When to go · Colombo
Colombo in May
Avoid month. South-west monsoon starts; heavy rain and flooding risk.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 30° / 26°
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 18
- Crowds
- Low
- Sri Lanka overall
- Prices
- Low
- Sri Lanka overall
Verdict
South-west monsoon starts; heavy rain and flooding risk.
Weather in May
- ColomboHighs around 30 °C, lows around 26 °C, rain on about 18 days
- West and south coast, Sri Lanka · Colombo, Negombo, Bentota, Galle, Mirissarainy
South-west monsoon May–Sep brings rough seas and red flags; October–November inter-monsoon storms are heavy in Colombo.
South-west monsoon season
Heavy, frequent rain; the east coast is drier in this window if you are combining regions.
Watch: Flooded streets after storms; rough seas.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Vesak check
May full moon · Whole city, especially temples and main roads
Lanterns, illuminated arches (thoranas) and free food stalls (dansal) fill the streets; alcohol sales banned for two days; a striking but crowded time to be in the city.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Sri Lanka overall
- Low
- Prices · Sri Lanka overall
- Low
Sri Lanka overall: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast