One word to describe the weather in India in May would be “hot”. While the Himalayan regions are pleasant, the weather conditions in most regions of India can be unpleasant, which is why May is an off-season for tourism in India. However, because of the diversity of the country, there are many destinations you can still visit for a pleasant trip to India. Read on to find more about the weather in India in May.
India Weather in May
In India, weather differs from region to region. However, because of climate change, a large part of India experiences a hot summer. As most students have their summer vacation in May, some of the most popular tourist destinations in India in May are the Himalayas and the hill stations in the country. The temperatures in the far north are pleasant, ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives in a few parts of the country, such as the extreme northeast and southeast on the islands.
Best places to visit in India in May
If you are visiting India in May, you need to keep in mind the varying weather in India. One of the best regions to visit on your trip in May is the Himalayas. The roads to reach Leh and Ladakh start to open up in this month, while the temperatures on the mountains are perfect. This is a good time to enjoy the quaint villages of the Himalayas and the hill stations of the country.
The average temperature in the lower north and central parts of the country are very high, but it is also the best time for a wildlife trip. Because of the heat, many animals venture out to the watering holes, which increases the chances of spotting different animals and birds.
You can also plan a trip to the beaches of Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu in Southern India – although the weather is hot and humid, you can relax during the mornings and late evenings.
You can also have an overview on the best time to visit India.
Also, find a detailed overview on what the weather would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country. Feel free to explore.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Discover the Best: Luxury Hotels in India
North India in May
Many Indians head to the Himalayas in the far north in May. As most of India deals with sweltering heat, the snow starts to melt in the mountains in the north, making it the perfect destination for May. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and you can see many crystal clear waterfalls and streams.
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim or Arunachal Pradesh allow you to experience the clean air of the mountains. These regions have plenty of friendly home-stays available in and around the areas. You will be able to find many chapels and Buddhist monasteries here. You can also visit the hill station of Shimla via a toy train! You can look at some of our mountain travel routes here.
The lower north of India, including the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur), is extremely hot in May. Temperatures cross 40 degrees Celsius on most days. We recommend spending limited time in these regions, because the climate can get unpleasant quite quickly. However, due to the off-season, you can get some great discounts on luxury hotels and accommodations. If you do decide to visit this region in May, make sure to explore the outdoors in the early morning or late afternoon.
If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you must visit India during this month. India is home to the largest number of Royal Bengal tigers in the world, and April and May are the best time to spot some of these regal striped cats. Because of the high temperatures, the watering holes dry up, and the jungle cats are left with fewer places to hydrate, making the probability of sightings much higher. Safaris often open early in the morning, or in the late afternoon, so you can avoid the scorching afternoon sun.
There are plenty of options to spot wildlife in North India, such as Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, or the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand. For some inspiration on where you can go to experience a safari, check out Bernard’s 14 Day Safari Vacation with us.
Ganga Dussehra is celebrated in Varanasi, Rishikesh, and Haridwar along the banks of the river Ganga with many activities and rituals.
Buddha Purnima takes place in May. Although it is celebrated in many parts of India, Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh is the best place to celebrate it with many cultural performances and rituals.
On the day of Buddha Purnima, the Summer Festival is celebrated in Mount Abu in Rajasthan. The festival has horse races, skating races, shows, games, and folk performances.
Learn About: Rajasthan’s Premier Sites to Visit
Dive Deeper: North India’s Premier Travel Locations
South India in May
The weather in South India in May can be extremely hot and humid, with the average temperature ranging from 27 to 39 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season approaches towards the end of the month, offering some respite to the region. However, for the majority of the month, from the ruins of Hampi to the southern tip of India, Kanyakumari, the weather can vary energy-draining. But there are a few places you can visit even in May.
The average temperatures of the backwaters, rainforests, and tea plantations of Kerala are relatively lower, and offer a cooler atmosphere. With low rates on accommodations and fewer crowds, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Kerala in peace, if you don’t mind a bit of heat. Visit the tea plantations of Munnar or the forests of Wayanad and Thekkady. You can check out the beaches of Varkala or Marari for sunbathing during early mornings or late evenings. Get some inspiration for travel routes in Kerala in one of our blogs.
If you want to explore religion and spirituality, the temple towns of Madurai, Mahabalipuram, Pondicherry, and the state of Tamil Nadu have many stunning ancient temples. However, these regions are quite hot in May, so try not to venture outdoors during the afternoons. If the heat is unbearable, escape to the hill stations of Kodaikanal and Connoor in Tamil Nadu, or the coffee plantations of Coorg in Karnataka for a cool respite.
While Goa, too, gets hot in May, it remains a year-round tourist destination. Relax on the beaches, or explore the rainforests of Goa. For all beach-lovers, check out our blog on some lesser-known beaches in India.
For more information, visit our blog regarding travelling around Southern India at this time of year.
Dive Deeper: Unveiling the Best Time for Kerala
East India and Northeast India in May
May brings in the monsoon season in Northeast India, making the region lush green and great for sightseeing. However, the slippery roads can make it dangerous for some adventure activities, so practise caution.
Tropical cyclones are a possibility on the coast of Bay of Bengal in May, including the regions north of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal.
Darjeeling in West Bengal is a popular summer destination. The weather is mild and pleasant, allowing you to take in the natural beauty of the region.
The International Flower Festival takes place in Gangtok in the entire month of May. You can spot species like roses, gladioli, orchids, ferns, and many others. You can also try delicacies made with local produce.
Moatsu Festival is celebrated in May in the Mokokchung district of Nagaland by the local tribes with folk dances, music, feasts, and rice beer.
West India and Central India in May
It gets extremely hot in West India and Central India in May. In inland places such as Nagpur and Bandhavgarh, the temperatures reach mid-40s. Although Mumbai and the western coastal regions remain slightly cooler due to the coastal breezes, average daytime temperatures in Mumbai also reach 40 degrees Celsius during this month. Plus, the humidity is much higher.
However, May is a good time to spot wildlife in the many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in Western and Central India. If you are planning any trips to the country to see the wildlife of the country, you should definitely explore Gir National Park, Pench National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park and Satpura National Park among many others when you visit India.
Islands in May
Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep have a pleasant temperature hovering around 23 to 31 degrees Celsius. However, you might experience heavy rainfall in these regions, especially Port Blair, during May. You might want to avoid visiting islands in May, since many of the water activities will be closed due to rains.
Travel tips for India in May
- India sees very few tourists in May, thanks to the intense summer heat. You can enjoy good discounts on tickets and accommodations, as well as lesser crowds in tourist destinations.
- May is the best time to spot tigers, lions, and other wildlife in the wildlife sanctuaries of India.
- You can experience many adventure activities in Northeast India during May, after which, many of the routes are banned due to rains.
- If you are traveling to Northeast India, you will need special permits in a few places.
- Make sure to protect yourself against the high heat. Carry sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats or caps with you. Pack light and breathable clothes. If you are traveling to the far north, carry a light jacket. If you are visiting northeast or south India, carry an umbrella with you.
- Keep a water bottle with you and stay hydrated at all times.
Discover the Best: Luxury Hotels in India
At India Someday, we personalize India trips for you based on your requirements. For more travel tips and detailed information about the best places to visit in India in May, or for any help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to contact us!
