Colombo in May
In May, Colombo averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 21 days of the month see precipitation (395 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Colombo. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Colombo
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Colombo (5th of 12) and one of the wettest months (1st of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (30°C). May runs 1°C cooler than April (32°C) and cools 1°C in June (30°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Colombo
Times shown for Colombo local time (Asia/Colombo), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Colombo — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Colombo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Colombo in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Colombo's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in Colombo
Colombo is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Colombo
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Colombo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 75 mm | 8 | 0 |
| February | 31°C / 88°F | 22°C / 72°F | 65 mm | 6 | 0 |
| March | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 135 mm | 10 | 0 |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 235 mm | 15 | 0 |
| May | 31°C / 88°F | 25°C / 77°F | 395 mm | 21 | 0 |
| June | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 225 mm | 19 | 0 |
| July | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 77°F | 135 mm | 15 | 0 |
| August | 29°C / 84°F | 25°C / 77°F | 115 mm | 15 | 0 |
| September | 30°C / 86°F | 25°C / 77°F | 170 mm | 16 | 0 |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 360 mm | 21 | 0 |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 mm | 18 | 0 |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | 12 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Colombo in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Colombo in May?
In May, Colombo averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in May?
May is quite rainy in Colombo, with about 21 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Colombo?
May is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Colombo in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Colombo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.