May

May marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon in Sri Lanka, particularly affecting the southwestern and southern regions. However, the east coast experiences pleasant weather, making it a great time to shift focus to the east for certain activities. With lush greenery returning after the first rains and fewer crowds, May offers a more peaceful experience for travelers.

National Park Private Safaris

May offers lush, green landscapes in many national parks after the initial rains, and wildlife continues to be active, especially in the eastern and northern regions:

• Wilpattu National Park: Still a great option with its unique landscape and chances to spot leopards, elephants, and birdlife.
• Minneriya National Park: With the gathering of elephants beginning later in the season, visitors can still enjoy watching smaller herds.
• Hurulu Eco Park: A great time to spot elephants and other wildlife in this more intimate setting, ideal for those seeking less crowded safari experiences.

Discovery Kitesurfing Course (Kalpitiya)

The kitesurfing season begins to ramp up again in Kalpitiya in May, as the winds return. This is an ideal time for beginners and experienced kitesurfers alike to enjoy the favorable conditions in the calm waters of the Kalpitiya lagoon.

Deep Sea Fishing Boat Tour

With the arrival of the monsoon on the southwest coast, deep-sea fishing shifts focus to the east coast. Trincomalee and Nilaveli offer calm seas, making them prime locations for deep-sea fishing tours. Anglers can expect to catch species like sailfish, barracuda, and tuna in these waters.

Scuba Diving

The east coast becomes the hotspot for scuba diving in May as the southwestern coast experiences rough seas. Dive sites in Trincomalee and Nilaveli offer calm conditions with excellent visibility, providing divers the opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and an array of marine life.

Snorkeling

The calm and clear waters of Trincomalee and Nilaveli make May a great month for snorkeling on the east coast. Visitors can witness stunning coral gardens, colorful fish, and even swim alongside sea turtles in these waters.

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Trincomalee and Kalpitiya remain key locations for dolphin watching in May. Visitors can enjoy boat tours where pods of spinner dolphins are often seen frolicking near the boats, with calm seas making for a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Whale Watching Boat Tour

In May, the whale watching season moves to the east coast, with Trincomalee becoming the prime destination. The calm waters of the Indian Ocean around Trincomalee offer a chance to spot blue whales and sperm whales as they migrate through the region. This is one of the best months for whale sightings in this part of Sri Lanka.

Hot Air Ballooning (Dambulla, Kandalama, Habarana, Sigiriya)

Due to the onset of the southwest monsoon, hot air ballooning is limited in May. However, if weather permits, early May might still offer an opportunity for a serene ride over Sigiriya and the Cultural Triangle, taking in the lush greenery and ancient landscapes.