Last updated: March 19, 2025
In May, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka experiences a dynamic weather pattern characterized by a maximum temperature reaching 37°C (99°F), while the average temperature hovers around a comfortable 28°C (83°F). The month is marked by a minimum temperature of 23°C (74°F), making evenings pleasantly warm. However, residents and visitors should prepare for frequent rain, with a total precipitation of 128 mm (5.0 in) spread across approximately 19 days, leading to a humidity level of 75%. This mixture of heat and moisture contributes to the region's lush landscapes, making May a vibrant yet unpredictable month in Anuradhapura.
In May, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, experiences a warm transition as temperatures continue to rise, reflecting the region's tropical climate. With minimum temperatures around 23°C (74°F), the nights are comfortably mild, while the average hovers at 28°C (83°F), indicative of pleasant days ahead. Daytime can get quite toasty, peaking at 37°C (99°F), which aligns with the escalating heat trend observed from the preceding months. This month not only marks a continuation of the rising temperatures from April but also sets the stage for the sultry summer days that follow, maintaining a consistent warmth that encourages exploration of Anuradhapura’s rich cultural heritage under the sun.
May marks a significant shift in Anuradhapura's climate, with precipitation skyrocketing to 128 mm (5.0 in) over an average of 19 rainy days. This surge in rainfall not only sets May apart as one of the wetter months in the region—exceeding both the earlier months of the year and paving the way for the even heavier rains of the subsequent months—but also signifies the onset of the monsoon period. The rain helps rejuvenate the lush landscapes, contrasting sharply with the drier start to the year, where January and February saw much less moisture. As the rains intensify in the following months, particularly in October and November, Anuradhapura transitions into a vibrant and thriving ecosystem, highlighting the essential role of May's rains in this seasonal rhythm.
In May, Anuradhapura experiences a humidity level of 75%, aligning closely with the more moderate conditions of April. This marks a slight increase from the previous month, hinting at the onset of the wetter season as the region transitions into June, when humidity levels leap to a notable 82%. Throughout the year, the humidity generally rises, peaking in the more oppressive August at 85%, reflecting the typical climatic patterns of tropical Sri Lanka. However, May stands out as a transitional month, offering a brief respite before the humidity intensifies, making it a fascinating time to experience the lush, vibrant landscapes of this ancient city.
In May, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, maintains an extreme UV Index of 13, indicating a continued need for sun protection with a rapid burn time of just 10 minutes. This month continues the trend set by the preceding months, where the UV Index peaked at 15 in April. As the temperatures rise into the dry season, the relentless sun casts intense rays nearly every day, necessitating vigilance in protection against harmful UV exposure. Interestingly, following May, the UV Index begins to drop slightly in the cooler months yet remains in the extreme category through June and July. It's crucial for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and prepared for the sun's intensity throughout the year. For more detailed information on UV levels, visit Anuradhapura UV Index.
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May in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, shines brightly with 333 hours of sunshine, elegantly continuing the trend of abundant light that begins in January. After a steady climb peaking in March, the sunshine hours remain impressive, making May one of the sunniest months. As we transition from April to May, the hours slightly dip but still outshine the cooler months approaching the end of the year. Notably, the sunshine in this historical city showcases a resilient pattern, with hours hovering consistently in the low to mid-300s, ensuring that May offers a delightful blend of warmth and vibrancy, perfect for exploring Anuradhapura's rich heritage.
In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, May indicates a notable dip in the likelihood of sunny weather, with only a 19% chance of sunshine. This unwelcome turn follows a promising stretch from February to April, where the likelihood of sun peaks at 46% in both months. Interestingly, the sunny days begin to wane after the vibrant start to the year, with March and April maintaining good conditions before May's decline. As the region transitions toward the wet months, June and July see only a slight increase in cloud cover, offering only 21% and 16% sunny opportunities, respectively. In contrast, December stands out as a bright spot with a significant 47% chance of clear skies, showcasing the cyclical nature of Anuradhapura's weather patterns throughout the year.
In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, the daylight duration evolves beautifully throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate. During the early months of January and February, residents enjoy a consistent 11 hours of daylight, which gradually begins to increase. As March and April approach, daylight extends to 12 hours, creating a sense of longer, brighter days just as the dry season sets in. This 12-hour daylight spans from March to August, enhancing the warmth and vibrancy of outdoor activities. As the year winds down in October, daylight begins to recede back to 11 hours by November and December. This rhythmic pattern not only emphasizes the stability of Anuradhapura’s climate but also enriches the local culture, aligning daily life with the dance of the sun across the sky.
In May, Anuradhapura experiences a notable increase in wind speed, averaging 3.8 m/s (8 mph), making it a refreshing transition as the region approaches the summer months. This uptick signifies a shift from the gentler breezes of the earlier months, where speeds hovered around 2.5 to 2.8 m/s (5 to 6 mph). As the winds pick up, this month often ushers in a more vibrant atmosphere, hinting at the impending June gusts that escalate to an average of 5.1 m/s (12 mph). May stands out as a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a trend where wind speeds consistently rise, adding to the rhythmic dance of nature that characterizes this historic city.
The weather in Anuradhapura changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of May's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Anuradhapura and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between May and January, May presents a much warmer profile, with average temperatures reaching 28°C (83°F) and highs soaring to 37°C (99°F). In contrast, January enjoys milder conditions, featuring an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more precipitation at 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, compared to January's 71 mm (2.8 in) over just 9 days. Interestingly, while January's humidity is slightly higher at 79%, May's humidity rests closely at 75%. For more detailed insights, check out Anuradhapura weather in January.
May and February showcase contrasting weather patterns, despite both months featuring a consistent humidity level of 75%. February offers milder temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), peaking at 33°C (92°F). In stark contrast, May brings higher temperatures, starting from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and averaging 28°C (83°F), reaching up to a scorching 37°C (99°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly more precipitation, with 128 mm (5.0 in) of rain across 19 days, compared to February's modest 25 mm (1.0 in) over just 7 days. For more detailed weather insights, visit Anuradhapura weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, we can observe that May typically experiences higher temperatures, with an average of 28°C (83°F), compared to March's average of 27°C (82°F). The maximum temperature in May can reach up to 37°C (99°F), slightly higher than March's maximum of 36°C (97°F). However, May is also marked by significantly more rainfall, receiving 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, while March has only 58 mm (2.3 in) across 10 days. Humidity levels are fairly similar, hovering around 75% in May and 76% in March. For more detailed information on March weather, you can check Anuradhapura weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, we see that both months share similar temperature ranges, with maximums peaking at 37°C (99°F). However, May experiences slightly higher average temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) compared to April's 21°C (71°F). Additionally, May sees increased precipitation at 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, while April receives only 81 mm (3.2 in) over 14 days. This results in a slightly more humid environment in May, with humidity levels at 75% compared to April's 72%. For more details on April weather, you can check Anuradhapura weather in April.
In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). This month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, and a high humidity level of 75%. In contrast, June sees slightly warmer minimum temperatures at 24°C (75°F) and cooler maximum temperatures reaching 34°C (94°F), while maintaining the same average of 28°C (83°F). Precipitation drops to 48 mm (1.9 in) over 14 days, although humidity increases to 82%. For more details on the weather in June, you can visit Anuradhapura weather in June.
In comparing the weather of May and July, both months showcase similar temperature ranges, with minimums at 23°C (74°F), average temperatures around 28°C (83°F), and maximums of 37°C (99°F) in May and 36°C (98°F) in July. However, May is notably wetter, receiving 128 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days, while July experiences significantly less rainfall at 60 mm (2.4 in) over only 12 days. Furthermore, July has a slightly higher humidity level at 80% compared to May's 75%. For more insights, you can check Anuradhapura weather in July.
May and August showcase slightly different weather patterns, with May experiencing a broader temperature range. In May, temperatures can reach up to 37°C (99°F), while August's maximum temperature is slightly cooler at 35°C (96°F). Both months have an average temperature of 28°C (83°F), but August starts off warmer with a minimum of 24°C (75°F) compared to May's 23°C (74°F). Precipitation levels are significantly higher in May, with 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, while August sees only 63 mm (2.5 in) over 13 days. Additionally, August has a higher humidity level at 85%, compared to May's 75%. For more details on August weather, check Anuradhapura weather in August.
In May, temperatures can soar with a minimum of 23°C (74°F) and an average high of 28°C (83°F), reaching up to 37°C (99°F) on the hottest days. The month is characterized by significant rainfall, with 128 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation spread over 19 days, contributing to a humidity level of 75%. In contrast, September experiences slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums remaining at 23°C (73°F) and an average peak of 27°C (82°F), maxing out at 36°C (97°F). Precipitation in September is also less at 114 mm (4.5 in) over 18 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 82%. For more detailed information, check out Anuradhapura weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns in Anuradhapura. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). Although it is warm, May experiences significant precipitation, totaling 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, with humidity averaging 75%.
In contrast, October features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F), an average of 27°C (80°F), and a maximum of 33°C (93°F). However, it is much wetter, recording 258 mm (10.1 in) of precipitation across 23 days, accompanied by higher humidity at 83%. For more details, you can explore Anuradhapura weather in October.
May and November present distinct weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). Despite the warmer conditions, May experiences significant rainfall, totaling 128 mm (5.0 in) over 19 days, and humidity levels are at 75%.
In contrast, November sees slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (69°F), an average of 26°C (79°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, this month is characterized by even heavier precipitation, accumulating 266 mm (10.5 in) across 24 days, alongside higher humidity levels at 84%. For further details, check Anuradhapura weather in November.
In May, temperatures in Anuradhapura typically range from a minimum of 23°C (74°F) to a maximum of 37°C (99°F), with an average of 28°C (83°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 128 mm (5.0 in) of precipitation over 19 days, and humidity levels reaching around 75%. In contrast, December sees milder temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (66°F), an average of 25°C (78°F), and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is slightly higher, totaling 163 mm (6.4 in) over the same number of rainy days, while humidity increases to 83%. This results in a more humid atmosphere compared to May. For more detailed information on December weather, visit Anuradhapura weather in December.
As May unfolds in Anuradhapura, the weather brings a noticeable shift, characterized by higher temperatures and increased humidity compared to earlier months. With an average temperature hovering around 28°C (83°F) and maximums reaching 37°C (99°F), the days can feel quite warm. However, this month is also marked by frequent rainfall, averaging 128 mm over about 19 days, which adds a refreshing contrast to the heat. The 75% humidity often envelops the city, creating a lush atmosphere that is distinct to late spring. For a deeper dive into what to expect throughout the year, check out Anuradhapura Climate.