May in Kandy averages 29C by day and 22C at night, with 218 mm of rain over about 24 wet days. It is the 3rd wettest month of the year. The upside: Buddhist Vesak celebrations light up the city with lanterns, and the countryside explodes into tropical green.
What to Expect
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 29C by day, 22C at night |
| Rainfall | 218 mm, about 24 wet days |
Averages for 2015 to 2024 from the Open-Meteo weather archive.
Events and Festivals
- Vesak Day celebrations (full moon day)
- Temple decorations and lantern displays
What to Do This Season
- Vesak lantern displays and free food stalls
- Royal Botanic Gardens at their most lush
- Dramatic afternoon thunderstorms
What to Watch Out For
- Heavy afternoon and evening rains
- High humidity levels
- Some outdoor activities may be cancelled
What to Wear
Lightweight rain gear, breathable fabrics, waterproof footwear
Is It Worth Visiting Now?
Maybe - monsoon season begins with heavy afternoon rains, but also brings the important Vesak festival and lush green landscapes
More on Kandy
Flexible on dates? Compare Kandy in April and Kandy in June. The best time to visit Kandy sets all twelve months side by side. For what is open and worth it, see the things to do in Kandy. The main Kandy page covers costs and transport.
We plan trips to Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.