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Ella Weather in May

During May, Ella experiences very high daytime temperatures of 31°C (88°F) and cooler nights around 22°C (72°F). Expect quite a bit of rainfall. Around 133 mm (5.2 in) is typical.

Rainfall in Ella in May

Expect around 11 days of rain based on historical data, with 133 mm (5.2 in) average. When it rains this month, it tends to come down fairly heavily. Showers can be substantial even if they don't last all day.

Temperature in Ella in May

Daytime highs in Ella in May reach 31°C (88°F), with nights around 22°C (72°F). For most visitors, the main thing to prepare for is the heat during the day. With lows of 22°C (72°F), the nights are warm and generally comfortable.

Sunshine in Ella in May

The month experiences a moderate amount of sunlight, with 103 hours of sunshine. This provides a nice balance between sunshine and clouds.

If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, February typically offers the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.

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Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Sri Lanka, check out our Ella's climate page.

Ella Temperature in May

Min TemperatureMin Temperature 22°C (72°F)  
Max TemperatureMax Temperature 31°C (88°F)  
Chance of RainChance of Rain 37%  
PrecipitationPrecipitation 133 mm (5.2 in)  
Rainy daysRainy days 11 days  
HumidityHumidity 87% *  
SunshineSunshine 103 hours *  
Percentage SunshinePercentage Sunshine *  
* Data from: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (45 KM, 28 Miles).

Daily Historical Temperatures

40-year average (1976-2025)

Based on our historical records, temperatures in Ella typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 31°C (88°F). Nights are pleasant, with lows around 16°C (61°F).

Average temperatures in May

Daily Historical Precipitation

40-year average (1976-2025)

Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.

Average precipitation in May

Historical weather for Ella in May

Browse day-by-day weather records for Ella spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.

Ella historical weather extremes in May

Based on weather observations in Ella between 2005 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes during May.

  • The hottest May day on record in Ella reached 34°C (93°F) (May 14, 2025).
  • The coldest May day was on May 4, 2005, with a maximum of 16°C (61°F).
  • Nighttime temperatures dropped to 10°C (50°F) on May 18, 2005, marking the coldest May night on record.

Best Places in Sri Lanka in May

Find out more about the weather in Sri Lanka and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Sri Lanka in May →

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Legend perfect weather pleasant tolerable unpleasant poor
Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

What to Wear in Ella in May

Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in May. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.

What To Do in Ella in May

We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.

Swimming
7/10
Cycling
7/10
Walking
7/10
Camping
6/10
Outdoor sports
7/10

Select a Month

Check the conditions for any month of the year.

For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Sri Lanka, check out our Ella's climate page.

More climate data for Ella