Verdict: Tough month
Varanasi Weather in May
May is seriously hot in Varanasi — days average 39°C (102°F), so plan mornings out and afternoons in the shade or the water. Rain is occasional — about 5 wet days in a typical year. If your dates are flexible, most travelers will have a better time in Varanasi outside May.
Average high
39°C / 102°F
Average low
26°C / 79°F
Rain days
~5
Precipitation
40 mm
What to pack for Varanasi in May
- Light, breathable clothing — linen and technical fabrics earn their keep
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes — every guide on this site assumes you'll use them
May against the rest of the year
Warmest in Varanasi: May (39°C / 102°F) · Coolest: Jan (21°C / 70°F) · Wettest: Aug (~26 rain days)
21°
10°
Jan
26°
13°
Feb
32°
18°
Mar
38°
23°
Apr
39°
26°
May
37°
28°
Jun
34°
27°
Jul
32°
26°
Aug
32°
26°
Sep
31°
22°
Oct
28°
16°
Nov
24°
12°
Dec
Daily highs / lows in °C · bars show rain days per month · ERA5 climate normals (2020–2024)