New Delhi Weather in May

May: fierce afternoon heat

May is a harsh month in New Delhi, and the rating reflects it. It scores 1.4 out of 10, mainly because of the heat. The high reaches 42°C, the same as June, and the low stays around 27°C. Compared with April, it's much hotter, with dry air and strong sun for much of the day. Rain is still limited, but a shower can interrupt an outing.

If you can, plan around the weather. November to February is the best stretch to visit, and it's far more comfortable. Sightseeing in May works best indoors or in shaded places, so spend the hottest hours at the National Museum, then visit Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Garden in the cooler parts of the day. Skip long walks around Old Delhi's lanes in the afternoon, since the heat can make them exhausting.

What to do and what to avoid

If you hate crowds, May is quieter than the popular November-to-February season, and it's a low-season month, so hotels may cost less than in those cooler months. The trade-off is the heat, and outdoor sightseeing can feel like hard work.

Buddha Purnima sometimes falls in May, and when it does, you can see people gathering for prayers at Buddhist temples around the city. The date changes each year, so don't count on it as a fixed May event.

Make the heat easier

Travelling with kids? Keep the afternoon for a cool indoor break, then head out again when the sun eases. India Gate and its lawns are more pleasant later in the day, though evenings can still feel warm.

For a practical stop between sights, use the air-conditioned Delhi Metro rather than crossing town in a rickshaw during peak heat. At Chandni Chowk, the Metro station puts you close to the old market, so save its narrow lanes and food stalls for a shorter visit. Rain falls on only a handful of days, but a shower can still change your plans.