Best time to visit
Sri Lanka in May
The east coast wakes up
May marks the switch of seasons. The south-west monsoon begins to bring rain to the south, west and hills, while the east coast - Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Passikudah - dries out and the surf turns on. Time to head east.
Best regions: East coast, Cultural Triangle
Who it suits: Surfers and beach travellers heading to the east coast.
Region by region
Weather across Sri Lanka in May
South & West Coast
MixedSouth-west monsoon onset - sunny spells with showers.
East Coast
GreatComing into its prime - dry and great for surf.
Hill Country
MixedWetter and mistier as the monsoon sets in.
Cultural Triangle
GoodIn the drier zone - still workable.
Events this month
Good to know
Visiting in May
Where should I go in Sri Lanka in May?
Switch to the east coast. Arugam Bay for surf, or Trincomalee and Passikudah for calm beaches - all coming into their dry season as the south turns wet.
Let's plan your Sri Lanka
Planning a trip in May?
Tell us your dates and we'll build a route around the best of May - wherever the sunshine is.