Weather in May
Weather in the month of May in Sri Lanka is very warm and humid with the ending of inter-monsoon. Which also marks the start of south-west monsoon. The weather in Sri Lanka is very warm and humid during the daytime as well as the night in the month of May. The oppressive heat is making very discomfort, especially in the cities. But the heat is a bit relieved in the remote areas due to the substantial green cover.
Usually, the high temperatures recede with the beginning of the South-West monsoon. The south-west monsoon will be in full force from June to October.
Effect of south-west monsoon
The south-West monsoon brings the highest rainfall to the island. Southern and western coastal belt coming under heavy rain during the south-west monsoon. Beaches such as Bentota beach, Mirissa, Rekawa beach become unfavourable for leisure activities during this period.
The rain accompanies the lightning and strong winds making some destruction in several areas on the island. Coastal areas are subjected to be eroded during the monsoon and trees are uprooted due to the strong wind. Some areas come underwater while heavy rains pour a large amount of water within a short period of time.
People who are living in the mountains are advised to be cautious against the earth slips. Disaster management centre of Sri Lanka is kept on alert to meet any kind of situation. The sea off the west and south coast will be rough for most time of the day. Underwater current and strong waves make it unsuitable for swimming in the water of this area.
The fishing communities of the west coast are moving to the east coast during the South-west monsoon while it is not safe to carry on their fishing activities. With the beginning of South-West monsoon, the met department expects the temperature to be reduced to a comfortable level.
Monsoon is a seasonal wind with six months changing the pattern. During the South-West monsoon, the wind is entering the country from South-West part of the island and it comes from the Indian Ocean. This wind contains a large amount of water while it sweeps the ocean.
When the North-East monsoon breaks into the island it comes from the Indian subcontinent and contains a low volume of water compared to the South-West monsoon. Therefore the area that depends on North-East monsoon for rain stays dry for the most part of the year.
The areas such as Jaffna, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa are coming under the radar of North-East monsoon where the rainfall is substantially low compared to South-West part of the country.
When is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka being a tropical island is favourable for travelling throughout the year, due to a warm climate. But for most Europeans travellers from November to April is the best period for holiday in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has a 6 months changing weather pattern.
November to April
According to the weather pattern of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka is suitable for holidays at any time of the year. However, November to April considered being the best time to travel to Sri Lanka. During the 6 months from November to April, southern Sri Lanka, west coast of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka’s hill country as well as most part of Sri Lanka north-central province has dry and sunny weather.
May to October
If the tourists are planning to have a Sri Lankan trip from May to October, it is highly recommended to head on the east coast. Especially if someone plans to have a Sri Lanka beach tour. Southern and western coast beaches are not suitable for a beach holiday from May to October due to the heavy rain. During this period, the beaches along with the southern and western Sri Lanka experience heavy rain, furthermore the sea is also rough resulting unsuitable for saltwater activities.
If you need to know more information on Sri Lanka’s weather pattern and like to know the best time to travel, please check my article on Sri Lanka weather pattern and the best time to travel in Sri Lanka.