A breathtakingly beautiful city with rich colonial heritage, the capital city of Sri Lanka is a phenomenal kaleidoscope of cultures, religions, and races. Colombo in May dazzles its visitors with its majestic mansions, lush green gardens, exquisite dining options, and ultra-modern shopping malls where you can shop your heart out. There is an amazing contrast in the city itself! While on one hand, one is mesmerized by the rich history and local markets, on the other hand, the city also offers some uber cool fashion labels, thus becoming the perfect place to visit for everyone.
Colombo, a cosmopolitan city, has always been known for its right mix of colonial and modern life architecture. This vibrant city is divided into 13 districts with a gigantic fort area at the center. Fort and Pettah serve as the perfect neighborhoods where you can roam around in your walking shoes or the local beautiful sandals to explore Colombo in May and let the breeze refresh you.
Visiting Colombo In May
Around the month of May, the capital city of Sri Lanka welcomes a refreshing monsoon. But the beautiful rains are coupled with a ray of warm sunshine making it a perfect time to visit the port city. Find yourself relaxing in the lush green natural beauty as you come to Colombo in the month of May.
The month also witnesses a lesser crowd, giving you a chance to find some solace, roam around in the street and get enlightened by the rich cultural heritage. As the month of May is slightly off-season, one may also find some lucrative deals on hotels and flights. Many exciting offers and deals are available during this time to attract visitors and travelers. Since it is a low foot-fall time, it makes it all better to visit tourist places which otherwise would be crowded.
Colombo is a traveler’s paradise, giving you a potpourri of unique experiences, rich culture to soothe you from inside. Right from captivating buildings and parks to lucrative roadside markets to collect souvenirs, zoological parks, the city offers a lot! During April, comes the monsoon season in Colombo. June to September are the wettest months thus May is considered a good time to visit when the monsoon season is not on its peak.
Colombo in May is simply a sight to behold, streets are sparkling with a light shower of rains that allows you to enjoy the company of your friends and family with utmost peace. If you love the monsoon season and want to soak in the natural beauty of the place, visiting Colombo in May can be a heartwarming experience. Also, travelers can take advantage of the off-season prices! Here is the list of best things to do in Colombo in May:
Things To Do In Colombo In May
May is the perfect time for all the adventure sports junkies coming here for some fun activities. The sea temperature is relatively warmer in the month of May, averaging around 29 degrees, making it ideal for water sports and related activities.
There are a plethora of sports and leisure activities to do in this area including Whale Watching, River Boat Safaris and Snorkeling. Those who want to experience an adrenaline rush must try the White Water River Rafting, a fun sport to take up with your tour group. Deep sea fishing tours are also very popular here and so is the cruise.
- Scuba Diving
- Leisure World Water Park
- Dehiwala Zoo
- Beira Lake
- Old City Hall
- Independence Memorial Hall
1. Scuba Diving
The warm water ensures the perfect time for a Scuba diving adventure in the month of May. The beautiful blue waters of Sri Lanka are adorned with a plethora of marine creatures. Scuba Diving is totally worth in Colombo, with a cool breeze adorning your face right before you jump in is beyond ultimate bliss. Best time to take up Scuba Diving in Sri Lanka is probably in this month May.
If you are planning to head to the northeastern coast, May to October are the ideal months to take up some Scuba Diving. While for those in west and south-west coast, October to May is advisable time period and dictates the remaining seasons.
Must Read: The Definitive Guide To National Museum Of Colombo In Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Book your Sri Lanka trip from TravelTriangle: Inclusive of Hotels, Sightseeing, Transfers, & Meals. Best Prices Guaranteed. Get Customizable Package & Free Guidance From Destination Experts. Book Now!
2. Leisure World Water Park
Looking for a full day outing with family and friends? Waterparks are the place to be while in Colombo in the month of May. Leisure World Water Park in Colombo has a lot of fun activities like Paddle boat rides, swimming pools with some crazy slides ideal for adults and children both, cafes and restaurants with lip-smacking foods and local delicacies.
Among all the rides, the Boomerang - 60 Feet high water ride is extremely popular. A dramatic canal ride is also part of the package. Needless to say that on regular days one has to wait for a little for getting on this ride.The Leisure World Water Park is a very famous tourist attraction and sees a huge crowd during the season.
May is an ideal month to visit here if you are looking to dodge the crowd and spend some fun time.
Suggested Read: Take The Safari In Colombo To Spend Some Time In The Wilderness & Cherish The Rare Fauna
3. Dehiwala Zoo
Established in 1936, Dehiwala zoo is one of the oldest zoological garden in Asia that is located in the Mount Lavinia district of Sri Lanka. Spread over an area of 11 acres and home to almost 3000 animals and three hundred and ten species of flora and fauna, Dehiwala Zoo is a perfect place for the visitors to have a candid rendezvous with the wildlife while enjoying the elephant show and sea lion performance which is held every evening.
It also has a charming picturesque butterfly garden with 30 species of butterfly which is decorated with shrubs, trees and small streams and exhibits the various stages of their life cycles. Brimming with colourful flowers and dimly lit pathways this place is an ideal spot to captivate tourist attention with spectacular views.
For families and their kids, it surely is a magical place. Visit the place in May and you will find it less crowded. Your kids will be able to explore the zoo animals closely and properly.
Suggested Read: Top 6 Honeymoon Places In Colombo For A Romantic Rendezvous
4. Rejuvenate At Beira Lake
Surrounded by the huge skyscrapers and spread over a vast area of 65 hectares, Beira Lake is a major tourist attraction located in the heart of Colombo city. The iconic landmark built named by the Portuguese colonizers highlights a Buddhist temple constructed in the middle of the lake which is beautifully lit by the colorful lights at night.
While enjoying the stunning scenic beauty of the lake, tourists can indulge themselves in a number of recreational activities like boating, rowing and yachting. This picture perfect place also delights its visitors with a floating market where you can buy various souvenirs to make your visit a lifetime memory. Visiting the scenic spot during May in Colombo can be a retreat for those who do not love overly crowded places.
Suggested Read: 7 Best Restaurants In Colombo To Relish The Real Culinary Delights Of Sri Lanka
5. Explore Old City Hall
Built in 1865 on Main Street, this architectural marvel is a British era municipal building. This vintage building is a major attraction amongst the history lovers as they can sense the historical traces of 1800s culture of Colombo city. The neoclassical architectural style of the Old City Hall is a sight to behold.
The tourists can witness the age-worn trucks, vintage radio, age old typewriters and other municipal equipment by visiting the museum situated at the ground floor of this historical landmark. While cherishing the beauty of the artefacts treasured in this building, don’t forget to admire the architectural structures adorned with some fine wax figures.
Visiting the architectural building in May can be a great experience for history buffs as they’ll be able to explore and cherish the long history in extreme peace and solace.
Suggested Read: Top 7 Water Sports In Colombo That Will Give You An Adrenaline Rush
6. Independence Memorial Hall
Situated at the heart of Cinnamon Gardens, this iconic memorial building is a must visit place for history lovers. This historical building symbolizes its rich history of Independence of Ceylon from the colonial rule through its impressive architectural excellence. The entrance of this imposing building showcases the statue of Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister which is circumscribed by four stone lions.
Your visit to this historic monument is incomplete without visiting the museum which is located in the basements of Independence Memorial Hall. It exhibits Sri Lanka’s colonial history and its impressive cultural history. Enjoy your day by relaxing at this less crowded gateway in the city in May which is surrounded by the serene beauty of lush green gardens.
Also, visitors will find respite from the heat as Colombo experiences high temperatures during May.
Further Read: 7 Adventure Places In Colombo For A Thrilling Vacay
Colombo is a sight to behold, with clear blue waters calling to every traveler. Known for its spices, handicrafts, tea, and mesmerizing blue sapphires, the city rejuvenates every traveler who sets foot in here. Be it sightseeing, adventure activities or a mesmerizing sunset at the Galle Face Green, Colombo is a beautiful experience. So plan a trip to Sri Lanka and head to Colombo to gorge on the authentic Sri Lankan Rice and Curry, do some binge shopping in local markets and rejuvenate yourself completely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colombo In May
What is there to do in Sri Lanka in May?
There are lot of activities to do in Sri Lanka in May which includes surfing, trekking to Adam’s peak, a visit to Yala National Park, and many more.
What is the temperature in Sri Lanka in May?
The weather in Colombo in May is quite hot and humid. During this time the temperature remains between as high as 25 degree Celsius and the lowest temperature remains between 26 degree Celsius.
What is the most beautiful place in Sri Lanka?
Some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka which cannot be missed are Sigiriya fort, Adam’s peak, Royal Botanical Gardens and Galle Fort.
Looking To Book An International Holiday?
Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.
Gaurav is an entrepreneur by profession and an avid Yoga enthusiast. He loves to explore and know about Varied traditions, arts and colourful cultures of people at different places around the world. He loves to spend time in nature and to read books.
