The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Varanasi. Temperatures rise (102°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (9% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup.
May ranks 11 out of 12 months in Varanasi. Compared to April: 5 pts more rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
9 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
muggy at times
16°
Daylight
13.2h of daylight
Air quality
poor
AQI 76
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Varanasi is November (9.4/10), 6.7 pts higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Varanasi
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Varanasi
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a city break.
Country · India
🗣️LanguageHindi
💶CurrencyIndian Rupee (₹)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘVery cheap · 1/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthApril · 102°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 72°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘAugust · 57%
🏛️ City break
📅Tourist peak seasonJune → August
☔Indoor sights ⓘYear-round
🚇Public transportGood
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Varanasi ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
IndiaTemperate climate with a 9.4 → 2.0 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
25.32°N · 83.01°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
November is the best month with 82°F highs, 61°F lows, 8.7h of sunshine and 1.0% rainy days. The months of November & February offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Varanasi get in November?
Varanasi averages 8.7 sunshine hours per day in November. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.2/10.
What is the rainiest month in Varanasi?
June is the most unfavourable month with June has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Varanasi in November?
In November, overnight lows reach 61°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Varanasi good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Varanasi scores 8.3/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains November with a score of 9.2/10.
When should you avoid Varanasi?
June is the most difficult month to visit Varanasi, with June has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Varanasi in May?
The average UV index reaches 9 in May in Varanasi (very high), with about 13.2h of daylight. Protection essential.