Last updated: August 21, 2025
In May, the enchanting city of Varanasi experiences a scorching heat wave, with maximum temperatures soaring to a blistering 44°C (112°F). The average temperature settles around a warm 33°C (91°F), offering a mix of sultry days and balmy evenings. Nighttime provides some relief with minimum temperatures dipping to 22°C (71°F). Although the month is predominantly dry, 4 days witness a modest precipitation of 33 mm (1.3 in), bringing a brief respite to the intense heat. With humidity levels hovering at around 37%, travelers can expect a rich tapestry of vibrant colors and cultural experiences, albeit with the need for plenty of hydration and sun protection.
In May, Varanasi heats up significantly as it transitions into the peak of summer. With temperatures starting at a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and soaring to a maximum of 44°C (112°F), the city experiences a blend of high heat and humidity. The average temperature climbs to 33°C (91°F), making it one of the warmest months of the year. This upward trend follows a noticeable rise from previous months, emphasizing May's position as a month of stark warmth. As the mercury climbs, both locals and visitors seek respite in the city's spiritual and historical sites, balancing exploration with the necessity of staying cool in the sultry summer sun.
In May, Varanasi experiences a noticeable increase in precipitation, with rainfall reaching 33 mm (1.3 in) over four days. This marks a significant uptick compared to previous months, such as April, where only 8 mm fell over three days. The shift in May signals the approaching monsoon season, which typically begins in June, characterized by much heavier rainfall. As the month progresses, the city's landscape begins to shift, hinting at the lush greenery to come, while also preparing locals for the upcoming deluges of June, which can reach 147 mm within 14 days. Thus, May serves as a transitional period, bridging the dry spell of winter and spring into the soggy embrace of the monsoon.
As the summer heat intensifies in Varanasi, May presents a notable shift in humidity, with levels rising to 37%. This marks an increase from the dry spring months of April, where humidity dipped to a refreshing 27%. While May is still relatively moderate compared to the subsequent monsoon months, it signals the transition towards a more humid climate. By June, Varanasi experiences a sharp uptick to 63% humidity, leading into the sweltering months of July through September, where humidity consistently hovers around 88% to 89%. The trend highlights the region’s journey from dry heat to the thick, oppressive humidity characteristic of the monsoon season, impacting both comfort and daily life for residents and visitors alike.
In May, Varanasi experiences a very high UV Index of 10, which signals a heightened need for sun protection, as the burn time is reduced to just 15 minutes. This peak is consistent with the intense UV exposure seen since April, where the index also reached 10. Following a gradual ascent from a high of 6 in January, the trend demonstrates that as summer deepens, so does the potential for skin damage. With June maintaining a UV Index of 9, the scorching sun persists, underscoring the importance of vigilance against harmful rays. For more information on UV exposure in Varanasi, visit Varanasi UV Index.
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As May arrives in Varanasi, India, the city basks in a radiant 363 hours of sunshine, marking the peak of its sunlit glory. This delightful trend of increasing daylight begins in January with 238 hours and steadily climbs, reaching a delightful high in May. Following this sun-soaked month, a slight dip occurs in June, where the hours still remain significant at 320 hours. This gradual rise from winter to summer not only enhances the vibrant atmosphere of the city but also invites locals and visitors alike to revel in the warmth of the season. As the summer sun makes its grand appearance, Varanasi truly thrives under a brilliant sky.
As the vibrant city of Varanasi transitions into May, the likelihood of experiencing sunny weather takes a notable dip, with only a 58% chance of sunshine. This marks a significant contrast to the preceding months, where sunshine was a prevalent companion, peaking at 91% in February and remaining above 80% through April. After May, the sunny days further decline, plummeting to just 28% in June and reaching a mere 10% in August. The trend highlights that while early months provide a brilliant canvas of sunshine, the arrival of pre-monsoon conditions in May starts to shift the weather landscape towards cloudier days. Embrace the remaining rays of sunshine this month before the rainy season ushers in a different atmospheric character.
As the year unfolds in Varanasi, India, daylight hours gradually increase, peaking in the warmer months. Starting with a modest 10 hours in January, the sun rises earlier and sets later, offering an extra hour of daylight by February and reaching a delightful 12 hours by March and April. As May arrives, daylight extends to 13 hours, marking the longest days of the year, which continue through June and July. Following this peak, daylight begins to wane, with August and September seeing a return to 12 hours. By the time October arrives, daylight diminishes to 11 hours, before settling back to 10 hours in the cooler months of November and December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunlight not only shapes daily life in Varanasi but also beautifully reflects the seasonal transitions of the region.
As May unfolds in Varanasi, the winds begin to shift ever so slightly, with an average wind speed of 2.4 m/s (5 mph). While this marks a small dip from the breezier conditions of April, when winds reached 2.6 m/s, it continues the subtle upward trend observed from the earlier months of the year. The gentle breeze in May, just as the heat of the summer starts to intensify, offers a delicate respite for residents and visitors alike. This mild wind speed hints at the transition towards the more consistent breezes of the upcoming monsoon months. As one reflects on the annual wind patterns, it's clear that May provides a transitional hush, balancing the warmth of pre-monsoon days with a refreshing undertone, preparing the city for the changing seasons ahead.
Weather in Varanasi varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Varanasi, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather between May and January, there's a stark contrast in temperature and humidity levels. May boasts a much warmer climate with average high temperatures reaching 33°C (91°F) and occasional peaks up to 44°C (112°F), while January remains cool and mild, with an average high of only 15°C (60°F) and maximum temperatures around 28°C (83°F). Additionally, May experiences significantly less precipitation, with 33 mm (1.3 in) over about four days, compared to January's meager 9 mm (0.3 in) on just one day. Moreover, January has a higher humidity level at 69%, which contributes to a markedly different atmospheric feel compared to the much drier May with only 37% humidity. For more details on January weather, you can check Varanasi weather in January.
May and February present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures soar, with minimums around 22°C (71°F) and maximums reaching up to 44°C (112°F), making it significantly hotter than February, which has a cooler average temperature of 19°C (67°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Additionally, May experiences a lower humidity level of 37%, compared to February's higher humidity at 55%, contributing to a more humid feel in the latter month. Precipitation is also more frequent in May, with 33 mm (1.3 in) over 4 days, in contrast to February's minimal 8 mm (0.3 in) over just 2 days. For more details on February weather, check out Varanasi weather in February.
When comparing the weather in March and May, a significant increase in temperature is evident. March features a minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) and an average of 25°C (78°F), reaching a maximum of 41°C (106°F). In contrast, May brings much warmer conditions, with minimum temperatures at 22°C (71°F) and average highs soaring to 33°C (91°F), peaking at an intense 44°C (112°F). Additionally, while March experiences lower humidity at 41% and just 18 mm of precipitation over 2 days, May sees reduced humidity at 37% with slightly more precipitation of 33 mm over 4 days. Overall, May is typically hotter and drier than March. For more detailed insights, check out Varanasi weather in March.
In comparing the weather of April and May, we observe that May generally presents warmer conditions. The minimum temperatures rise slightly from 19°C (66°F) in April to 22°C (71°F) in May, while the average temperature increases from 31°C (88°F) in April to 33°C (91°F). Interestingly, the maximum temperature in May reaches 44°C (112°F), just shy of April's peak of 45°C (113°F). In terms of precipitation, May sees a notable increase to 33 mm (1.3 in) over 4 days, compared to April's 8 mm (0.3 in) across 3 days. Humidity levels also rise from 27% in April to 37% in May, contributing to a more humid atmosphere. For more detailed insights, check out Varanasi weather in April.
May and June both feature warm temperatures, but a significant difference in weather patterns emerges between the two months. In May, the minimum temperature dips to 22°C (71°F), while the average maximum reaches a high of 44°C (112°F). The month experiences relatively low precipitation, with only 33 mm (1.3 in) spread over 4 days and humidity at 37%. In contrast, June sees a slight increase in the minimum temperature to 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 45°C (114°F), but it also brings much more rainfall, totaling 147 mm (5.8 in) over 14 days, coupled with a higher humidity of 63%. This shift from drier to wetter conditions makes June considerably more humid and rainy than May, impacting outdoor activities and comfort levels. For those looking to learn more about the specific weather conditions, check out Varanasi weather in June.
In May, the weather tends to be hot and dry, with minimum temperatures around 22°C (71°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 44°C (112°F). The average temperature sits at a sweltering 33°C (91°F), and the month sees relatively low precipitation, totaling 33 mm (1.3 in) over just four days, accompanied by a humidity level of 37%.
In contrast, July experiences a much cooler climate, with minimum temperatures rising to 25°C (77°F) and average temperatures around 30°C (87°F). However, it is considerably wetter, receiving an impressive 400 mm (15.8 in) of rainfall over 24 days, and the humidity soars to 88%. This stark difference makes July a far more humid and rainy month compared to the dry heat of May. For more detailed insights into conditions during this time, you can visit Varanasi weather in July.
May and August exhibit notable differences in weather patterns. May is characterized by much higher temperatures, with average highs reaching 33°C (91°F) and maximums soaring up to 44°C (112°F), while maintaining relatively low humidity at 37%. In contrast, August experiences milder temperatures, averaging 30°C (86°F) and peaking at 36°C (97°F). However, it compensates with significantly increased precipitation, totaling 311 mm (12.2 in) over 26 rainy days, resulting in much higher humidity levels at 89%. For more details, you can check out Varanasi weather in August.
May and September present strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and peaking at a scorching 44°C (112°F), while average conditions sit around 33°C (91°F). The month experiences limited rainfall, totaling just 33 mm (1.3 in) over four days, accompanied by relatively low humidity at 37%. Conversely, September offers a milder atmosphere with a minimum temperature of 24°C (75°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). However, this month brings significant rainfall, totaling 184 mm (7.3 in) across 20 days, resulting in much higher humidity at 89%. For a deeper insight into September's weather patterns, check out Varanasi weather in September.
May and October present contrasting weather conditions. In May, temperatures can soar with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and can reach a sweltering maximum of 44°C (112°F), while the average sits at a hot 33°C (91°F). The month experiences relatively low humidity at 37% and light precipitation, totaling 33 mm (1.3 in) over just four days. In comparison, October brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 17°C (63°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), averaging 27°C (81°F). This month also sees increased humidity at 89% and slightly more rainfall, totaling 36 mm (1.4 in) over five days. For more information on October in Varanasi, you can check Varanasi weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and can reach a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F), accompanied by relatively low humidity at 37%. Despite this heat, May experiences some rainfall, averaging 33 mm over four days. In contrast, November showcases much milder weather, featuring a minimum of 11°C (52°F) and a comfortable average of 22°C (72°F), peaking at a maximum of 33°C (92°F). Additionally, November is characterized by a stark lack of precipitation, with only 1 mm recorded across the month and a humidity level that rises significantly to 88%—providing a striking difference in climate. For more details, you can check out Varanasi weather in November.
May and December present stark contrasts in weather. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 22°C (71°F) and a maximum reaching up to 44°C (112°F), while average humidity sits at a comfortable 37%. Despite being a hotter month, May experiences moderate precipitation of 33 mm over about 4 days. In contrast, December sees much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (42°F) and an average of 17°C (63°F), peaking at 28°C (83°F). The humidity is significantly higher at 85%, but rainfall is minimal, totaling just 11 mm over 1 day. For more details, you can check Varanasi weather in December.
As May unfolds in Varanasi, the heat intensifies, ushering in sweltering days with maximum temperatures soaring to 44°C (112°F). This month stands out with its average warmth of 33°C (91°F), creating a stark contrast to the cooler months preceding it. While occasional rainfall adds a brief respite, with around 33 mm of precipitation on just four days, the overall humidity remains relatively low at 37%, allowing for a somewhat bearable tropical climate. As you explore the rich tapestry of Varanasi's weather, don’t miss out on learning more through the detailed insights available at Varanasi Climate.