Things to Do in New Delhi in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in New Delhi
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Pre-monsoon shoulder season means significantly fewer tourists at major sites like Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar - you'll actually get decent photos without crowds, though locals know to avoid midday heat
- Mango season is at its absolute peak in May, with dozens of varieties flooding the markets. Head to Khari Baoli or Azadpur Mandi early morning to see the legendary Alphonso, Langra, and Chausa varieties that Delhi residents wait all year for
- Indoor attractions like museums and galleries are blissfully empty, and the air-conditioned National Museum or Crafts Museum become genuine refuges where you can spend hours without fighting crowds
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to peak winter season, and you'll have serious negotiating power for upgrades. Properties that were ₹8,000-10,000 in February often go for ₹5,000-6,000 in May
Considerations
- The heat is genuinely intense - 39°C (103°F) feels more like 45°C (113°F) with the humidity, and the infamous 'loo' winds can make afternoons almost unbearable. Outdoor sightseeing between 11am-5pm is honestly miserable
- Those 10 rainy days listed are misleading - May typically sees dust storms and occasional pre-monsoon squalls that bring more wind and drama than actual relief. When they hit, visibility drops and the city basically shuts down for an hour
- Air quality can be problematic with dust storms kicking up particulates, though it's generally better than winter months. Still, sensitive travelers might struggle with the combination of heat, humidity, and haze
Best Activities in May
Early Morning Heritage Walks in Old Delhi
May mornings between 6-9am are actually perfect for exploring Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, and the narrow lanes of Shahjahanabad before the heat becomes oppressive. The light is beautiful, street food vendors are setting up, and you'll see the city waking up without the usual tourist crowds. By 10am you'll want to be indoors anyway, so this timing works perfectly with May's weather patterns.
Cooking Classes in Air-Conditioned Home Kitchens
May is actually ideal for indoor cultural experiences, and Delhi's home cooking classes let you learn regional dishes while escaping the heat. You'll typically spend 3-4 hours learning to make 4-5 dishes, and many hosts time classes for late morning to early afternoon when outdoor activities are least appealing. Plus, May's mango abundance means you might learn seasonal desserts like aamras or mango kulfi.
Lotus Temple and Bahai Gardens Visits
The Lotus Temple's marble structure stays surprisingly cool even in May heat, and the surrounding gardens are maintained year-round. Visit at opening time (9am) or late afternoon (after 4:30pm) when temperatures drop slightly. The meditative indoor space offers genuine respite, and May's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually find quiet corners for reflection.
National Museum and Gallery Circuit
May weather makes Delhi's world-class museums genuinely appealing rather than obligatory. The National Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, and Crafts Museum are all air-conditioned sanctuaries with incredible collections you can explore for hours. May's thin crowds mean you'll have galleries nearly to yourself, and the 2-3 hour midday window when outdoor activities are impossible becomes prime museum time.
Lodhi Garden Sunrise Photography and Bird Watching
Lodhi Garden between 5:30-7:30am in May offers the best combination of tolerable weather and beautiful light. The 15th-century tombs photograph beautifully in early morning haze, and May is actually decent for spotting resident birds before migratory species leave. By 8am you'll want to leave, but those early hours are genuinely pleasant and you'll see serious Delhi joggers and yoga practitioners using the space.
Evening Food Tours in South Delhi Markets
May evenings after 6:30pm become bearable, and South Delhi markets like Hauz Khas Village, Saket, or Khan Market come alive with food stalls and restaurants. Evening food tours let you sample street food when temperatures drop to 32-34°C (90-93°F) and the city exhales after the day's heat. You'll try 8-10 dishes over 3 hours, and May means seasonal specialties like aam panna and raw mango chutneys.
May Events & Festivals
Buddha Purnima
Falls in May most years and is celebrated beautifully at Buddhist sites across Delhi. The most atmospheric celebrations happen at the Buddha Jayanti Park near the Ridge, where thousands gather for prayers, meditation, and cultural programs. Tibetan settlements in Majnu Ka Tila also host special ceremonies and serve traditional food. The evening prayers around sunset are particularly moving.