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 »
  May nights in Colombo register a minor temperature decline, steadying at a warm 26.3°C (79.3°F). In Colombo, in May, during 28.8 rainfall days, 306mm (12.05") of precipitation is typically accumulated.
• Kandy - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Kandy sunrise is at 05:49 and sunset at 18:20 +0530. In Kandy during May, the rain falls for 28.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 163mm (6.42") of precipitation.
• Galle - May »
  During May, Galle's temperature shows a minor deviation from daytime highs, falling to a steady low-temperature average of 26.7°C (80.1°F). In Galle in May, it is raining for 27.7 days, with typically 302mm (11.89") of accumulated precipitation.
• Jaffna - May »
  May, August and September, with an average relative humidity of 79%, are most humid months in Jaffna. The nighttime temperature in Jaffna demonstrates a marginal decline, averaging at a warm 29°C (84.2°F) during May.
• Anuradhapura - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Anuradhapura, sunrise is at 05:48 and sunset at 18:23 +0530. May continues the warming trend in Anuradhapura, bearing the heat peak from April.
• Nuwara Eliya - May »
  In Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, in May, during 29.8 rainfall days, 290mm (11.42") of precipitation is typically accumulated. As April transitions into May, Nuwara Eliya records an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 27.3°C (81.1°F), showing a gentle shift from the preceding month.
• Ratnapura - May »
  January through August, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. January through August, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index 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. In Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, the average seawater temperature in May is 30.2°C (86.4°F).
• Batticaloa - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, sunrise is at 05:44 and sunset at 18:17 +0530. An increase in relative humidity retards evaporation, subsequently reducing the body's heat removal rate and leading to a sensation of being overly warm.
• Matara - May »
  The months with the highest humidity in Matara are May, September and November, with an average relative humidity of 81%. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the lowest UV index in Matara, Sri Lanka.
• Negombo - May »
  On the last day of the month, in Negombo sunrise is at 05:52 and sunset at 18:23 +0530. In Negombo during the entire year, the rain falls for 265.4 days and collects up to 1744mm (68.66") of precipitation.
• Badulla - May »
  In Badulla, during the entire year, the rain falls for 297.4 days and collects up to 2784mm (109.61") of precipitation. May is distinctive in many ways, one of which is attaining the highest rainfall volume, catapulting to 290mm (11.42"), of the entire year in Badulla.