Weather in Sri Lanka in May
Due to the southwest monsoon winds, the southwestern parts of Sri Lanka start to experience some rain in May. If you are planning to tour Sri Lanka in this month, consider focusing your tour on the cultural triangle, east coast and the northern parts of Sri Lanka to enjoy some good weather.
The average daytime temperatures in the coastal lowlands in Sri Lanka in May range from 26°C to 35 °C (78.8°F to 95°F). The average daytime temperatures in the central highlands range from 21°C to 28°C (69.8°F to 82.4°F) in this month.
If a couple of rains do not bother you, May is one of the least expensive months to visit Sri Lanka. Most hotels and airlines offer low rates in this month.
Sri Lanka itineraries for May
Since the southwestern quarter of Sri Lanka experience rainy weather in May, we recommend planning your beach stay on the east coast. May is a bit rainy month for the Maldives as well, but it is a great month for surfing there. If interested, you may combine your Sri Lanka trip with the Maldives in May.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is May a good time to visit Sri Lanka?
It is hard to predict the weather with 100% accuracy. There have been many years that Sri Lanka did not receive any rain in May. However, there is a higher risk of rainy weather in this month compared to other months, except in November.
If your tour dates are flexible, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from mid-December to mid-April. July to September is also a great time to visit Sri Lanka.
2. How are the crowds and costs in Sri Lanka in May?
There are not many people travelling to Sri Lanka in May. It is unlikely that you experience crowds in Sri Lanka this month.
As the demand for accommodations and flights in Sri Lanka is low, most hotels and airlines charge low prices for Sri Lanka tours in May.
3. How is the weather in Sri Lanka in May compared to adjacent months?
The southwest monsoon season starts in May. Usually, the month of May is rainier in Sri Lanka compared to both April and June.
4. What to do in Sri Lanka in May?
As mentioned earlier, the cultural triangle, east coast and the northern parts of Sri Lanka are the least affected regions of Sri Lanka from the southwest monsoon rains in May. Therefore, spend your time enjoying the excursions in those regions during your Sri Lanka trips in May.
For example, you may visit the Jaffna Fort, Nallur Kovil, take a boat ride to Nagadeepa temple, enjoy a jeep safari in Minneriya national park, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave temple, Ritigala ruins, Pidurangala, Polonnaruwa ancient city, Kandy Temple of the Tooth and visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden in May. The best beaches to enjoy your beach stay in Sri Lanka in May are Trincomalee, Nilaveli, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay.
5. Are there any local festivals in Sri Lanka in May?
Vesak Poya is one of the main celebrations in Sri Lanka that take place every year on the full moon day of May. The festival commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha.
On this day small children decorate their homes with Vesak lanterns. People visit Buddhist temples to worship Lord Buddha and spend the night roaming around the streets enjoying Vesak thorans (which are colorfully lit decorations that display stories related to Lord Buddha) and enjoying free food at dansals (food stands that provide free food on the Vesak poya day).
If you get to experience the Vesak festival during your Sri Lanka tour, there is no doubt you will consider it one of the highlights of your trip.
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