Weather in India in May 2024 & Travel Tips for First-Timers

May is India's hottest month, with average temperatures of 36°C (97°F) across most of India (except the far north). The heat will gradually decline at the end of May as the monsoon season rain arrives.

India's beach destinations and hill stations are great May places to go to escape from the extreme heat in India.

India Weather in May: Overview

• Average temperature: 36°C (97°F)
• Average rainfall: 91 mm (4 inches)
• Average rainy days: 6
• Average sunny days: 22

India Weather in May

Read more below about average temperatures, rainfall, and tips on where to go and what to wear in May.

Average Temperatures and Rainfalls of India's Most Popular Areas in May

Weather in Northern India: Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan...

In the golden triangle (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) and Rajasthan, temperatures go over 40°C (104°F) most days in May. Due to the sweltering hot weather, you'd better do your touring in the early morning or late afternoon.

You can find the best time to visit India and travel tips at Best (and Worst) Times to Visit India.

9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Ranthambore National Park

Weather in Far North Mountain Areas: Leh, Shimla, Himalayan Foothills...

The Himalayan regions experience great weather in May. At this time, temperatures in the far north are around 18°C (64°F) during the day, allowing the snow to melt and travelers to see the blue-green melt waters in the valleys.

The dry and cool weather makes it a popular destination in the early summer (short spring). Breathtaking valleys, mysterious monasteries, and snow-capped peaks are on the bucket lists of most travelers.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

We loved our experience in Bangkok with… We loved our experience in Bangkok with our guide Ying. She made everything easy to understand and enjoyable. She guided us through crowded areas with ease and always provided a detailed description of the sights. She also took pictures for us and sent them at the end of every day. We had an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend Ying! You won’t be disappointed! More Jennifer McMinn, Apr 2024

Tour in Bangkok My sister and I had a fabulous 3 days with Ying in Bangkok. She was informative, fun and took dozens of pictures of us that we never would have had for memories without her! It was wonderful. Thank you Ying! More Sara Cragun, Apr 2024

Top Notch Services Kaya at Asia Highlights helped make our honeymoon in Thailand the perfect trip. It was truly the best balance between structured and unstructured time abroad. They cater their services to exactly what you're looking for. Also, their responsiveness is uncanny. Kaya at Asia Highlights in particular deserves special mention. She out our trip together for us, put up with us, and was always available for any hiccups during the trip. We plan to use their excellent services again for our next trip to Asia. Highly recommended, and ask for Kaya! More Neema Sahebi, Apr 2024

Weather in Southern India: Mumbai, Kerala, Goa...

South India has comparatively cooler weather than north India, with an average temperature of 30°C (86°F).

From the end of May, the monsoon approaches, bringing some rain to South India. So, you can expect predominantly evening showers, which don't affect your day trips.

Looking for further information about planning a trip to India? Read our ultimate guide: How to Plan a Trip to India. 

5 Best Places to Visit in India in May

5 Best Places to Visit in India in May

1. Varanasi: Buddha Jayanti Festival

If you're a Buddhist, you won't want to miss the Buddha Jayanti festival (Buddha Purnima, celebrating his enlightenment) in Sarnath, Varanasi. To celebrate the birthday of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), there are several religious activities in May (May 23, 2024). Check more information about holidays in india in 2024>>>

The relics of the Buddha will be on public display. Monks will proceed with prayers, sermons and recitation of Buddhist scriptures. Devotees will offer flowers, fruits, and candles to the statue of the Buddha.

In the evening, Sarnath will be fully decorated with earthen lamps. You can fully indulge yourself in this atmospheric cultural event.

Get some inspiration about How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India.

9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Varanasi

2. Shimla: Hill Station, Colonial-Style Town, Toy Train...

As one of the popular honeymoon destinations, Shimla is known as a hill station in India. When north India is experiencing extremely hot, you can enjoy the cool breezes and clear skies in Shimla, which only gets up to around 22°C (72°F).

You can have a leisurely walk in the picturesque valleys, wander around the colonial-style town, and order a cup of coffee at a charming cafe. The toy train is ideal to leisurely see the mountain scenery.

Or you can take on an adventurous trek to see the Buddhist monasteries, quaint villages, and high-altitude lakes.

Too busy to plan your own itinerary? Get inspiration from our itinerary ideas for 10 days, and 2 weeks or contact us to tailor-make one just for you!

3. Kerala: Houseboat, Tea Plantations, Hill Station

Houseboat for Backwaters Exploration in Alleppey, Kerala

Located in southern India, Kerala is comfortable in May, with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F). Rainfall increases at the end of May, but you can still generally enjoy dry weather in the first half of May.

Contact us to book an overnight stay on a houseboat, enjoying the palm-fringed countryside scenery of the backwaters, or head to a tea plantation or the famous hill station, Munnar.

If you're interested in a cooler relaxation in India, don't miss the Kerala region. Check the classic itinerary or get inspired by How to Plan a Trip to Kerala. 

4. Ladakh: Mountain Scenery, Trekking Paradise

Kids at Ladakh

Ladakh's brief spring thirstily embraces the dry and cool weather of May. The highest temperatures reach just 16°C (61°F) on average in the daytime.

Ladakh has it all for escapist travelers. If you like roof-of-the-world culture and natural scenery, the lonely monasteries, towering mountains, and crystal-clear lakes won't disappoint you.

If you seek something adventurous, trek along the charming trails, bike among the mighty mountains, or even mountaineer on the majestic peaks.

Get an idea about how long to spend in India if you would like to venture into the Ladakh region.

5. Mumbai: Bollywood, City Life

In May, Mumbai's temperature reaches its peak at 33°C (91°F) and bottoms out at 27°C (81°F). The total rainfall for May is 10 mm (0.39 inches).

As the financial capital of India, you can discover a vibrant city life and get a Slumdog Millionaire insight into India's vast wealth gap. With fewer crowds in May and just before the torrential monsoon hits, it's an ideal time to see Bollywood.

14-Day Family Holiday in India Delhi - Agra - Ranthambore National Park - Jaipur - Mumbai - Goa

Costs and Crowding

Due to the summer heat, fewer travelers visit India in May. If you can bear the heat, you can fully enjoy the highlights and have better photo opportunities without fighting through large crowds.

You can expect the lowest airfares and room rates in May (30–50% off). Paying about USD 100, you could stay at a 5-star hotel in May instead of a 4-star hotel in the peak season (November to March).

2-Week Luxury India Tour Delhi - Varanasi - Agra - Jaipur - Udaipur

What to Pack

Sun protection is a must in May, so don't forget to take sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats.

Summer clothing is best for most of India. You're suggested to take light and comfy shirts and trousers. For women, an ankle-length dress with shoulders covered is better for cultural correctness. Shorts and t-shirts are fine for beaches, resorts, etc.

If you visit the far north areas like Ladakh, outdoor-activity layers and light trekking jackets are more suitable.

14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tour Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Kathmandu - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro

Monthly Weather and Travel Information for India

Learn about the weather in India for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month. 

Visit India with Asia Highlights

May is a great time to visit India. Let us help you craft a trip around India that is custom-made to your interests! Contact one of our travel advisors today to see if together we can take a vacation idea and turn it into an authentic journey across India.

Some India tours are recommended below for inspiration.

• 7-Day Golden Triangle India Tour
• 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Tiger Safari
• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour
• 14-Day India, Nepal, and Bhutan Tou