Weather in Goa in May

How May compares

May is the 2nd warmest month of the year in Goa and ranks 7th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within India it is 1st of 2 (India in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Goa is 15.9°C warmer by day and 18.0°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Goa peaks at 32.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 34.0°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 26.3°C; one night in ten drops to 25.0°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 36.5°C (2004-05-06) and the coldest night 21.6°C (1995-05-20).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 8 days with 1 mm or more, 66 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2006 with 438 mm, the driest 2003 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 29.6°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 28.6°C to 30.3°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.7 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:06 and sets about 18:57 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 55%.

Is May a good time to visit Goa?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Goa on our scoring are February, January, December; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Expect heat that lasts into the evening

May is among Goa's hottest months, with 93% of days reaching 30°C. That makes heat something to plan around, not an occasional inconvenience. Keep active outings for earlier in the day, leave room for shaded breaks and avoid packing the midday hours with walking. Loose, light clothing and accommodation with effective cooling are sensible priorities. Average night lows of 26.3°C mean evenings offer limited relief, so do not expect the cool finish to the day you might get on a UK summer holiday. This month is a better fit for a slow pace than for being outdoors and active all day.

Rain needs a place in your plans

There are about 8 rainy days in May, so a holiday built entirely around dry weather is a gamble. That does not mean every wet day is a washout, but the monthly figures cannot tell you when rain will arrive or how long it will last. Keep outdoor plans flexible and have something you would be happy doing under cover. Sunshine averages about 5.7 hours a day within 12.7 hours of daylight: there is scope for sunny spells, but not a basis for expecting clear skies throughout. A light waterproof is useful; with this heat and humidity, heavy rainwear is unlikely to be comfortable.

Warm water, but not much cooling off

The sea averages 29.6°C, making water temperature unlikely to put you off swimming. The catch is that it will feel warm rather than provide a sharp contrast with the air. If your ideal holiday involves time in the water and plenty of rest between outings, May has a clear appeal. Warm water alone, though, does not establish safe swimming conditions, so follow local advice before going in. For time beside the sea, prioritise shade and sun protection rather than treating cloud as a reason to skip them. Rain and persistent warmth make a flexible beach routine more sensible than a fixed daily schedule.