May in Colombo averages 30C by day and 25C at night, with 419 mm of rain over about 30 wet days. It is the wettest month of the year. Vesak Poya lights up the city regardless of weather, which makes it worth braving if the dates line up. Otherwise this is a month to skip or shorten.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 30C by day, 25C at night |
| Rainfall | 419 mm, about 30 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Vesak Poya (date varies, usually May) - lantern displays and dansala food stalls across the city
What to Do This Season
- Indoor cultural stops - Barefoot Gallery, National Museum
- Significant discounts on hotels near Fort and Cinnamon Gardens
What to Watch Out For
- Flash flooding possible in low-lying parts of Pettah and Fort
- Outdoor plans need constant backup options
- Some street food carts close during the heaviest weeks
What to Wear
Quick-dry clothing, waterproof footwear, a proper rain jacket over an umbrella.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
No - the southwest monsoon arrives in force, bringing the heaviest rainfall of the year.
More on Colombo
Flexible on dates? Compare Colombo in April and Colombo in June. The best time to visit Colombo sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Colombo. The main Colombo page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Colombo and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.