil...) | 88°F to 94°F | 9 à 12 days | 86°F to 88°F | good weather |
| North of Sri Lanka (Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya...) | 88°F to 94°F | 4 à 9 days | 86°F to 88°F | good weather |
| North Central of Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura, Wilpattu National Park, Polonnaruwa...) | 94°F | 9 days | good weather | |
| North West of Sri Lanka (Puttalam, Kurunegala, Chilaw...) | 88°F to 90°F | 10 à 19 days | 86°F | good weather* |
| Southern Coast of Sri Lanka (Galle, Tangalle, Yala National Park...) | 86°F to 88°F | 10 à 26 days | 85°F to 86°F | good weather* |
| West Coast of Sri Lanka (Colombo, Negombo, Kalutara...) | 88°F | 19 à 23 days | 86°F | very bad weather* |
Where should you go in Sri Lanka in may when it comes to the weather?
Remember:
The climate in Sri Lanka in may ranges from good to very bad depending on the region and city.
The climate throughout May in Sri Lanka corresponds to the first manifestation of the monsoon. Most Sri Lankan communities are disadvantaged by the abundance of rain and the resurgence of heat.
Colombo and the West Coast of the Island throughout April
The west coast is more exposed to the monsoon wind which favors the abundance of rain during the month of May. Even if heat is acceptable throughout the month, the weather in Sri Lanka throughout May on this part of the island is generally unfavorable.
Jaffna and the Extreme North of the Island throughout April
Unlike Colombo, which is experiencing heavy rain, Jaffna is much drier. However, the heat is unpleasant all day - the morning temperatures peak at around 30° C.
Trincomalee and the Northeast of the Island in April
The mornings and evenings are comfortable in the northeast of the island. The month of May remains favorable to discovering Trincomalee. The hours are decorated by a beautiful sunshine, from day to night.
Nuwara Eliya and the Central Plain throughout April
Despite the relative decline in precipitation, the uplands are still disadvantaged by the abundance of rainfall.
Climate in Sri Lanka in may
Climate in Colombo in may
In may, the mean temperature in Colombo is 86°F (maximum temperature is 88°F and minimum temperature is 85°F). The climate is very warm in this location in the month of may. With 26.4in over 23 days, the weather is rather to rain for your holidays. So remember to pack Rain coats.
With an unfavorable weather, the month of may is not the best time to go in that area.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 86°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 88°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 85°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 85°F | ||
| Rainfall | 26.4in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 23 day(s) (73%) | ||
| Humidity | 81% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 12 | ||
| Cloud cover | 53% | ||
| Length of day | 12:26 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | very bad |
Climate in Anuradhapura in may
In may, the mean temperature in Anuradhapura is 88°F (maximum temperature is 94°F and minimum temperature is 85°F). The climate is very warm in that area in the month of may. With 6.2in over 9 days, rainfall can happen throughout your stay. But this is rather reasonably and it is only of temporary showers.
With good weather conditions, the month of may is a good month to go in this locality.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 88°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 94°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 85°F | ||
| Rainfall | 6.2in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 9 day(s) (29%) | ||
| Humidity | 76% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 13 | ||
| Cloud cover | 40% | ||
| Length of day | 12:30 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | good |
Climate in Galle in may
In the month of may, the mean temperature in Galle is 85°F (maximum temperature is 86°F and minimum temperature is 83°F). The climate is very warm in this location in may. With 25.9in over 23 days, the weather is rather to rain during your trip. Remember to pack adapted clothes.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 85°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 86°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 83°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 85°F | ||
| Rainfall | 25.9in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 23 day(s) (74%) | ||
| Humidity | 81% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 12 | ||
| Cloud cover | 50% | ||
| Length of day | 12:23 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | very bad |
Climate in Jaffna in may
In the month of may, the mean temperature in Jaffna is 86°F (maximum temperature is 88°F and minimum temperature is 86°F). The climate is very warm there in this month. With just 3.2in over 4 days, the rain will not be a problem for your journey.
With a bad weather, may is not the best time to go there in Sri Lanka.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 86°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 88°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 86°F | ||
| Sea temperature | 86°F | ||
| Rainfall | 3.2in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 4 day(s) (12%) | ||
| Humidity | 80% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 13 | ||
| Cloud cover | 24% | ||
| Length of day | 12:33 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | good |
Climate in Kandy in may
In may, maximum temperature is 88°F and minimum temperature is 79°F (for an average temperature of 83°F). The climate is burning here in this month. With 14.3in over 20 days, you may find yourself often in the rain during your trip. Consider to pack adapted clothes.
With proper weather, may is okay (but not good month) for traveling in this locality.
| May | |||
| Average temperature | 83°F | ||
| Highest temperature | 88°F | ||
| Lowest temperature | 79°F | ||
| Rainfall | 14.3in | ||
| Number of days with rainfall | 20 day(s) (63%) | ||
| Humidity | 80% | ||
| Daily sunshine hours | 13 | ||
| Cloud cover | 34% | ||
| Length of day | 12:27 | ||
| Our opinion at whereandwhen.net | tolerable |
All cities in Sri Lanka in may
| Colombo in may | very bad weather |
| Anuradhapura in may | good weather |
| Galle in may | very bad weather |
| Jaffna in may | good weather |
| Kandy in may | tolerable weather |
| Trincomalee in may | good weather |
| Batticaloa in may | good weather |
| Chilaw in may | tolerable weather |
| Dambulla in may | good weather |
| Kalutara in may | very bad weather |
| Kurunegala in may | good weather |
| Mullaitivu in may | good weather |
| Negombo in may | tolerable weather |
| Nuwara Eliya in may | very bad weather |
| Wilpattu National Park in may | good weather |
| Yala National Park in may | good weather |
| Polonnaruwa in may | good weather |
| Pottuvil in may | good weather |
| Puttalam in may | good weather |
| Tangalle in may | good weather |
| Vavuniya in may | good weather |
Weather data for Sri Lanka in may:
Weather data for Sri Lanka in may is derived from an average of the weather forecast since 2009 in Sri Lanka. There is a margin of error and these forecasts are to be considered as general information only. The weather in Sri Lanka can vary slightly from year to year, but these predictions should limit surprises. So you can pack your bags and check when is the best time to go to Sri Lanka.