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Matara Weather in May
May in Matara typically sees daytime highs of 31°C (88°F) and nighttime lows of 26°C (79°F). May falls within the rainy season, so heavy rainfall is to be expected.
Rainfall in Matara in May
Matara is in the rainy season in May, with rain on around 11 days and an average of 229 mm (9 in). The rain this month falls heavily when it arrives. Late afternoons in particular can see strong showers, so waterproofs are worth keeping handy.
Temperature in Matara in May
May in Matara brings typical temperatures with highs around 31°C (88°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F). Sunshine and humidity can make it feel even warmer than the raw temperature suggests. Nights are warm at 26°C (79°F). It's worth making sure your accommodation has decent ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine in Matara in May
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 200 hours of sunshine. Despite being the rainy season, it could still be a nice time to visit. Rain often arrives later in the day, keeping most of the days sunny.If you're looking for dry conditions and comfortable temperatures, May may not be the ideal month to visit Matara. Our weather planner can help you explore destinations with more pleasant weather conditions.
Matara Temperature in May
Min Temperature
26°C (79°F)
Max Temperature
31°C (88°F)
Chance of Rain
35%
Precipitation
229 mm (9 in)
Rainy days
11 days
Sunshine
200 hours *
Percentage Sunshine
*
* Data from: Galle, Sri Lanka (39 KM, 24 Miles).
Matara Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Matara - and find the best time to visit.
Daily Historical Temperatures
40-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Matara typically stay consistent throughout May, with daily highs averaging around 31°C (88°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 26°C (79°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 records for Matara in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Matara spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Matara historical weather extremes in May
Based on 21 years of weather observations in Matara between 2005 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- Matara recorded its highest May temperature of 37°C (99°F) on May 17, 2017.
- The lowest daytime temperature in May was 27°C (81°F), recorded on May 13, 2026.
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 →
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 Matara 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). Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.
What To Do in Matara in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
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Swimming7/10 -
Cycling7/10 -
Walking7/10 -
Camping7/10 -
Outdoor sports7/10
Matara 3-Day Forecast
More climate data for Matara
See the full Matara climate overview or explore weather in Sri Lanka.
Popular in May
Where to go in May - average daytime high across popular destinations.
Colombo
31°C (88°F) Negombo31°C (88°F) Mirissa30°C (86°F) Hikkaduwa30°C (86°F) Unawatuna30°C (86°F) Galle30°C (86°F) Kandy
30°C (86°F) Nuwara Eliya29°C (84°F) Bucket list
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