Things to Do in Chennai in May

May Weather in Chennai

37°C (98°F) High Temp

28°C (82°F) Low Temp

0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Peak mango season - roadside vendors sell fresh Alphonso and Banganapalli varieties at ₹80-120 per kg, and local households celebrate with traditional mango-based dishes
Pre-monsoon temple festivals including Vaikasi Visakam at major temples with elaborate processions and cultural performances in cooler early morning hours (5-8 AM)
Lowest accommodation rates of the year - luxury hotels offer 40-60% discounts as this is true low season before monsoon tourism picks up
Best month for authentic cooking classes as seasonal vegetables like drumstick flowers and raw mangoes are abundant in local markets

Considerations

Extreme heat makes outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable between 10 AM-5 PM with feels-like temperatures reaching 42°C (108°F)
Many beachside shacks in ECR (East Coast Road) close temporarily due to low tourist numbers and heat
Frequent power cuts during peak afternoon hours (1-4 PM) as city's power grid struggles with AC demand citywide

Best Activities in May

Early Morning Heritage Walking Tours

May's intense heat makes dawn the golden time for exploring Fort St. George, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Mylapore's streets. Between 5:30-8:30 AM, temperatures are tolerable at 28-30°C (82-86°F) and you'll experience authentic morning rituals including temple prayers and kolam drawings. Local vendors sell fresh filter coffee and idli for breakfast.

Booking Tip: Join group walks that start before 6 AM - typically ₹800-1,200 per person. Book 3-4 days ahead as many operators reduce frequency in May. Look for guides who provide bottled water and know air-conditioned rest stops.

Traditional Cooking Classes

May brings seasonal ingredients like tender drumstick leaves, raw mangoes, and neem flowers that are central to Tamil summer cuisine. Home-based classes teach cooling dishes like mor kuzhambu (buttermilk curry) and mango rice that locals eat to beat the heat. Air-conditioned cooking studios are essential.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes typically cost ₹2,500-4,000 including market visit and meal. Book with operators who have AC kitchens and provide transportation. Classes starting at 8 AM are cooler for market visits.

Mahabalipuram Day Trips

The coastal location offers slightly cooler temperatures than Chennai city, and May's clear skies provide excellent photography conditions for the Shore Temple and Five Rathas. Sea breeze makes outdoor exploration bearable in early morning and late afternoon. Fewer crowds mean better access to monuments.

Booking Tip: Full day tours cost ₹3,500-5,500 including AC transport and guide. Start at 6 AM to beat heat - tours ending by 2 PM work best. Ensure vehicle has working AC as the 60 km (37 mile) drive can be hot.

Museum and Art Gallery Tours

May's heat drives even locals indoors, making air-conditioned spaces like Government Museum, DakshinaChitra, and Cholamandal Artists' Village perfect for cultural exploration. Special summer exhibitions often debut in May before monsoon season.

Booking Tip: Entry fees range ₹20-200 per venue. Private guided tours cost ₹1,500-2,500 for half day. Book afternoon slots (2-5 PM) when outdoor activities are impossible. Look for combo tickets covering multiple venues.

Evening Marina Beach and Lighthouse Visits

After 5 PM, Marina Beach comes alive as the sea breeze provides relief from day's heat. Street food vendors serve cooling treats like ice gola and fresh coconut water. The lighthouse offers panoramic sunset views as temperatures drop to comfortable 32°C (90°F).

Booking Tip: Beach access is free, lighthouse entry ₹30. Evening food tours cost ₹1,200-1,800 per person. Visit between 6-8 PM for best weather and sunset lighting. Avoid midday visits when sand temperature exceeds 45°C (113°F).

Air-Conditioned Shopping and Spa Experiences

May drives locals to malls and traditional spa centers for relief. Experience authentic Ayurvedic treatments designed for summer heat like cooling oil massages, or shop for handloom cottons at air-conditioned textile showrooms in T. Nagar during the hottest afternoon hours.

Booking Tip: Spa treatments range ₹2,000-6,000 for 90-minute sessions. Book afternoon appointments (1-4 PM) when outdoor sightseeing is impossible. Traditional massage centers often offer May discounts of 20-30% to attract customers during low season.

May Events & Festivals

Mid May

Vaikasi Visakam Festival

Major celebration at Kapaleeshwarar Temple and other Murugan temples featuring elaborate processions, classical music concerts, and traditional dance performances. Devotees carry kavadi and participate in early morning rituals to avoid afternoon heat.

Late May

International Mango Festival

Celebrates Chennai's mango season with tastings of 200+ varieties, mango-based food competitions, and cultural programs. Held in air-conditioned venues with early morning and evening sessions to accommodate the weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Ultra-light cotton or linen clothing in light colors - avoid synthetic fabrics which trap heat in 70% humidity

Wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses for UV index of 8-9 during peak hours

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - reapply every 2 hours as Chennai's sun is intense even through clouds

Electrolyte powder or tablets - you'll sweat significantly and need to maintain sodium levels

Portable fan or cooling towel for waiting at bus stops and outdoor queues

Light scarf or dupatta to cover shoulders in temples and provide neck protection from sun

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - sandals can cause burns on hot pavement reaching 50°C (122°F)

Insulated water bottle to keep drinks cool - carry minimum 2 liters (68 oz) daily

Light rain jacket or umbrella for sudden evening thunderstorms lasting 20-30 minutes

Cooling face mist or wet wipes for quick refreshment during outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Chennai's power grid is most unstable 1-4 PM in May due to AC overload - book hotels with generator backup and carry a power bank

Local buses and autos are cheaper but lack AC - use Ola/Uber AC cabs for distances over 2 km (1.2 miles) during daytime

Traditional 'nannari' (sarsaparilla) and 'neer mor' (spiced buttermilk) from street vendors are natural coolants locals swear by - costs ₹20-40

Many restaurants offer special 'summer menu' items like watermelon curry and mint rice - ask servers about cooling dishes not on regular menu

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 10 AM-5 PM when heat index makes it dangerous - stick to early morning or evening

Underestimating water needs - most tourists require 3-4 liters (101-135 oz) daily but only carry small bottles

Wearing dark colors or synthetic fabrics that amplify heat absorption and reduce sweat evaporation in high humidity