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As monsoon rains take over the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, tourists begin to leave. You’ll see them at airports, looking through photos of the most spectacular beaches and greenery. They’ll be snapping selfies in the same spots. You’ll smile and nod as they vacate the same hostels and resorts you booked at a much lower price. But they don’t know about it. During this time, you may also witness one of the most colorful festivals in the country. This is the best time to visit Sri Lanka for a peaceful, budget-friendly experience.
That’s because you planned your trip in advance. You knew that May is a shoulder month, meaning that even though rains wash over a part of the country and drive people out, they also plummet the prices. And that other parts of the country remain dry and hot. You knew that because you read until the very end of this article and got to know some priceless information about one of the best times to visit Sri Lanka.
Weather in Sri Lanka in May
South and West Sri Lanka
Let’s address the unfavorable conditions first in this Sri Lanka seasonal travel guide. During May, the Yala monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the south and west regions. Even though temperatures hover around 30°C, this is not the best time to visit Sri Lanka if you’re planning a beach trip in the south.
East Sri Lanka
Instead, head to the east coast, where the sea and skies are both turquoise and inviting. Areas like Arugam Bay, Batticaloa, and Trincomalee enjoy temperatures between 28-32°C with minimal rainfall in May, making it an ideal destination.
North Sri Lanka
The Northern tip of Sri Lanka, including areas like Jaffna and Mannar, are also relatively unaffected by the southwestern monsoon. But the temperatures average at 30-32°C, making it a hot and humid time to be around.
Highlands and Central Sri Lanka
The highlands, such as Nuwara Eliya and Ella, stay 10°C cooler due to their elevation. Occasional rain may fall, so bring a raincoat or umbrella. The central cultural region, including Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Dambulla, remains hot with temperatures around 30°C and 5-7 days of rain in May.
Festivals in Sri Lanka in May
Vesak Poya
The Sinhala lunar calendar follows the waxing and waning of the moon to mark each of its months. Vesak is this calendar’s second month. And Poya is the full moon day that happens each month. Thus making Vesak Poya the full moon day of the month of Vesak. It’s widely believed that Buddha was born, attained enlightenment, and died on this very day across the years. This threefold entanglement of the life and death of Buddha makes it an extremely important day in Buddhism.
What to expect during this time?
Hordes of devotees across pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka are offering incense, flowers, and lighting lamps. Dansalas, or places where free food is given to people. Pandols, or colourful but temporary gates and structures erected to celebrate the Buddha. And to accompany all of it, Bakthi Gee, or devotional songs commemorating this auspicious time.
As the festival is based on the lunar calendar, it doesn’t occur on the same day in the English calendar every year. In 2025, the day is 12 May.
Please note that Vesak Poya is a Public holiday in Sri Lanka.
Places to visit in Sri Lanka in May
Cultural triangle: Many temples and holy sites in the area around Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya and Kandy offer keen insights into Sri Lanka’s heritage. Mihintale, around 12 kms from Anuradhapura is believed to be the starting point of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Sri Maha Bodhi tree at Mahamewuna Gardens is one of the oldest human-planted trees in the world. Thuparamaya Dagoba is the oldest Buddhist stupa in Sri Lanka. The best way to travel across the towns and multiple small stops at your own pace is by renting your own tuktuk. And after you’re done exploring the cultural triangle, you can take the same tuktuk and drive over to the eastern coast of Sri Lanka to relax on the beaches.
Trincomalee: Warm and pleasant weather, fewer tourists, calm seas, affordable stays, cultural sites to explore – do we need to mention more to get you to visit it?
Arugam Bay: All of the things from Trincomalee along with surfing and even more incredible views of the sea. Read more about driving your own tuktuk in and around Arugam Bay here.
Yala National Park: Known for leopard sightings, May is the beginning of the peak season for this national park in the southeastern part of Sri Lanka. But there’s plenty of other animals like elephants, wild boards, and crocodiles to spot too. You can stay in nearby towns of Tissamaharama or the sacred city Kataragama, explore Buddhist monasteries, and take a trip to the adjoining national park during your stay.
Jaffna: With forts, temples, national parks, and beaches, this town at the tip of the Sri Lankan island offers a great range of activities to engage in. Read more about Jaffna, what to do in and around it, and take in all the experiences on your own terms in this guide.
Offbeat experiences in Sri Lanka in May
Pasikudah
Pasikudah, a hidden gem on many tourist lists, is located between Trincomalee and Batticaloa. It’s a must-visit for those seeking gentle white sandy beaches and a calm sea that stretches for miles. Kayaking and snorkeling through reefs are a couple of additional activities you can enjoy.
Kumana National Park
Slightly east of Yala, Kumana National Park is more accessible from Arugam Bay. It offers a similar wildlife experience but is less explored, with fewer travelers.
Galkadawala
Just an hour’s drive from Dambulla, Galkadawala is one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets. Stay with locals in this green oasis. It’s less accessible than other towns, so be sure to have your bookings arranged before you go.
Plan Your Trip: Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
We know it’s been said a hundred times in a hundred different ways but we believe it needs to be said once again: plan your trip! Not only will it help you stake out all the various places you can potentially visit, but also help you allocate your budget in the most appropriate ways. We understand the importance of money in your and our tuktuk partners’ daily lives. So we offer free travel itinerary planning sessions to help you experience our beautiful country on your own terms. Book one now.
You might also consider downloading the Tuktukrental Travel App. It features offline maps, offbeat recommendations and even helps fellow tuktuk-ers on the road connect for information or just a few post drive beers – or the local Sri Lankan arrack if you are feeling adventurous!
