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Source checked: A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked: Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated: Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

When to go · Nilaveli

Nilaveli in May

Mixed month. Outside the best window (check). Across Sri Lanka: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.

Key facts

Verdict: Mixed
Temperature: 31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C) / 26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C); average high / low
Rain days: 4
Crowds: Low; Sri Lanka overall
Prices: Low; Sri Lanka overall

Plan around it

Verdict

MixedSri Lanka month rating

Outside the best window (check). Across Sri Lanka: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

Long-term averages

NilaveliHighs around 31 °C (88 °F), lows around 26 °C (79 °F), rain on about 4 daysHighs around 88 °F (31 °C), lows around 79 °F (26 °C), rain on about 4 days

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.

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Nilaveli, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Good (better)
Daytime high
May: 31 °C (88 °F)88 °F (31 °C)
Jan: 28 °C (82 °F)82 °F (28 °C)
Night low
May: 26 °C (79 °F)79 °F (26 °C)
Jan: 22 °C (72 °F)72 °F (22 °C)
Rain days
May: 4 (better)
Jan: 8
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 1

May: Outside the best window (check). Across Sri Lanka: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.

January: Outside the best window (check). Across Sri Lanka: Dry south-west coast and hills; peak season; the east is wet.

Nilaveli: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Sri Lanka in May →