May in Negombo averages 30C by day and 26C at night, with 386 mm of rain over about 30 wet days. It is the wettest month of the year.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 30C by day, 26C at night |
| Rainfall | 386 mm, about 30 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Vesak Poya (full moon in May) - lanterns and decorations appear around Buddhist temples nationally, though Negombo's own displays are modest given its Catholic majority
What to Do This Season
- Deep discounts at beachfront hotels
- Good month for spa days and indoor cooking classes
What to Watch Out For
- Swimming can be dangerous - strong rip currents and rough surf
- Many water-sports operators close or pause for the season
What to Wear
Quick-dry clothing, a proper rain jacket rather than a poncho, sturdy sandals for wet pavements.
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
No, unless flights dictate it - the southwest monsoon arrives in earnest, bringing rough seas and the heaviest rainfall most visitors will see on the west coast.
More on Negombo
Flexible on dates? Compare Negombo in April and Negombo in June. The best time to visit Negombo sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Negombo. The main Negombo page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Negombo and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.