May is peak summer in India, but it is also one of the best months to travel if you choose the right destinations. While the plains face rising temperatures, hill stations, tea regions, and mountain valleys offer cool weather, clear skies, and excellent road-trip conditions. This is the perfect season for family vacations, honeymoon trips, and long scenic drives.
This detailed guide helps you choose the best destinations based on weather, travel style, and trip duration, along with route ideas, itineraries, and practical travel tips.
Best Places to Visit in India in May
| Destination | Region | Avg Temp in May | Ideal Trip Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manali | Himachal | 10–25°C | 4–6 days | Snow + adventure |
| Spiti Valley | Himachal | 0–15°C | 7–10 days | Road trips |
| Bir Billing | Himachal | 15–28°C | 3–4 days | Paragliding |
| Shimla | Himachal | 15–30°C | 3–5 days | Family trips |
| Mussoorie | Uttarakhand | 18–30°C | 3–4 days | Weekend trips |
| McLeodganj | Himachal | 12–25°C | 3–4 days | Trekking + cafés |
| Darjeeling | West Bengal | 10–20°C | 4–5 days | Tea gardens |
| Ooty | Tamil Nadu | 12–22°C | 3–5 days | Cool weather |
| Coorg | Karnataka | 15–25°C | 3–4 days | Coffee hills |
| Kerala | South India | 22–32°C | 6–8 days | Backwaters |
Best Hill Stations to Visit in India in May
Manali
Manali becomes one of the most popular summer destinations because nearby high-altitude areas like Rohtang Pass and Solang Valley remain snow covered while the town enjoys pleasant weather.
Why visit in May
- Snow activities still available
- Paragliding and river rafting season
- Clear mountain views
Top experiences
- Rohtang Pass snow visit
- Solang Valley adventure sports
- Old Manali cafés and temples
Ideal trip: 4–5 days
Best route: Delhi → Manali road trip (12–14 hrs)
Spiti Valley
Spiti Valley begins welcoming travellers in May after months of winter closure, which makes it one of the most exciting destinations to visit during this time. The landscape looks dramatic with partially frozen lakes, snow-covered peaks, and crystal-clear skies. Traveling here feels like entering a cold desert filled with monasteries, remote villages, and breathtaking mountain roads, making it a dream destination for photographers and road-trip enthusiasts.
Why May is special
- Manali–Spiti route opens
- Frozen landscapes with clear skies
- Perfect season for road trips and biking
Must-visit places
- Key Monastery
- Chandratal Lake
- Kaza town
- Hikkim and Langza villages
Ideal trip: 8–10 days
Bir Billing
Bir Billing is an absolute paradise for paragliders and ranks among the most extraordinary places to explore in North India during May. Located 14 kilometers apart and overflowing with adrenaline, Billing is the designated take-off spot, while Bir is designated as the landing spot. Together, they make Bir Billing one of the popular places to visit in India in May.
Top experiences
- Tandem paragliding
- Monastery visits
- Café hopping
- Short treks and camping
Weather in May: 11°C to 25°C
Darjeeling
Darjeeling is popular for its tea plantations and stunning views of the Himalayan mountains. May is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is clear and the tea gardens are in full bloom.
Weather in May: 11-19 Degree Celsius
Things to do: Visitors can also ride on the famous Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, visit local monasteries, and indulge in local cuisine.
Kerala
With a stunning coastline stretch of approximately 600 kilometers, Kerala is a little paradise that ranks among India’s top tourist destinations for summer vacations and honeymoons during May. With a perfect blend of mountains, nature, beaches, and backwaters adorned with palm trees, a Kerala holiday package offers everything you need for an idyllic summer holiday.
Weather in May: 22°C to 35°C
Things to do: Catch a Kathakali dance performance, explore the tea estates, embark on a houseboat ride in the serene backwaters, learn some Kalaripayattu techniques, and indulge in an invigorating Ayurvedic massage.
Ooty
Ooty is a picturesque hill station known for its scenic beauty and pleasant weather. May is a perfect time to visit, as the beautiful flowers are in bloom, and the weather here is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking and sightseeing.
Weather in May: 25-30 Degrees Celsius
Things to do: You can ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, visit the Ooty Botanical Gardens, and enjoy the region’s scenic beauty.
Shimla
Shimla is a great destination for families that travel to cool off during hot weather in the summer; it has many benefits, such as an amazing climate, beautiful colonial architecture and easy access to the city, making it an ideal choice. With its blend of heritage buildings, scenic views, and fun attractions, there’s something for everyone, whether young or old.
Highlights
- Mall Road and Ridge
- Kufri adventure park
- Jakhu Temple
- Naldehra viewpoints
Weather in May: 17-31 Degree Celsius
Things to do: Tourists can ride on the Kalka-Shimla Railway, visit the Jakhu Temple, and indulge in local cuisine.
Coorg
Coorg is a coffee growing region that is famous for its scenery and tranquility. May (a good time to visit) is a comfortable temperature with an abundance of vegetation, which makes this a place where you can relax, enjoy nature, and find peace and quiet away from crowded mountain resorts.
Weather in May: Max 35 Degree Celsius
Things to do: You can enjoy the coffee plantations, lush green forests, and stunning waterfalls of the region. Visitors can try local food and enjoy the region’s beauty.
Mussoorie
One of the nearest mountain retreats from Delhi is Mussoorie, and therefore the place is very much in demand throughout the month of May. This small hill station has some of the best views of the Himalayas, beautiful colonial-style streets and a number of refreshing waterfalls. All of these factors make short trips by car to Mussoorie very appealing, as the distance is short and the climate is comfortable enough for weekend getaways or short vacations.
Weather in May: 28 Degree Celsius
Things to do: People can enjoy panoramic Himalayas and Doon Valley views. You can also ride in the cable car, visit local waterfalls, and indulge in local cuisine.
McLeod Ganj
McLeodganj offers a unique blend of Himalayan scenery and Tibetan culture, which sets it apart from the usual hill stations. May brings clear skies and comfortable trekking weather, which attracts backpackers and nature lovers. The relaxing atmosphere, along with the monasteries and mountain cafes, creates the perfect balance between adventure and leisure travel.
Weather in May: 22°C to 38°C
Things to do: Embark on a city sightseeing tour, relish a boat ride on Dal Lake, trek, camp, hike on Triund, unwind at Shiva Cafe, and indulge in shopping at the local markets.
Best Honeymoon Places in India in May
Top romantic destinations:
- Manali for snow views and adventure
- Kerala for houseboat stays
- Darjeeling for tea gardens and mountains
- Ooty for cool weather and scenic views
These destinations offer privacy, pleasant weather, and romantic experiences.
How to Plan Travel in India in May
Booking tips
- Book hotels 3–4 weeks early
- Start sightseeing early morning
- Carry light woollens for hills
- Avoid plains destinations during daytime
Packing checklist
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket
- Reusable water bottle
Conclusion
Mountain road trips, hill station holidays & family vacations are very popular in the summer. You can choose from relaxing in Kerala to an adventurous road trip to Spiti Valley. By booking your transport and your accommodation early, you will have a stress-free and adventurous journey when you go on a holiday this way.
If you plan on going on a holiday in May, be sure to plan early so you can get the best routes, accommodations & experiences.
FAQ’s
Spiti Valley, Manali, Darjeeling, Ooty, and Munnar remain cool in May, with temperatures often ranging between 0°C and 20°C, making them perfect escapes from the intense summer heat in most Indian plains.
Top hill stations for May travel include Manali, Shimla, Mussoorie, Ooty, Coorg, McLeodganj, and Darjeeling because they offer pleasant weather, scenic landscapes, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Yes, Spiti Valley usually becomes accessible in May when the Manali–Spiti route reopens after winter, offering clear skies, snow-covered landscapes, and perfect conditions for road trips and adventure travel.
Avoid the North Indian plains, central India, and desert regions like Rajasthan during May because temperatures often exceed 40°C, making sightseeing uncomfortable and limiting outdoor activities.
Manali, Kerala, Ooty, and Darjeeling are among the best honeymoon destinations in May due to their pleasant weather, scenic landscapes, romantic stays, and availability of relaxing and adventure experiences.
Shimla, Mussoorie, Ooty, and Kerala are ideal for family vacations in May because they offer comfortable weather, easy accessibility, family-friendly attractions, and a wide range of sightseeing options.
Popular road trips in May include Delhi to Manali, Chandigarh to Spiti Valley, and Bangalore to Ooty because mountain routes open after winter and offer scenic drives with pleasant weather conditions.
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