Kolkata in May
Good time to visit
Brutal heat makes this the least comfortable month to visit. Only worth it if you're getting serious bargains and staying mostly indoors.
Weather
May is scorching with oppressive humidity reaching 85% and temperatures that make stepping outside feel like entering a furnace. The city slows down during midday hours. Occasional thunderstorms provide dramatic but short-lived relief.
38°C high28°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$25/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Kali Puja preparations
- •Buddha Purnima
May Tips
- •This is bargain season - hotel rates drop significantly
- •Plan indoor activities like museums, malls, and art galleries for afternoon hours
- •Carry oral rehydration salts - the heat can be genuinely dangerous
All Months
October through March is ideal — pleasant temperatures and clear skies. December and January are perfect, with highs around 25°C and cool evenings. This is also festival season with Kali Puja and Christmas celebrations. February brings spring and the famous Kolkata Book Fair. March starts getting warm but remains comfortable. Avoid April to September unless you enjoy 35°C+ heat and monsoon floods. The rains from June to September can be romantic but disruptive to sightseeing. October's post-monsoon freshness makes it a sweet spot for visiting.
Kolkata Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
5/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
9/10
Luxury
5/10
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