Weather In India By Month May 2026
The Indian summer turns brutal. Northern plains (Lucknow, Delhi) breach 40°C. The air is dry and dusty. Southern India remains hot but slightly moderated by sea breezes (28°C–35°C). Avoid long outdoor sightseeing. Head to the Himalayas (Shimla, Darjeeling) or hill stations in the South (Munnar, Ooty).
Summer arrives. Central and Northern India see rising heat (20°C–32°C). It is still pleasant in the early mornings, but afternoons become harsh. This is a great month for the Holi festival (color throwing), but expect intense sun. Hill stations like Manali begin to look inviting. weather in india by month
The chill recedes in the North, making it perfect for outdoor activities like the Taj Mahal or tiger safaris in Ranthambore. Temperatures range from 10°C to 25°C. The South remains sunny and warm. February offers arguably the most comfortable weather nationwide. The Indian summer turns brutal
The Northeast Monsoon brings rain to Tamil Nadu (Chennai), but the rest of India is dry, cool, and sunny. Nights in the North become chilly (10°C–15°C). Daytime is ideal for hiking, heritage walks, and wildlife spotting. Goa’s tourist season begins now, as the humidity has finally vanished. Southern India remains hot but slightly moderated by
Rainfall decreases significantly. The northern skies clear up, and humidity drops. Southern India still receives residual showers (Chennai gets heavy rain in September). By the end of the month, the weather becomes pleasant again. This is the "shoulder season" for travel—green landscapes without the mud.
The Southwest Monsoon hits Kerala around June 1st and sweeps up the west coast. Mumbai receives torrential rain. The east (Kolkata) and northeast get flooded. Northern India remains hot and dry until late June. This is a "split" month: the West Coast is wet, while Delhi is still sweltering.
Winter is back. Northern India requires heavy woolens (0°C–10°C in the plains; snow in the mountains). South India is warm but comfortable (25°C–28°C). December is peak tourist season for beaches (Goa, Andaman) and deserts (Jaisalmer). Expect heavy fog in Delhi, which may delay flights and trains. Summary Table for Travelers | Month | North India | South India | Best For | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Jan | Cold, Foggy | Pleasant | Heritage & Desert | | Mar-Apr | Hot, Dry | Very Hot | Hill stations | | Jun-Jul | Rainy (late) | Very Wet | Ayurveda (Kerala) | | Oct-Nov | Perfect, Crisp | Mixed (Cyclones) | Festivals (Diwali) | | Dec | Very Cold | Warm & Sunny | Beaches & New Year | The Takeaway There is no "bad" month to visit India, only the wrong region for that month. October to March is ideal for most of the country. April to June is for the mountains. July to September is for the desert (post-rain) or experiencing the raw power of the monsoon on the west coast. Always pack for the specific latitude—you might need a parka in Shimla in January but flip-flops in Kanyakumari on the same day.