Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Delhi, India, May ushers in intense heat, with temperatures peaking at a scorching 45°C (113°F) and averaging a warm 32°C (90°F). As the city transitions into the sweltering summer, nighttime lows offer slight relief at a minimum of 20°C (69°F). Despite the oppressive heat, the month records 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over a mere 5 days, contributing to a 27% humidity level that can make the air feel even more suffocating. With the combination of high temperatures and limited rainfall, May in Delhi presents a challenging climate for residents and visitors alike.
In May, Delhi experiences a noticeable escalation in temperatures, with minimums hovering around 20°C (69°F) and averages rising to 32°C (90°F), culminating in blistering maximums of up to 45°C (113°F). This month marks a significant transition as the summer heat intensifies, making it one of the hottest periods of the year. After the relatively mild April, the sweltering conditions of May thrust Delhi into the peak of its summer season, often prompting a surge in humidity that can elevate the discomfort level. With warmer days ahead, residents and visitors alike brace themselves for the sweltering sun, while seeking relief in the shade or air-conditioned havens.
In May, Delhi experiences a marked uptick in precipitation, recording 32 mm (or 1.3 in) over the month, distributed across 5 days. This is a slight increase from the minimal rainfall in April, which saw just 15 mm (0.6 in) over 3 days. May's rainfall serves as a precursor to the monsoon season, setting the stage for the intense downpours that follow in June and July. As temperatures rise, the increasing precipitation hints at the changing climate, with a noticeable transition from the dry months earlier in the year, making May a vital bridge into the lush, rainy season of Delhi.
As Delhi transitions into May, the humidity begins to rise modestly to 27%, a slight increase from the preceding months, where it hit a low of 24% in April. This gradual climb marks the onset of the sweltering summer, paving the way for the monsoon season that follows. Interestingly, the humidity in May remains relatively comfortable compared to the dramatic spikes seen in the upcoming months, especially in July and August, when levels soar to a staggering 70% and 89%, respectively. As the year progresses, the humidity continuously escalates, illustrating a clear trend of increasing moisture leading into the lush, rainy season, while the dry months of winter offer a refreshing contrast.
In May, Delhi experiences a very high UV Index of 10, aligning with the previous month, April, and marking the peak of the pre-monsoon intensity. With a burn time of just 15 minutes, this month underscores the importance of sun safety—especially as the city transitions into the hotter months ahead. As the UV Index tends to rise sharply in June, reaching an extreme level of 12, residents should be vigilant in protecting their skin. Throughout the year, there's a clear trend of increasing UV exposure as spring gives way to summer, with January starting at a moderate level of 5 and gradually escalating to the intense rays of mid-year. For more detailed insights, visit Delhi UV Index.
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As May unfolds in Delhi, India, the city basks in an impressive 364 hours of sunshine, marking it as one of the sunniest months of the year. This radiant month continues the upward trend seen since the beginning of the year, where sunshine steadily increased from 227 hours in January to a bright 344 hours in April. The arrival of May not only brings more daylight but also signals the transition into the warmer months, with June maintaining high sunshine levels at 355 hours. This consistent rise highlights Delhi's vibrant spring, setting a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities before the monsoon clouds arrive. As the year progresses, the sunlight gradually begins to taper off, but May shines as a peak, inviting both residents and travelers to relish the elaborate tapestry of light that envelops the city.
As May rolls in, the likelihood of sunny weather in Delhi, India, takes a noticeable dip compared to its preceding months. With a 69% chance of sun, May marks a transition from the bright, clear days of April (80%) to the more unpredictable climate that awaits in June (75%). This trend highlights a gradual decrease in sunny days as the city edges closer to the monsoon season, creating a unique blend of warmth and anticipation. Although the chances are still relatively high, May's weather offers a reminder of the fleeting sunny spells before the arrival of seasonal rains.
In Delhi, India, the arrival of May marks a delightful peak in daylight duration, with the sun gracing the sky for an impressive 13 hours. This month stands out as a transition point, where daylight begins to stabilize, having increased steadily from 10 hours in January. Following the gradual rise through February and March, spring flourishes in April with 12 hours of daylight, paving the way for the luxuriant light of May. Interestingly, the prolonged daylight continues into the early summer months of June, July, and August, each maintaining that same 13-hour glow, before tapering off in the autumn months. As daylight reduces to 12 hours in September and gradually back to 10 hours by December, it resonates like a rhythmic cycle, accentuating the changing seasons in this vibrant city.
In May, Delhi experiences a gentle breeziness with an average wind speed of 2.6 m/s (6 mph), consistent with the winds of January and March. This moderate airflow provides a refreshing contrast to the rising temperatures as the city transitions into the hotter months. While April sees a slight uptick in wind speed at 3.0 m/s (7 mph), May maintains a comfortable balance, hinting at the stability of winds in early summer. Interestingly, wind speeds begin to taper off in the following months, showcasing a gradual shift from the more invigorating breezes of spring to the calmer conditions that characterize the onset of the monsoon season in June and July. Overall, May stands out as a pleasant month of breezy yet mild air, encouraging outdoor enjoyment before the summer heat intensifies.
Weather in Delhi varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Delhi, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average high reaching up to 32°C (90°F), occasionally peaking at a scorching 45°C (113°F). The humidity is relatively low at 27%, with limited rainfall of 32 mm over 5 days. In contrast, January features much cooler weather, with temperatures dropping to a minimum of 2°C (36°F) and an average of only 13°C (56°F), peaking at 26°C (79°F). It also sees more precipitation, totaling 42 mm across 3 days, along with a higher humidity level of 53%. For more details, you can check Delhi weather in January.
May and February present a stark contrast in weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with minimums around 20°C (69°F) and maximums reaching a sweltering 45°C (113°F), while February enjoys much cooler averages, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 5°C (42°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Despite similar precipitation levels—both months receiving around 32 mm (1.3 in)—February experiences cooler, more humid conditions with humidity at 46%, compared to May’s dry atmosphere at just 27%. For further details on February's weather, visit Delhi weather in February.
In comparing the weather between May and March, May presents significantly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a scorching average of 32°C (90°F), peaking at 45°C (113°F). In contrast, March is notably cooler, featuring temperatures ranging from a minimum of 8°C (47°F) to a maximum of 39°C (102°F), with an average of 22°C (73°F). Interestingly, both months receive similar amounts of precipitation, around 34 mm (1.3 in) over 5 days, though humidity is slightly lower in May at 27% compared to March's 33%. For further details on March weather in Delhi, please visit Delhi weather in March.
In comparing the weather between April and May, April features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 16°C (61°F) and an average of 29°C (85°F), peaking at 44°C (111°F). The month experiences less precipitation, totaling only 15 mm (0.6 in) over 3 days and maintaining a humidity level of 24%. In contrast, May sees temperatures increase significantly, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average high of 32°C (90°F), reaching up to 45°C (113°F). Precipitation also rises to 32 mm (1.3 in), occurring over 5 days, and humidity levels increase slightly to 27%. For more detailed information, you can check out Delhi weather in April.
May and June both showcase the sweltering heat typical of the region, though June tends to be slightly warmer on average. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) with an average of 32°C (90°F). The month experiences about 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over 5 days and a humidity level of 27%. In contrast, June has a minimum temperature of 22°C (71°F), an average temperature of 33°C (91°F), and the same maximum of 45°C (112°F). However, June sees increased rainfall, accumulating 50 mm (2.0 in) over 8 days and a higher humidity of 31%. For more detailed information, check Delhi weather in June.
In May, the weather is characterized by scorching highs, reaching up to 45°C (113°F), with an average temperature of 32°C (90°F) and a relatively low humidity of 27%. The month sees only moderate rainfall, with about 32 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation over 5 days. In contrast, July experiences more moderate temperatures with a minimum of 25°C (76°F) and an average of 31°C (88°F). However, the humidity rises significantly to 70%, and the month is marked by substantial rainfall, accumulating around 209 mm (8.2 in) over 20 rainy days. For more detailed insights into the weather dynamics in July, you can check Delhi weather in July.
May and August present contrasting weather extremes. In May, temperatures can soar to a high of 45°C (113°F), with an average of 32°C (90°F) and a relatively low humidity of 27%. Precipitation is limited, with only 32 mm (1.3 in) recorded over about 5 days. In comparison, August experiences milder temperatures, with a maximum of 37°C (99°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F). However, it is much wetter, receiving 175 mm (6.9 in) of rain over approximately 20 days and a significantly higher humidity level of 89%. For more details, check out Delhi weather in August.
May and September present contrasting weather conditions. May boasts higher average temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 20°C (69°F) to a maximum of 45°C (113°F), with an average of 32°C (90°F). It typically experiences low precipitation, measuring only 32 mm (1.3 in) over about 5 days, and has a humidity level of 27%. In contrast, September features milder temperatures, with a minimum of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 38°C (100°F), resulting in an average of 29°C (85°F). This month is characterized by significantly higher rainfall, accumulating 147 mm (5.8 in) across 13 rainy days, and the humidity spikes to a moist 87%. For more detailed insights, check out Delhi weather in September.
May and October present striking differences in weather patterns. In May, the temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and can peak at an intense 45°C (113°F), accompanied by relatively low humidity at 27%. Precipitation is modest, averaging 32 mm (1.3 inches) over about 5 days. Conversely, October offers a much cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 13°C (56°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), and a more humid atmosphere at 84%. Rainfall is also reduced, totaling around 18 mm (0.7 inches) over just 2 days. For more detailed information, check out Delhi weather in October.
May and November in Delhi present contrasting weather characteristics. In May, temperatures soar, with minimums around 20°C (69°F) and highs reaching up to 45°C (113°F), averaging a sizzling 32°C (90°F). The month also sees limited precipitation, totaling 32 mm (1.3 in) over approximately 5 days, and it boasts a low humidity of 27%. In stark contrast, November offers a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a cool 8°C (48°F) to a pleasant average of 20°C (67°F), peaking at 32°C (89°F). Additionally, November experiences significantly less rainfall, with only 11 mm (0.4 in) on just 1 day, and is characterized by high humidity levels at 81%. For more detailed weather insights, visit Delhi weather in November.
May and December present strikingly different weather conditions. In May, temperatures can soar with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and an average high reaching up to 45°C (113°F), accompanied by low humidity at 27%. The month experiences some rainfall, totaling 32 mm (1.3 in) over about five days. In contrast, December brings a much cooler climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (39°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F) and a significantly higher humidity level of 76%. Precipitation is minimal in December, with only 9 mm (0.3 in) falling over just one day. For more detailed insights, you can check Delhi weather in December.
As May settles over Delhi, the weather can be characterized by its intense heat, with temperatures often soaring to their peak, marking a significant shift from the milder conditions experienced in earlier months. With an average of 32°C, the warmth can be palpable, while the humidity remains relatively low at 27%, providing some relief. Unlike the preceding months, May also sees a rise in sporadic rainfall, averaging 32 mm over about five days, hinting at the onset of the pre-monsoon season. This unique climate pattern not only makes May distinct but also sets the stage for the upcoming monsoons. For more insights on how May weather fits into the overall climate of the city, check out Delhi Climate.