Weather in Kerala in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Kerala and ranks 18th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within India it is 2nd of 2 (India in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Kerala is 13.2°C warmer by day and 17.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Kerala peaks at 29.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 31.1°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 25.6°C; one night in ten drops to 24.7°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 33.2°C (2016-05-01) and the coldest night 23.8°C (2004-05-27).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 27 days with 1 mm or more, 294 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1998 with 611 mm, the driest 1996 with 113 mm. Humidity averages 85%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 29.7°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 29.1°C to 30.5°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (29.9°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 2.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.5 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:04 and sets about 18:39 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 82%.

Is May a good time to visit Kerala?

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

Hot days, with little cooling after dark

Kerala feels much hotter than London in May, where the average daytime high is 17°C. Here, temperatures reach 30°C on 52% of days, so plan around sustained warmth rather than treating hot weather as an occasional bonus. Humidity makes light, loose clothing a sensible choice, and strenuous outings are better kept away from midday. Overnight lows average 26°C, which means evenings are still warm rather than a chance to cool down properly. Prioritise a room with effective cooling if heat affects your sleep. This month suits travellers comfortable with humid conditions more than those who prefer mild days and fresh nights.

Keep outdoor plans flexible

Rain is the main compromise in May, not a minor interruption to an otherwise sunny month. With wet days so frequent, leave room to rearrange outdoor plans and carry rain protection that is comfortable in humid heat. Sunshine averages about 2.3 hours within 12.5 hours of daylight, so long days do not translate into long stretches of sun. There is still scope to spend time outside, but fixed plans that depend on dry weather are a gamble. Choose clothing that dries easily and keep belongings protected from downpours. If dependable sunshine matters more than warmth, January, February or March would be a better starting point.