Things to Do in Kolkata in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Kolkata
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Kali Puja preparation season - witness artisan workshops crafting clay idols in Kumartuli potter's quarter without tourist crowds
- Mango season peak - taste 40+ varieties at New Market including rare Himsagar and Langra varieties unavailable other months
- Air-conditioned venues showcase best cultural programs - Rabindra Sadan hosts premier Bengali theatre productions avoiding monsoon cancellations
- Hotel rates 30-40% lower than winter peak season with excellent availability at heritage properties
Considerations
- Brutal afternoon heat makes outdoor sightseeing between 11am-5pm nearly unbearable - many locals avoid streets entirely
- Power cuts increase during heat waves, affecting AC in budget accommodations and some restaurants
- Pre-monsoon humidity creates oppressive conditions - sweat through clothes within 10 minutes outdoors
Best Activities in May
Heritage Building Indoor Tours
May's heat makes air-conditioned colonial buildings like Victoria Memorial, Indian Museum, and Marble Palace ideal refuges. Bengali Heritage Walking Tours focus on interior spaces during peak heat hours 11am-4pm. Morning slots 7-10am offer cooler outdoor segments.
Howrah Bridge Sunrise Photography
May mornings (5:30-7am) offer stunning clear skies before heat haze sets in. The 705m (2,313 ft) cantilever bridge and flower market below are most photogenic in golden hour light. Locals gather for morning walks, creating authentic street scenes.
Traditional Bengali Cooking Classes
Indoor cooking experiences perfect for hot afternoons. Learn seasonal May specialties using fresh mangoes, including Aam Dal (mango lentil curry) and Chingri Malaikari (prawn curry). Classes run 2-4 hours in air-conditioned kitchens.
Hooghly River Evening Cruises
Post-sunset cruises (7-9pm) offer relief from day's heat while viewing illuminated Howrah Bridge and colonial architecture. May evenings have minimal rain risk compared to monsoon months. Cool river breezes provide natural air conditioning.
Dakshineswar Temple Complex Visits
Early morning (5-8am) temple visits avoid crushing afternoon heat at this riverside Kali temple. The 12 Shiva temples and main complex offer spiritual respite. River views provide cooling breezes unavailable in city center.
Air-Conditioned Shopping and Cultural Centers
May heat makes mall-hopping and cultural centers like Nandan Cinema Complex ideal activities. Experience Bengali cinema, browse handloom textiles at government emporiums, and enjoy food courts during peak heat hours 12-5pm.
May Events & Festivals
Rabindra Jayanti Celebrations
May 9th marks Rabindranath Tagore's birthday with city-wide cultural programs, poetry recitations, and music performances. Major venues like Rabindra Sadan host special evening concerts celebrating Bengal's Nobel laureate.
Kali Puja Preparation Season
Artisans in Kumartuli begin crafting clay idols for October's Kali Puja. Visit pottery workshops to witness traditional techniques passed down generations. Less touristy than Durga Puja preparations but equally fascinating.