May really marks the arrival of the Southwest monsoon in Sri Lanka, which results in higher rainfall in the West and Southwest. Nevertheless, May can still see many days with no rain at all and when the rain does come, it usually occurs in short, sharp and very heavy late afternoon downpours.

The East Coast of Sri Lanka is a great option for a beach holiday in Sri Lanka at this time of year as the weather is more settled.

Kandy and the Hill Country may experience some rain in May.