When to go · Kataragama

Kataragama in May

Mixed month. Outside the best window (January–April, September–November). 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: 10
Crowds: Low; Sri Lanka overall
Prices: Low; Sri Lanka overall

Plan around it

Verdict

MixedSri Lanka month rating

Outside the best window (January–April, September–November). 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

KataragamaHighs around 33 °C (91 °F), lows around 25 °C (77 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 91 °F (33 °C), lows around 77 °F (25 °C), rain on about 10 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 Kataragama, side by side.

First month

Second month

Verdict
May: Mixed
Jan: Great (better)
Daytime high
May: 33 °C (91 °F)91 °F (33 °C)
Jan: 31 °C (88 °F)88 °F (31 °C)
Night low
May: 25 °C (77 °F)77 °F (25 °C)
Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
Rain days
May: 10
Jan: 5 (better)
Crowds
May: Low
Jan: High
Prices
May: Low
Jan: High
Festivals listed
May: 0
Jan: 1

May: Outside the best window (January–April, September–November). Across Sri Lanka: South-west monsoon arrives: west and south beaches rough; head east. Vesak lanterns.

January: Inside Kataragama's best window: January–April, September–November.

Kataragama: 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

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Sri Lanka in May →