Start of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Kochi in May
Kochi edges cooler than April, with highs of 86°F (30°C), lows of 80°F (27°C) and about 11.2 in (284 mm) of rain.
With a comfort score of 38/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by rain.
- Avg high
- 86°F (30°C)
- Avg low
- 80°F (27°C)
- Rain
- 11.2 in (284 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 76%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 27 min
- Comfort score
- 38/100 · Tough
What May feels like
Expect proper heat: afternoons average 86°F (30°C), so plan walking and hiking for the morning and save midday for shade, lunch or a swim.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 80°F (27°C).
Humidity averages 82%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
It's a very wet month, with around 11.2 in (284 mm) of rain, so keep plans flexible and have indoor backups ready.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 76%.
Plan around May
May is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are December – February.
- Comfort slips from 55/100 in April to 38/100.
- Our Kerala Backwaters & Tea Hills route recommends Oct – Mar, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes86°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics82% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes11.2 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Kochi in May
Wet days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Kashi Art Cafe
Gallery café in a Dutch-era house, known for coffee, breakfasts and cakes.
Why now A sit-down stop to wait out showers in a month with 11.2 in of rain.
St. Francis Church
India's oldest European-built church, where Vasco da Gama was first buried in 1524.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop for a month with 11.2 in of rain.
Kayees Rahmathulla Cafe
Long-running Mattancherry canteen famed for Malabar-style biryani.
Why now Easy to slot in when May's rain moves in.
Jew Town spice market
Lanes of spice warehouses, antique shops and textile stores in Mattancherry.
Why now A good rainy-day backup in May.
Fort House Restaurant
Waterfront hotel restaurant serving Kerala seafood curries and fried fish.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 86°F.
Nearby in May
- Alleppey & Kumarakom in May~33 mi · highs 86°F, 11.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Munnar in May~56 mi · highs 73°F, 8.7 in rain · 7°C (13°F) cooler by day, drier
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Kochi in May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Kochi?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 38/100, held back mainly by rain. The best months are December – February. Expect highs of 86°F (30°C) and 11.2 in (284 mm) of rain. Our Kerala Backwaters & Tea Hills route recommends Oct – Mar, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Kochi in May?
Average highs are 86°F (30°C) and average lows 80°F (27°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kochi in May?
Yes: about 11.2 in (284 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 104.4 in (2653 mm).
What should I pack for Kochi in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (86°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (82% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (11.2 in of rain on average).
Planning Kochi in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.