Sri Lanka Itinerary for May: Best 7-14 Day Routes & Monsoon Tips

The month of May often gets a bad approach when people talk about visiting Sri Lanka. 

But here’s the thing – it’s actually one of the favourite times to explore this beautiful island. 

Sure, it’s technically the monsoon season. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck indoors by watching rain pour down all day. 

In fact, May offers some unique advantages that make it worth considering for your next adventure.

For starters, prices are generally more wallet-friendly this time of year. 

Therefore, you’ll find better deals on accommodations and tours compared to peak season. 

Plus, many popular spots aren’t as crowded, which means you can enjoy those stunning views without walking through tourists. 

And let’s not forget – Sri Lanka is basically a nature theme park, with everything from misty mountains to peaceful beaches. 

Anyway, the key is understanding how the weather works across different regions. 

While some parts of the island might be experiencing heavier rains, others remain surprisingly dry and pleasant. 

So, with a bit of planning, you can get an itinerary that lets you experience the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer while surviving the rainy showers.

Is May a Good Time to Visit Sri Lanka? 

Let’s break down the weather situation in May because it’s not as simple as “rainy season” or “dry season.” 

Sri Lanka’s weather patterns are a bit like patchwork, as different parts of the island experience different conditions at the same time. 

So, if you think about it, this actually works in your favour if you plan smartly.

Anyway, on the west and south coasts, including popular spots like Colombo, Galle, and Mirissa, May falls within the southwest monsoon period. 

Whereas you’ll likely experience afternoon showers and occasional heavy rain, especially later in the month. 

With that being said, mornings are often clear and sunny, which is perfect for exploring before the clouds turn heavy.

On the other hand, on the East Coast, it is a different story. 

As in places like Trincomalee and Arugam Bay are changing its weather conditions from the rainy season to the dry season in May. 

Therefore, the beaches here remain gorgeous, with plenty of sunshine and calm water waves, which is ideal for swimming and surfing. 

Meanwhile, the Cultural Triangle in the center of the island tends to have mixed weather conditions, where you might get some rain, but it’s usually not as intense as on the southwest coast.

Finally, the hill country or the central part of the country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella typically stays cooler and experiences moderate rainfall throughout the year. 

However, in May, you’ll find misty mornings and refreshing afternoons by making it a great time to travel from the heat elsewhere. 

Nevertheless, the important thing to remember is that even during monsoon periods, the rain isn’t constant. It comes in bursts, often by clearing up quickly and leaves everything fresh and green.

7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for May 

If you’ve only got a week, we’d recommend you to focus on the west and south coasts, where you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine despite the monsoon. 

So, here’s how we’d suggest spending your seven days:

Start your trip in Colombo by arriving preferably on an early flight. 

Then, spend your first afternoon by exploring the city’s highlights, where you can visit Galle Face Green for sunset and the Old Dutch Hospital area to grab dinner at one of the restaurants to try out some Sri Lankan dishes. 

Now, don’t stress about the weather too much on this first day, since you’ll be mostly doing urban exploring.

Afterwards, on day two, head south to Bentota. 

Whereas this coastline remains fairly reliable in May, with mornings usually clear and beach weather lasting until early afternoon. 

So, you can easily spend a night or two here by enjoying water sports or just relaxing by the sea. 

Moving on, from Bentota, it’s an easy hop over to Galle the next morning. 

Where you can explore the fort area in the morning hours before the clouds gather, then move on to Mirissa.

Speaking of which, Mirissa deserves at least two nights on your itinerary. 

Therefore, wake up early for a whale-watching tour as these tend to run regardless of light rain since the ocean conditions are usually good. 

Then, spend your afternoons either at the beach or by visiting nearby attractions like the turtle hatchery in Rekawa. 

Plus, if you’re feeling like doing something adventurous, take a day trip to Udawalawe National Park for some wildlife spotting.

Finally, finish your trip back in Colombo, by giving yourself time for last-minute shopping or perhaps a visit to Gangaramaya Temple. 

10-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for May

 

Trust us, with ten days, you can create a balanced itinerary that mixes up cultural experiences with beach time. 

So, let’s start in Negombo, which makes a convenient approach if you’re flying into Colombo’s airport. 

As the first step, spend your first day by recovering from travel and exploring the Negombo fish market. 

Then, the next morning, head straight to Sigiriya, which is about a three-hour drive, but totally worth it.

Afterwards, spend two nights near Sigiriya by using this time to explore both the rock fortress and the nearby tourist attraction of Dambulla Cave Temple. 

In this case, early mornings are perfect for climbing Sigiriya before the heat sets in, while afternoons can be spent by visiting Minneriya National Park for excellent elephant viewing opportunities. 

Believe us, seeing those gentle giants in their natural habitat never gets old.

Half Way

Moving on, from here, head to Kandy through Matale spice gardens. 

Speaking of which, spending two nights in Kandy will give you time to visit the Temple of the Tooth, walk through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and catch a traditional dance performance. 

Note: The weather in Kandy during May is typically manageable, with showers usually coming later in the day.

Next, make your way to Nuwara Eliya, but consider breaking the journey at Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya town. 

Where you can spend a night here by enjoying the cool climate and visiting a tea plantation. 

Then, instead of heading directly to the south coast, detour to Ella. 

This is beautiful the train ride between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is magical which gives out spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Finally, spend your last three nights on the south coast by choosing between Unawatuna or Weligama. 

Trust us, these areas tend to receive less intense rain than further west by making these places ideal for ending your trip with some beach time.

14-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for May

 

Fourteen days gives you enough time to really see the whole island without feeling rushed. 

So, start your journey in Negombo, following the 10-day itinerary, and then drive to Sigiriya and Kandy, as explained. 

But instead of heading directly to Nuwara Eliya, take a slight detour to Polonnaruwa for a day. 

This is because the ancient ruins here are incredible, and you’ll likely have those almost to yourself in May.

Then, after Kandy, spend two nights in Nuwara Eliya with full intention rather than just passing through. 

Plus, use this time to explore Horton Plains National Park, whereas the weather in May is good for hiking the World’s End trail, with clouds adding drama to the area rather than blocking views completely.

Afterwards, from Nuwara Eliya, continue to Ella as in the shorter itinerary, but add an extra day here. 

As this allows time for both the Nine Arches Bridge visits and a hike to the Little Adam’s Peak. 

Then, instead of going directly to the south coast, head to Yala National Park for a two-night safari experience. 

Trust us, early morning drives here in May can be spectacular, with fewer jeeps around and plenty of wildlife activity.

Moving on, after Yala, make your way to Tangalle on the south coast. 

Whereas this area, being further east, typically receives less rain than places like Galle in May. 

Therefore, you can spend two nights here by enjoying the beaches and visiting nearby attractions like Mulkirigala Rock Temple. 

After that, finish your trip with two nights back in Colombo by timing your departure for late afternoon or evening so that you can experience your journey to the fullest on your last day.

Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka in May

Colombo

Colombo is not just an arrival point. It’s a vibrant city worth exploring. 

Whereas you can find the Pettah Market that gets busy with customers, while places like Independence Square offer more relaxed urban experiences. 

Art lovers, on the other hand, should check out the Saskia Fernando Gallery, and foodies can experience everything from street food to fine dining in Colombo.

Kandy

Kandy remains as the cultural heart of the island, as it’s the home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. 

Whereas the surrounding hills provide a welcoming relief from the heat, and the Kandy Lake is perfect for having a pleasant evening walk. 

Sigiriya and Dambulla

Sigiriya and Dambulla showcase Sri Lanka’s ancient engineering aspects. 

This is because the climb to the Sigiriya Rock rewards you with breathtaking views, while Dambulla’s cave temples houses impressive Buddhist murals. 

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya lives up to its “Little England” nickname with colonial architecture and a cool climate. 

So, once you are here, make sure to visit a tea factory in order to know about the tea production processes, and don’t skip a train ride through the surrounding hills as it’s one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys.

Yala National Park 

Yala National Park offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. 

While leopard sightings are never guaranteed, May is a month that you can experience here without fighting through the crowd. 

Bentota and Hikkaduwa 

Bentota and Hikkaduwa represent the best of the west coast beaches. 

Despite occasional rain, these places remain popular for watersports and relaxation. 

Plus, Bentota has a lot of luxury resorts, while Hikkaduwa attracts surfers and backpackers alike.

May Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

Understanding the monsoon patterns can make or change your whole trip. 

Therefore, remember that the southwest monsoon affects western and southern regions by bringing afternoon showers that typically clear quickly. 

On the other hand, Eastern areas, conversely, experience dry weather conditions until June. 

Whereas the central hills show moderate rain throughout the year by creating greenery spots that are perfect for photography.

With all that, as for packing, make sure to pack smart for May’s weather conditions. 

So, lightweight clothing is essential, but it’s also smart to carry a waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothes. 

Plus, comfortable walking shoes are crucial, especially for hikes where dressing respectfully is required when visiting temples. 

Moreover, don’t forget your swimwear for beach days and a warm layer of clothing for cooler hill country evenings.

May might not be everyone’s first choice for visiting Sri Lanka, but its unique advantages make it worth considering. 

Therefore, with careful planning and realistic expectations about the weather, you can experience the island’s diverse attractions without fighting through the crowd or paying peak-season prices. 

Anyway, remember that the rain often enhances the area’s beauty and provides welcoming relief from the tropical heat, which you can enjoy. 

So, whether you have a week or two, we hope that this post helped you to figure out an itinerary that will work perfectly for your May travels.

Contact Travelco Leisure to get Sri Lanka itinerary for May. 

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