When to go · Colombo
Colombo in May
Avoid month. South-west monsoon starts; heavy rain and flooding risk.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C) / 26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
- 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.
All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.
Is another month better than May?
May is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
Weather in May
- ColomboHighs around 30 °C (86 °F), lows around 26 °C (79 °F), rain on about 18 daysHighs around 86 °F (30 °C), lows around 79 °F (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.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Colombo, side by side.
Verdict
May: Avoid
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Jan: 30 °C (86 °F)86 °F (30 °C)
Night low
May: 26 °C (79 °F)79 °F (26 °C)
Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
Rain days
May: 18
Jan: 6 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 1
Jan: 2
May: South-west monsoon starts; heavy rain and flooding risk.
January: Driest and coolest month for the west coast; warm all the same.
Colombo: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast