How Much Rainfall Will Mumbai Receive in May – Latest IMD Advisory, What To Expect!

The transition from hotter summer months into cooler pre-monsoon months occurs in Mumbai during May. The meteorological conditions expected this year will also be the same as in previous years. Long, hot days are predicted this year and will only be interrupted by brief, heavy downpours at the end of May. The India Meteorological Service has indicated that the total anticipated precipitation for May will be limited but will be unevenly distributed over time. Therefore, Mumbai will experience large numbers of hot days and intermittent short, intense rainfall(s) during May 2023.

What the IMD Forecast Indicates

The overall forecast indicates that Mumbai will have a two-phase pattern in May 2026.

The first half of May will have dry air and increasing humidity due to rising daily temperatures. Rainfall will be minimal during the first half of May, and there may be isolated cloud build-up on some days.

The last half of the month will experience changes to the atmosphere (i.e., with the increase of moisture into the atmosphere from the Arabian Sea which will lead to the buildup of instability, leading to frequent pre-monsoon shower activity, thunderstorms, and occassional heavy rainfall during the last 10-12 days of May).

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Expected Rainfall Pattern and Numbers

The month of May has typically had low total amounts of rainfall in Mumbai, averaging only 10 – 15 mm total.

For May 2026, we are forecasting that the total amount of rainfall may be slightly below to slightly above the average of 10 – 15 mm.

Why May Rain Feel More Intense Than It Is

May rains often produce the illusion of being much greater than they are due to the heat build-up in the area and a sudden influx of rainfall coinciding with:

• High winds and/or thunderstorms
• Heavy lightning
• Sudden drops in temperature and a rise in humidity
• Until the monsoon begins, the drainage systems throughout the city have not been tested, so virtually any amount of rain can create temporary flooding and other travel related issues.

Temperature and Humidity Impact

Even though it rains in Mumbai, there will not be any ongoing cool weather in May.

The daytime temperature will be 34-37 degrees Celsius (93.2-98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), and the night temperature will be warm. When it rains, it will momentarily bring some relief; however, with the added moisture, it will result in higher absolute humidity, causing humidity to feel hotter rather than cooler.

What This Means for Residents

In your daily life, these conditions make it so you cannot predict or expect to experience the same type of weather in the same manner every day or week. There will be stretches of hot and humid weather with an occasional sudden thunderstorm that will impact either your travel or ability to be outside. Therefore, you should be ready for both extremes (high temperatures and sudden rain) at different times of the same week or day.

Final Words

Rainfall in May in Mumbai is characterised by quick bursts of rain, with rain coming in a sudden and impactful manner. Therefore, the city will still be very hot and humid with very brief periods of rain, and the city will prepare itself for the onset of its regular monsoon systems.

FAQs

1. Will Mumbai receive heavy rain in May 2026?

No, there will be some heavy rain in May, but in short periods of time. Most rain will occur during the last half of the month.

2. Is May the onset of the monsoon season?

No. The monsoon season does not begin until June. What you will experience in May is some pre-monsoon activity.

3. Are there going to be large drops in temperature once the rain hits?

For a short time, the air will become more humid as a result of the precipitation.

4. When can you expect rain the most?

It’s highly possible to see rainfall from late May to the end of the month, with the greatest chance being after the middle of the month.