Dhaka in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Dhaka
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Pre-monsoon season means fewer tourists at major sites - expect 40-50% fewer crowds at Lalbagh Fort and this destination compared to winter months
- Mango season reaches peak quality - street vendors sell premium Langra and Himsagar varieties for ৳80-150 per kg (2.2 lbs), creating unique cultural experiences
- Evening boat rides on Buriganga River become magical with cooler temperatures after 6 PM and dramatic storm clouds creating impressive photography opportunities
- Hotel rates drop 25-35% from winter peak season, with luxury properties offering monsoon packages starting from ৳8,000-12,000 ($95-140) per night
Considerations
- Extreme heat and humidity make outdoor activities unbearable between 11 AM and 5 PM - feels-like temperatures reach 38°C (100°F) regularly
- Frequent power outages during storms can disrupt air conditioning for 2-4 hours, particularly affecting budget accommodations without backup generators
- Heavy afternoon downpours create severe flooding in Old Dhaka streets, making navigation difficult and sometimes stranding tourists for hours
Best Activities in May
Old Dhaka Heritage Walking Tours
Early morning exploration of Shakhari Bazaar and Armenian Church becomes essential in May heat. Start at 6 AM to experience authentic street life before temperatures soar. Narrow lanes provide natural shade, and fewer tourists mean genuine interactions with artisans. Monsoon clouds create dramatic backdrops for photography.
Buriganga River Sunset Cruises
May evenings on the river offer respite from city heat with cooling breezes. Pre-monsoon dramatic skies create spectacular sunsets, while traditional wooden boats provide real feels. Water levels are optimal, and evening temperatures drop to comfortable 28°C (82°F).
Indoor Cultural Experiences
May heat makes air-conditioned venues precious. Banjul, Liberation War Museum, and Dhaka Art Summit (if running) provide cultural immersion during unbearable midday hours. Traditional craft workshops in covered markets become comfortable refuges.
Traditional Market Food Tours
May brings peak mango season and unique monsoon preparations. Early morning markets showcase seasonal specialties impossible to find other times. Covered areas of Kawran Bazaar and Kolkata provide shade while experiencing authentic food culture before tourist season.
Monsoon Preparation Cultural Immersion
May offers unique insight into how locals prepare for monsoons. Visit traditional umbrella makers, observe flood preparation rituals, and learn about seasonal architectural adaptations. This authentic cultural experience exists nowhere else.
May Events & Festivals
Buddha Purnima
Buddhist community celebrates with prayers and processions at Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery and Merul Badda temples. Witness colorful decorations, traditional offerings, and peaceful ceremonies providing cultural insight into Dhaka's religious diversity.