May weather forecast
Sri Lanka

May in Sri Lanka is characterized by a combination of persistent warmth and the commencement of the southwest monsoon. The country’s temperature readings, on average, span from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). However, in elevated regions such as Nuwara Eliya, the thermometer indicates cooler conditions, typically between 10.5°C (50.9°F) and 23.5°C (74.3°F).

The warmth of May matches that of April, confirming its status as one of the year's hottest months. As the month progresses, Sri Lanka increasingly feels the impact of the southwest monsoon. This climatic event brings substantial rainfall, primarily affecting the southwestern regions of the country. The wet conditions contrast with the drier atmosphere of April, making May a month of significant meteorological transition.

Coastal regions, especially in the southwest, bear the brunt of this monsoon, receiving heavy showers. Conversely, areas such as Batticaloa on the eastern coast, which is shielded from the southwest monsoon's direct influence, continue to witness comparatively lower rainfall.

Moving from May to June, the country remains under the sway of the southwest monsoon. While the intense heat begins to wane slightly, rainfall remains consistent, especially in regions already impacted by the monsoon in May.

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• Colombo - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Colombo sunrise is at 05:53 and sunset at 18:23 +0530. In Colombo in May, the average water temperature is 29.3°C (84.7°F).
• Kandy - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Kandy, sunrise is at 05:49 and sunset at 18:20 +0530. On the last day of May, in Kandy, sunrise is at 05:49 and sunset at 18:20 +0530.
• Galle - May »
  In Galle in May, the average water temperature is 29.1°C (84.4°F). In Galle, during May, the rain falls for 27.7 days and regularly aggregates up to 302mm (11.89") of precipitation.
• Jaffna - May »
  May, August and September, with an average relative humidity of 79%, are the most humid months in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The months with the highest humidity in Jaffna are May, August and September, with an average relative humidity of 79%.
• Anuradhapura - May »
  May and July, with an average of 10.2h of sunshine, are months with the most sunshine in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. May continues the warming trend in Anuradhapura, bearing the heat peak from April.
• Nuwara Eliya - May »
  On the first day of May in Nuwara Eliya sunrise is at 05:52 and sunset at 18:15. On the last day of May, in Nuwara Eliya, sunrise is at 05:49 and sunset at 18:19 +0530.
• Ratnapura - May »
  The months with the highest UV index in Ratnapura are January through August, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6. May and June, with an average relative humidity of 88%, are the most humid months in Ratnapura.
• Trincomalee - May »
  With an average sea temperature of 30.2°C (86.4°F), May is the month with the warmest seawater in Trincomalee. With an average sea temperature of 30.2°C (86.4°F), May is the month with the warmest seawater in Trincomalee.
• Batticaloa - May »
  Throughout the year, in Batticaloa there are 237.8 rainfall days, and 1259mm (49.57") of precipitation is accumulated. On the last day of May, in Batticaloa, sunrise is at 05:44 and sunset at 18:17 +0530.
• Matara - May »
  January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the lowest UV index in Matara, Sri Lanka. The months with the highest humidity in Matara are May, September and November, with an average relative humidity of 81%.
• Negombo - May »
  In Negombo in May, the average water temperature is 29.3°C (84.7°F). The months with the lowest UV index in Negombo are May, June, August and October, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
• Badulla - May »
  In Badulla in May, during 29.8 rainfall days, 290mm (11.42") of precipitation is typically accumulated. On the first day of May in Badulla, Sri Lanka, sunrise is at 05:51 and sunset at 18:14.