When to go · Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura in May
Mixed month. Outside the best window (Jan–Apr, and again Jun–Sep). Across Sri Lanka: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C) / 25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 7
- Crowds
- Low
- Sri Lanka overall
- Prices
- Low
- Sri Lanka overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (Jan–Apr, and again Jun–Sep). 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
- AnuradhapuraHighs around 33 °C (91 °F), lows around 25 °C (77 °F), rain on about 7 daysHighs around 91 °F (33 °C), lows around 77 °F (25 °C), rain on about 7 days
- Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka · Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwahot
Dry zone: hot and dusty in April–May; the north-east monsoon rains fall October–January.
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 Anuradhapura, side by side.
Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 33 °C (91 °F)91 °F (33 °C)
Jan: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Night low
May: 25 °C (77 °F)77 °F (25 °C)
Jan: 22 °C (72 °F)72 °F (22 °C)
Rain days
May: 7
Jan: 5 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 1
May: Outside the best window (Jan–Apr, and again Jun–Sep). Across Sri Lanka: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.
January: Inside Anuradhapura's best window: Jan–Apr, and again Jun–Sep.
Anuradhapura: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen