May · India
Best time to visit Varanasi in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Varanasi in May
Average temperature 35°C, 16 mm of rain, about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 29% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
6.3/10
Ranked #7 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 35°C
- Rainfall
- 16 mm
- Humidity
- 29%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 31
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Varanasi scores 6.3/10 for sightseeing and cultural travel - ranked #7 of 12. Expect around 35°C, 16 mm of rain, and roughly 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Varanasi's ghats step down to the Ganges, with bathing, cremation fires, and evening aarti along the river.
May in Varanasi — workable with trade-offs
At 35°C (96°F), May is at its most extreme: early starts are not optional, and afternoons belong indoors.
With around 16 mm of rain, any showers tend to pass through rather than settle in; about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 13.2 hours of daylight fill the rest.
That is 6.3/10 on the same scale — 7th of 12 months, versus 9.4/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary.
Expect mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
If your dates are flexible, February is materially better in Varanasi — 3.1 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Varanasi in May?
- In May, Varanasi averages 35°C, 16 mm of rain, and about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 6.3/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Varanasi?
- May earns a 6.3/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Varanasi in May?
- Expect about 16 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 29% and there are about 31 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Varanasi
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Varanasi
Varanasi, India. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.