Things to Do in New Delhi in May

May Weather in New Delhi

39°C (103°F) High Temp

26°C (78°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Pre-monsoon freshness - occasional evening thunderstorms clear the air and drop temperatures to comfortable 24°C (75°F)
Museum and monument season - perfect weather for indoor cultural sites like National Museum and Red Fort before 11am and after 5pm
Mango season peak - street vendors sell 15+ varieties including rare Chausa and Dasheri for ₹50-150 per kg
Wedding season tail-end - luxury hotels offer 30-40% discounts as peak wedding season ends

Considerations

Extreme afternoon heat reaches 42°C (108°F) - outdoor sightseeing between 11am-5pm is genuinely dangerous
Dust storms (called 'andhi') strike 3-4 times per month with zero visibility and flight delays
Water shortages affect some areas - budget hotels may have limited hot water during peak summer demand

Best Activities in May

Early Morning Red Fort and Old Delhi Walking Tours

Start at 6am when temperatures are still manageable at 24°C (75°F). May is perfect for exploring Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid before the crushing heat hits. The golden hour light on Red Fort's sandstone walls is spectacular, and street food vendors are setting up fresh stock.

Booking Tip: Book heritage walking tours 5-7 days ahead, typically ₹1,200-2,500 per person. Look for operators offering early 6am starts and indoor breaks at Jama Masjid. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Air-Conditioned Food Tours with Summer Specialties

May is peak season for cooling summer foods - kulfi, lassi, and raw mango preparations. Food tours focusing on climate-appropriate dishes are ideal when outdoor temperatures soar. Markets like Khan Market and Lajpat Nagar offer AC food courts perfect for midday breaks.

Booking Tip: Book food tours with AC transportation and indoor dining stops, typically ₹2,000-3,500 per person. Priority booking 10-14 days ahead as demand peaks when outdoor activities become impossible. See current options in booking section below.

Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens Sunset Tours

Late afternoon visits (5-7pm) to Mughal monuments are magical in May. The harsh sunlight creates dramatic shadows on Indo-Islamic architecture, and evening temperatures drop to comfortable 30°C (86°F). Lodhi Gardens becomes a local gathering spot for evening picnics during hot weather.

Booking Tip: Book evening monument tours starting after 5pm, typically ₹800-1,500 per person. Many operators offer sunset photography tours specifically designed for May's harsh but beautiful light conditions. See current tours in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Experiences - Museums and Galleries

May drives locals and smart tourists indoors during peak heat hours. National Museum, India Gate area museums, and Connaught Place galleries offer AC relief while delivering world-class cultural experiences. This is prime time for leisurely museum exploration without crowds.

Booking Tip: Pre-book museum combo tickets online to avoid outdoor queuing, typically ₹500-1,200 per person for multiple venues. Many offer special May promotions for indoor attractions. Check current cultural tour packages in booking section below.

Yamuna River Evening Boat Rides

Evening boat rides on Yamuna offer respite from city heat with river breezes dropping felt temperature by 3-4°C (5-7°F). May evenings provide clear visibility of Delhi's skyline and are popular with locals escaping the heat. Water activities become premium experiences during hot season.

Booking Tip: Book evening river tours departing after 6pm, typically ₹600-1,200 per person. Operators run special summer schedules with later departure times to avoid afternoon heat. See current river tour options in booking section below.

South Delhi Mall and Market Experiences

May transforms Delhi's AC malls into cultural destinations. Select City Walk, DLF malls, and covered markets like Karol Bagh become gathering spaces. Smart travelers use these as bases for exploring local shopping, dining, and people-watching during peak heat hours.

Booking Tip: Book guided shopping and market tours with AC transportation between venues, typically ₹1,000-2,200 per person. Focus on operators offering indoor market experiences and cultural shopping insights. See current shopping tour options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Mango Festival at Talkatora Garden

Delhi's premier celebration of 550+ mango varieties from across India. Includes tastings, cooking demonstrations, and cultural programs. Perfect indoor-outdoor hybrid event designed for hot weather with shade structures and cooling stations.

Throughout May

Summer Raag Festival at India Habitat Centre

Classical music festival featuring traditional ragas composed specifically for hot summer weather. Air-conditioned venues showcase how Indian classical music traditionally provides psychological cooling during extreme heat.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Wide-brimmed hat and UV protection clothing - UV index reaches dangerous level 8, and Delhi's dust amplifies sun exposure

Lightweight cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester which becomes unbearable in 70% humidity and 39°C (103°F) heat

Electrolyte packets or ORS - dehydration happens fast when temperatures exceed body temperature for 6+ hours daily

Dust mask or N95 - dust storms reduce visibility to 50m (164 ft) and aggravate breathing

Portable phone fan or cooling towel - essential for outdoor monument visits and metro station waits

Insulated water bottle holding 1L (34 oz) minimum - you'll drink 3-4L (0.8-1.1 gallons) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen - reapply every 90 minutes as Delhi's dry heat and dust reduce effectiveness

Light rain jacket - pre-monsoon thunderstorms bring sudden 20-30 minute downpours on 10 days in May

Comfortable closed-toe shoes - sandstone monuments become scorching hot, reaching 60°C (140°F) surface temperature

Cooling packs or instant cold compress - for heat exhaustion first aid during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Follow the 'Delhi Double Split' schedule locals use: activities at 6-11am, indoor rest 11am-5pm, resume outdoor activities 5-8pm

Thursday-Sunday see 40% fewer tourists at monuments as domestic weekend travelers avoid May heat - book these days for better experiences

Metro stations become informal cooling centers during dust storms - carry your metro card as emergency heat refuge costs only ₹20-40

Book accommodations in South Delhi or New Delhi areas - these have better power backup for AC during frequent May power cuts that affect older areas like Old Delhi

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor sightseeing between 11am-5pm - this causes genuine heat exhaustion and ruins entire days

Underestimating water needs - tourists require 4-5L (1.1-1.3 gallons) daily but only pack small bottles, leading to dehydration

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics - these become dangerously hot and prevent natural cooling in extreme temperatures