What May feels like in Colombo
May falls in Colombo's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. Even after dark it stays hot and sultry. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Colombo in May
Dry days are the exception, with rain on most days. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 11.2 mm (0.4 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to Colombo's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 10 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in May
On 15 May the sun rises at about 5:54 am and sets around 6:20 pm local time, giving 12 h 26 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 10 min more daylight than in mid-April. Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 72% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How May compares to the rest of the year
In Colombo's temperature order, May sits as the 5th warmest month. Compared with April, afternoons are 1.1°C (2°F) cooler, with 139 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into June. By June, typical highs are 28.9°C (84°F).
Who May suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Beach: less ideal — too many rainy days.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Colombo in May
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Colombo in May?
Expect around 29.6°C (85.3°F) in the afternoon and 25.4°C (77.7°F) at night, which most visitors would call hot.
Does it rain a lot in Colombo in May?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 323 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Colombo in May?
The numbers point to rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is May or June better for visiting Colombo?
On our 12-month climate ranking, June comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12).