Last updated: August 21, 2025
In Kolkata, India, the month of May brings a warm and humid ambiance, characterized by a maximum temperature reaching up to 40°C (103°F) and an average of 30°C (87°F). While the minimum temperature hovers around 22°C (72°F), residents experience an average humidity of 56%, adding to the sultry conditions. May also sees an increase in rainfall, with a total precipitation amount of 132 mm (5.2 in) spread across 14 days, providing a much-needed respite from the heat while contributing to the lush greenery that the city is known for.
In Kolkata, May marks a definitive shift into the warmer months, characterized by an average temperature of 30°C (87°F). As the city heats up, nighttime lows elevate to 22°C (72°F), while daytime highs can soar to a staggering 40°C (104°F). This month often serves as a precursor to the intense heat of summer, with temperatures reflecting a gradual increase from the previous months, particularly following the warmer April. The rising temperatures in May indicate the onset of the Indian subcontinent's sultry season, making it the perfect time to explore the vibrant culture while seeking refuge from the heat in the city's many parks and eateries.
In Kolkata, May marks a significant transition as the city experiences a notable surge in precipitation, with 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain recorded over approximately 14 days. This represents a substantial increase from the previous months, where rainfall was relatively low, particularly in January (6 mm) and February (20 mm). As temperatures begin to rise, the humidity and rain set the stage for the monsoon season, which intensifies dramatically in June with 265 mm (10.4 in). The gradual increase in rainfall from March's 43 mm to May's downpour not only signals a shift in weather patterns but also prepares the lush landscapes of Kolkata for the forthcoming monsoon. This wet weather trend is indicative of the climatic changes characteristic of this vibrant, bustling metropolis.
As May arrives in Kolkata, the humidity begins to rise, reaching 56%—a notable increase from the drier months of March and April. This upswing signals the transition into the monsoon season, as June is poised to bring even higher humidity levels. The month of May serves as a pivotal marker, bridging the cooler, less humid days of early spring with the sweltering, tropical conditions of summer. Coupled with the increasing temperatures, this spike in humidity can make the climate feel particularly oppressive, hinting at the impending heavy rains that will transform the landscape in the subsequent months. As humidity levels soar towards the peak of the monsoon from July to September, May acts as a precursor to the dramatic climatic shifts that define Kolkata's weather pattern.
As May rolls into Kolkata, the UV Index peaks at a striking 12, categorizing the exposure level as extreme. This signifies a significant increase from the already intense readings of previous months, marking a transition that demands caution. With a burn time of just 10 minutes, those venturing outdoors should take precautionary measures to protect their skin. Notably, the trend shows a gradual escalation in UV levels from the moderate indexes of January’s 5 to the severe extremes of May and June. It's essential for residents and visitors alike to stay informed and prepared. For more detailed insights, check out the Kolkata UV Index.
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As summer approaches, May shines brilliantly in Kolkata, recording an impressive 345 hours of sunshine. This peak of sunlight marks a subtle upward trend throughout the months, with April’s 330 hours paving the way for May's splendor. The city's residents relish the warmth before the monsoon season sets in, as sunshine hours gradually decrease in June to 282 hours. Interestingly, this seasonal fluctuation reveals a clear pattern: the months leading up to the summer are characterized by growing brightness, providing a vivid backdrop to the vibrancy of Kolkata's culture and life. The energetic atmosphere of May encapsulates a sense of anticipation and joy as the city basks in the glory of longer, sunnier days.
As May approaches in Kolkata, the likelihood of sunny weather drops to 49%, marking a significant decline from the earlier months of the year. This trend reveals a seasonal shift, as the city transitions from January's robust 87% chance of sunshine to the looming monsoon season, characterized by the stark 18% probability of clear skies in June. April still retains a healthier 63% likelihood of sun, but as the heat intensifies in May, the chances of sunny days wane. Ultimately, these statistics highlight a month where sunshine becomes a fleeting treasure, hinting at the impending rain-soaked days ahead.
In Kolkata, India, May heralds a delightful shift in daytime as daylight stretches to a generous 13 hours. This increase marks a steady climb from 10 hours in January and gradually building through the months, reaching its peak in May alongside the onset of summer. The pattern demonstrates an initial rise during the early year, with March and April enjoying 12 hours each, before May's abundant sunshine begins to dominate the summer landscape. Following May, daylight remains consistent for a few months, allowing for long, bright evenings, while the days gradually shorten again as autumn approaches. The rhythm of daylight throughout the year in Kolkata not only signals seasonal changes but also shapes the vibrant lifestyle in this bustling city.
As the sweltering summer approaches, May in Kolkata experiences a slight uptick in average wind speed, reaching 3.3 m/s (7 mph), making it one of the breezier months of the year. This gentle increase from April's 3.1 m/s brings a refreshing contrast to the rising temperatures, hinting at the onset of the monsoon season just around the corner. Following May, the wind remains relatively consistent, hovering around the same speeds into June and July, before gradually tapering off toward the end of the summer. Overall, the trend highlights a peak in wind activity during the early summer months, providing brief yet welcomed relief from the city's heat.
Weather in Kolkata varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Kolkata, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January present stark contrasts in weather patterns. May boasts significantly higher temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 30°C (87°F), peaking at 40°C (103°F). This month also sees considerable precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, resulting in a humid environment at 56%. In contrast, January offers much cooler conditions, where temperatures range from a minimum of 10°C (50°F) to an average of 19°C (66°F), with a maximum of 31°C (89°F). Precipitation is minimal in January, totaling just 6 mm (0.2 in) over a single day, while humidity remains relatively stable at 55%. For more details on January's climate, visit Kolkata weather in January.
When comparing the weather in May and February, it's clear that May experiences significantly warmer temperatures, with average highs reaching 30°C (87°F) and peaks of up to 40°C (103°F), while February's temperatures are more moderate, averaging 22°C (72°F) and maxing out at 35°C (96°F). Furthermore, May sees much higher precipitation, averaging 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, contrasting sharply with February's minimal rainfall of just 20 mm (0.8 in) over only 1 day. Additionally, humidity levels are higher in May at 56%, compared to February's 45%. For a more in-depth look at weather conditions during February, you can visit Kolkata weather in February.
In comparing the weather between March and May, it is clear that May experiences significantly higher temperatures, with an average of 30°C (87°F) compared to March's 27°C (81°F). The maximum temperatures soar to 40°C (103°F) in May, while March peaks at a more moderate 37°C (100°F). Additionally, May is notably wetter with 132 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation across 14 days, while March sees only 43 mm (1.7 in) over 5 days. Humidity levels also rise in May to 56%, compared to March’s lower 32%, contributing to a more uncomfortable atmosphere. For more detailed information, check out Kolkata weather in March.
In comparing the weather of May and April, both months exhibit warm temperatures, but May tends to be slightly hotter overall. While April has a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 30°C (86°F), May begins at a higher minimum of 22°C (72°F) and reaches the same average of 30°C (87°F). The maximum temperatures are comparable, with April peaking at 39°C (103°F) and May slightly surpassing it at 40°C (103°F). Additionally, May experiences increased precipitation, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, compared to April's 89 mm (3.5 in) across 11 days. The humidity also rises dramatically in May, reaching 56%, whereas in April, it is notably lower at 30%. For a more detailed look at April’s weather, check out Kolkata weather in April.
In comparing the weather of May and June, both months maintain a warm average temperature of 30°C (87°F), but June experiences slightly higher minimum temperatures, averaging 25°C (77°F) compared to May's 22°C (72°F). In terms of precipitation, June is significantly wetter, with 265 mm (10.4 in) spread over 25 days, whereas May sees 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days. Additionally, June has a marginally higher humidity at 60%, increasing the overall muggy feel compared to May's 56%. For more detailed information on the weather patterns during this time, you can refer to Kolkata weather in June.
May and July exhibit noticeable differences in weather patterns. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 40°C (103°F), with an average of 30°C (87°F). The month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, and the humidity hovers around 56%. In contrast, July sees higher minimum temperatures starting at 26°C (78°F), but a lower maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average that remains similar at 30°C (86°F). Rainfall significantly increases in July, amounting to 353 mm (13.9 in) spread over 29 days, leading to a much higher humidity level of 84%. For more detailed insights into weather conditions in July, visit Kolkata weather in July.
In May, the weather typically features warmer temperatures with a minimum of 22°C (72°F) and an average of 30°C (87°F), reaching a maximum of 40°C (103°F). The month sees around 132 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over 14 days, with a humidity level of 56%. In contrast, August presents a more humid atmosphere with temperatures that range from a minimum of 25°C (78°F) to an average of 29°C (85°F), peaking at 36°C (97°F). August experiences significantly higher rainfall, totaling 353 mm (13.9 in) over 30 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 86%. For more detailed information on August weather, check out Kolkata weather in August.
May and September in Kolkata present contrasting weather patterns indicative of the shifting seasons. In May, temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 40°C (103°F), with an average around 30°C (87°F). The month experiences moderate rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, alongside a humidity level of 56%. In contrast, September brings higher humidity, soaring to 86%, and a cooler temperature range with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 35°C (96°F). Precipitation significantly increases during this month, accumulating to 278 mm (10.9 in) over 27 days. For more details on September weather, check Kolkata weather in September.
May and October present distinct weather patterns, showcasing a transition from the hotter early summer to the cooler autumn months. In May, temperatures typically range from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a maximum of 40°C (103°F), with an average of around 30°C (87°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, with 132 mm (5.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 14 days, accompanied by a humidity level of 56%.
In contrast, October features slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), along with an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). This month sees an increase in rainfall, totaling 178 mm (7.0 in) over about 16 days, and notably higher humidity levels at 83%. For more detailed insights into October's climate, you can refer to Kolkata weather in October.
May and November present contrasting weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 22°C (72°F), averaging 30°C (87°F) and peaking at a sweltering 40°C (103°F). This month also sees considerable rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over 14 days, while humidity sits around 56%. In stark contrast, November enjoys milder temperatures ranging from a minimum of 14°C (57°F) to an average of 24°C (76°F), peaking at 33°C (92°F). Rainfall significantly drops to 51 mm (2.0 in) across just 3 days, accompanied by higher humidity levels at 73%. For more details, check out Kolkata weather in November.
In May, the weather is significantly warmer and more humid compared to December. Temperatures can soar from a minimum of 22°C (72°F) to a scorching maximum of 40°C (103°F), with an average around 30°C (87°F). This month also experiences substantial rainfall, totaling 132 mm (5.2 in) over about 14 days, which adds to the humidity of 56%. In contrast, December brings much cooler temperatures, ranging from a minimum of 10°C (51°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). The month is drier, with only 51 mm (2.0 in) of precipitation over just 2 days and a higher humidity level of 69%. For more specific details about December's weather patterns, you can refer to Kolkata weather in December.
As May unfolds in Kolkata, the weather takes a distinctive turn, marked by soaring temperatures that often reach up to 40°C (103°F), creating a stark contrast to the cooler months that precede it. With an average temperature around 30°C (87°F), the city sizzles under the relentless sun, making it one of the hottest months of the year. The increased humidity, hovering at 56%, coupled with sporadic rainfall—totaling approximately 132 mm over 14 days—further enhances the tropical feel, typical of Kolkata’s summer. This blend of heat and humidity makes May a unique precursor to the monsoon season, setting the stage for the lush transformation that follows. For a further understanding of the weather patterns, explore Kolkata Climate.