The short answer
- Month
- May
- Verdict
- Hot
- North (Delhi, Rajasthan)
- Very hot, often over 40°C
- South (Kerala, Goa)
- Hot and humid; monsoon approaching Kerala
- Crowds and prices
- Very quiet on the plains
May is India's hottest month across the northern plains and Rajasthan, with temperatures regularly over 40°C. Most international visitors avoid it.
If May is when you can travel, head for the mountains or the tiger reserves, where sightings are at their peak.
Where to go in May
- Tiger reserves: The best odds of the year, as tigers stay close to water.
- Himalayan hill stations: Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie and Darjeeling are cool and busy with Indian holidaymakers.
- Ladakh (late May): Flights to Leh run all year, and the high roads begin to open.
What to avoid in May
- Rajasthan, Agra and Delhi for sightseeing.
- The beaches of Goa and Kerala, which are hot and humid ahead of the monsoon.
Festivals in May
- Buddha Purnima: Usually in May, marking the Buddha's birth, celebrated at Sarnath near Varanasi and Bodh Gaya.
Weather in May
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with May highlighted. Compare it with the months either side if your dates are flexible.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | DelhiAgra is similar | Jaipurmost of Rajasthan | Varanasi | KochiKerala coast | Goa | LehLadakh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20° / 8°19 mm | 22° / 8°8 mm | 23° / 9°18 mm | 32° / 23°20 mm | 32° / 20°1 mm | -2° / -14°10 mm |
| Feb | 24° / 11°21 mm | 26° / 11°7 mm | 27° / 12°18 mm | 32° / 24°25 mm | 32° / 21°0 mm | 1° / -12°8 mm |
| Mar | 30° / 15°17 mm | 32° / 16°4 mm | 33° / 17°9 mm | 33° / 25°40 mm | 32° / 23°1 mm | 6° / -6°10 mm |
| Apr | 36° / 21°16 mm | 37° / 22°5 mm | 39° / 22°6 mm | 33° / 26°130 mm | 33° / 25°10 mm | 12° / -1°7 mm |
| May | 40° / 26°30 mm | 40° / 26°15 mm | 40° / 26°15 mm | 32° / 26°330 mm | 33° / 27°100 mm | 17° / 3°7 mm |
| Jun | 39° / 28°74 mm | 39° / 27°60 mm | 38° / 28°105 mm | 29° / 24°750 mm | 30° / 25°900 mm | 22° / 7°4 mm |
| Jul | 35° / 28°210 mm | 34° / 26°190 mm | 33° / 27°290 mm | 29° / 24°600 mm | 29° / 24°1000 mm | 25° / 11°15 mm |
| Aug | 34° / 27°225 mm | 32° / 25°200 mm | 32° / 26°300 mm | 29° / 24°380 mm | 29° / 24°600 mm | 24° / 10°15 mm |
| Sep | 34° / 25°125 mm | 33° / 24°80 mm | 32° / 25°230 mm | 30° / 24°300 mm | 30° / 24°270 mm | 21° / 6°9 mm |
| Oct | 33° / 19°15 mm | 33° / 19°15 mm | 32° / 21°40 mm | 30° / 24°340 mm | 32° / 24°120 mm | 14° / -1°4 mm |
| Nov | 28° / 13°6 mm | 29° / 13°4 mm | 29° / 14°10 mm | 31° / 24°170 mm | 33° / 23°30 mm | 7° / -7°3 mm |
| Dec | 22° / 9°8 mm | 24° / 9°3 mm | 25° / 10°5 mm | 32° / 23°40 mm | 33° / 21°5 mm | 1° / -11°5 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 8 day trip for May
Our suggestion for May: Delhi, a tiger reserve in central India, then the hills. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: Indian school holidays fill hill station hotels in May and June. Book ahead.
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Other months
Thinking about April or June? See India in April and India in June, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit India.
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Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit India?
Only for the mountains and tiger reserves. The plains of the north are extremely hot.
Is May good for tiger safaris?
Yes. It is one of the best months for sightings, though very hot during the day.
Sources we checked
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