May is one of the hottest months in the subcontinent, and it welcomes summer in the proper way in India. However, to get rid of that scorching heat of summer, May is the perfect time to visit north India, south India, and northeast India. In some specific parts of India, the weather remains quite pleasant.
From the hill stations of Himachal and Uttarakhand to the valleys of Kashmir, the weather is perfect for planning trips with your family, friends, or partner. So we can say that summer never comes alone. Even it allows you to relax, enjoy and travel. Therefore, in this post, we will share the best places you can visit in May in India.
Discover the Top 15 Destinations to Explore in India during May:
1. Kerala
Kerala, often described as a slice of paradise on Earth, is renowned for its stunning 600-kilometer-long coastline and lush beauty, making it an ideal summer destination. With temperatures ranging from a pleasant 22°C to a warm 35°C in May, visitors can enjoy both the soothing breezes along the coast and the lush landscapes inland. This time of year is perfect for exploring Kerala’s diverse offerings, from its serene backwaters to its vibrant mountains.
When planning your trip to Kerala this May, consider exploring iconic locales such as the verdant hills of Munnar, the historic Fort Kochi, the wildlife-rich Periyar National Park, the sun-kissed beaches of Kovalam, and the tranquil backwaters of Alleppey. Each location promises a unique blend of nature and culture, ensuring a memorable getaway.
For those looking to extend their stay, a variety of tailored travel packages are available, including a 3-night 4-day tour exploring Kerala’s highlights, a 5-day journey through the famous backwaters, and even extended itineraries that combine Kerala with other destinations like Mumbai, Goa, and the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur). These packages are designed to cater to diverse interests and timeframes, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable option.
Further enrich your travel plans by delving into the recommended articles and guides that detail the best places to visit in Kerala during different months, the most famous hill stations, and backwater destinations. Explore resources such as Tourist Attractions Kerala Visit in March, Top 8 Places to See in Kerala in April, and Kerala’s Famous Backwater Places to optimize your itinerary and experience the best of what Kerala has to offer during your visit. Plan your journey through reputable travel portals, ensuring a trip that’s as seamless as it is enriching.
2. Ladakh
Last but not least, Ladakh is another excellent place to visit in May. It is also a living paradise for adventure lovers and photographers. Your travel journey will be incomplete without visiting Ladakh. Therefore, you must visit this place once in your life.
During May, the temperature ranges from 16 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, which is quite comfortable. To get rid of the scorching heat of summer and explore the natural splendors, you must visit Ladakh this May. When you come to Ladakh make sure to visit Pangong Tso Lake, Nubra Valley, Zanskar Valley, Khardung La Pass, etc.
3. Jammu and Kashmir
It is known as the living paradise on Earth. These two states are famous for their scenic splendor, wildlife, snow-covered mountains, and exquisite monuments.
To explore all of these, surely you can head to Jammu and Kashmir this May. Here, you can explore the spectacular Karakoram and Pir Panjal mountain ranges. Besides, the culture and behavior of the local people will captivate you more.
In May, the temperature ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. So, overall you will experience comfortable weather this time in Jammu and Kashmir. When you come to Jammu and Kashmir, make sure to visit some places, including Gulmarg, Dachigam National Park, Aru Valley, and Vaishno Devi Temple.
4. Gangtok
Gangtok is extremely alluring and pleasantly beautiful. This place is covered with clouds. It is the capital of Sikkim and one of the best places to visit in May in India. The weather is quite comfortable here as the temperature ranges from 12 degrees Celsius to 19 degrees Celsius. The bright sunny days offer amazing views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Also, read 8 Famous Places to Enjoy Nightlife in Gangtok – Bar, Restaurant, Nightclub.
Besides, the blooming wild Rhododendrons look like vast fields of colorful carpets. Tsomgo Lake, Ban Jhakri Falls, Tashi Viewpoint, etc., are some excellent places to visit in Gangtok. Also, make sure to visit the Teesta River and experience river rafting over the river. Read Also: Top 10 Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Gangtok.
5. Ooty
This beautiful hill station is situated amidst the Nilgiri hills. Ooty is also known as Udagamandalam. This hill station of Tamil Nadu serves as a top-rated tourist destination. Formerly it was regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company. It is a picturesque getaway. Also, read Top 10 Popular Hotels in Ooty for Family.
The weather remains quite comfortable during May, and the temperature ranges from 11.4 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. So, surely you will get rid of the scorching heat of summer. Avalanche Lake, Emerald Lake, Ooty Lake, Deer Park, Doddabetta Peak, etc., are some popular places to visit in Ooty.
6. Spiti Valley
The long winding roads along with the valleys of Spiti Valley present unforgettable glimpses of a cold desert. Besides, the snow-covered mountains welcome you when you set foot into the Spiti Valley. This beautiful valley is located in Himachal Pradesh, and it is situated at an altitude of 12,5400 feet from sea level. So, if you want to get rid of the scorching heat of summer, you can plan a trip to the Spiti Valley.
In May, the temperature ranges from 0 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. So, you can spend the best summer here with your family and friends. Key Monastery, Kunzum Pass, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park, etc., are popular places to visit in Spiti Valley.
Click the package for the 6 Nights 7 Days Delhi to Spiti Valley Tour Itinerary.
7. Shimla
Shimla is mainly famous to honeymooners for its breathtaking beauty and excellent weather. This hill station will surely take your breath away with its spectacular beauty. It is also renowned for its Tibetan market or Christ Church. In May, it will be the perfect destination to explore. More details on the Visit Shimla Places in May.
The temperature ranges from 14.2 degrees Celsius to 22.9 degrees Celsius. Indeed, you will get some relief from the scorching heat of summer. Undoubtedly you will experience great traveling here in Shimla.
8. Bir Billing
This destination is heaven for paragliders and one of the most beautiful places to visit in May. Here, you will experience thrilling paragliding. Here the weather remains quite comfortable in May, and the temperature ranges from 11 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
Besides paragliding, you can experience river crossings, rappelling, rock climbing, etc. So, if you want to take a break from your daily monotonous life, then indeed, you can plan a trip to Bir Billing this May. Bir Tea Factory, Sherab Ling Monastery, and Chokling Monastery are excellent places to visit in Bir Billing.
Read Also:
- 12 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
- 10 Best Adventure Places in Himachal Pradesh
- Best Places To Visit In Himachal in August
- Top 10 Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh in April 2025
9. Lansdowne
It is another hidden gem of Uttarakhand, and it is the most surreal hill station in North India. Lansdowne is the land of peace and charm at the same time. We can assure you that the trip to Lansdowne will be an unforgettable one. In May, the temperature ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, which is quite pleasant for traveling. Also, read Top 20 Tourist Places to See in Uttarakhand.
So, if you want to find yourself peaceful and comfortable during May, then indeed you must plan a trip to Lansdowne. Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, St. Mary’s Church, Tip n Top, Darwan Singh Museum, etc., are some mandatory places to visit in Lansdowne.
The 2 Nights 3 Days Lansdowne Tour Package itinerary is available to view.
10. Shillong
It is the capital of Meghalaya and one of the best places to visit in India in May. Shillong is reckoned as the Scotland of the East for its natural surprises, and therefore travelers all across India come here to explore the natural beauty of this place. Shillong is full of exciting hiking trails, lush gardens, and waterfalls. Read More: 10 Most Famous Places to Visit in Shillong.
Indeed, for its excellent charm, it is the perfect summer destination in India. In May, the temperature here ranges from 15 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius. It is quite pleasant to enjoy your trip to Shillong. Some popular places in Shillong are Mawlynnong, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Museum, Mawsynram, etc. Also, read Top 20 Tourist Places to See in Meghalaya.
11. Mcleodganj
If you are a nature lover and want to explore mother nature at its best, then Mcleodganj will be the perfect destination for you. Of its spectacular natural beauty and pleasant weather, it is one of India’s best places to visit in May. You can plan a solo trip or go there with your friends, family, or partner. Mcleodganj is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. Read Also: By Ropeway, Travel from Dharamshala to Mcleodganj in 5 minutes
For adventure lovers also this place is quite popular. In May, the temperature here ranges from 22 degrees Celsius to 38 degrees Celsius. With this average temperature, you can travel here comfortably without any problem. Namgyal Monastery, Bhagsu Falls, Tsuglagkhang, Tibetan Museum, and Dal Lake are significant places to visit here. Also, read 12 Most Beautiful Hill Stations in Himachal Pradesh
Check the itinerary for the 2 Nights 3 Days Mcleodganj Tour Package.
12. Sandakphu
Sandakphu is mainly reckoned as the trekker’s paradise. It is located at an altitude of 3636 meters in the northwest part of Darjeeling, and Sandakphu is the highest peak in the whole Singalila mountain range. Here also, you will experience pleasant weather in May, and this time the temperature ranges from 6 degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius. Explore the information on the 10 Best Tourist Places in Darjeeling.
So, if you are a trek lover and want to experience a pleasant holiday with your family partner, or friends, then book your tickets and head to Sandakphu this May. Varsey Rhododendron Sanctuary, Chitrey, Tonglu, Tumling, and Singalila mountain range are some mandatory places to visit while visiting Sandakphu. Read Also: Top 10 Things to Do in Darjeeling.
13. Kotagiri
If you plan to visit a quiet and quaint place this summer, you can see Kotagiri. It is the oldest hill station in the Nilgiris. Besides, it offers the perfect backdrop in the lap of South India. From Ooty, it is situated at a distance of 30 kilometers. To witness the natural greens that combine with the clear blue skies, you must visit Kotagiri.
In May, the temperature ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. So, overall you will experience cool weather here in May. When you come to Kotagiri, visit other famous places like Catherine Falls, Longwood Shola, Kodanad View Point, Elk Falls, John Sullivan Memorial, etc.
Also, read articles:
- 7 Best Offbeat Places in Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu 8 Famous Hill Stations
- 5 Best Hill Stations Near Kodaikanal
- Top 10 Places to Visit near Coimbatore within 100 Km
14. Mahabaleshwar
Several magnificent views beautifully surround this place. This place is also perfectly bound by lush greenery and valleys from all sides. Mahabaleshwar is considered one of the best places to visit in May in India for its natural beauty. Also, it is viewed as the Queen of Hills. In May here also you will experience comfortable weather. More read: 6 Most Famous Places to See in Mahabaleshwar.
This time the temperature ranges from 20 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. So, you will experience comfortable weather here and enjoy your tour to the fullest. When you come to Mahabaleshwar, make sure to visit several places like Morarji Castle, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Mapro Garden, Lodwick Point, etc. Read Also: Top 8 Popular Hill Stations near Mumbai.
15. Kausani
It is another beautiful hill station located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at a distance of 51 kilometers from Almora. Here you will get the panoramic snow-clad view of the Himalayas dominated by the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchuli peaks. Besides, here you will see several pine forests. In May, the temperature ranges from 13 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. Read more information:
So, overall you will get a comfortable traveling experience. Anasakti Ashram, Kausani tea estate, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, Lakshmi Ashram, etc., are some popular places to visit in Kausani. So, to experience the beautiful weather with pleasant weather, you must visit Kausani this May. Also, read 15 Best Places to Visit Uttarakhand in July.
Conclusion
These are the ten best destinations that you can visit this May. We assure each of these mentioned places will give you a memorable experience. So without thinking more, get ready and head to any of these places. This summer will be more exciting and lively for you with these beautiful destinations.
