Chittagong in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Chittagong

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

333 mm (13.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Green season beauty - The monsoon transforms Chittagong's hills into lush emerald landscapes, with waterfalls at Sitakunda Eco Park reaching peak flow and the Karnaphuli River at its most dramatic
Comfortable morning temperatures (25-28°C/77-82°F) perfect for exploring Patenga Beach and Foy's Lake before the afternoon heat and rain arrive around 2-3 PM
Mango season peak - Local varieties like Langra and Himsagar are at their sweetest, available at Chawk Bazaar for ৳80-150 per kg, plus jackfruit season overlaps creating incredible street food opportunities
Fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices - Hotels in GEC Circle and Agrabad areas offer 30-40% discounts compared to winter peak season, with easier booking at top properties

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms lasting 45-90 minutes disrupt outdoor plans - expect to seek indoor shelter between 2-5 PM most days with sudden downpours and 60+ km/h (37+ mph) winds
High humidity (70%+) makes walking outdoors exhausting after 11 AM, particularly challenging for exploring hilly areas like Chittagong University campus or climbing to Bayezid Bostami shrine
Transportation delays common - waterlogged roads in areas like Nasirabad and Khulshi can add 30-60 minutes to journey times, and ferry services to nearby islands may be cancelled on stormy days

Best Activities in May

Cox's Bazar Beach Day Trips

May offers the perfect balance for beach visits with warm morning temperatures ideal for the 150 km (93 mile) journey. The monsoon creates dramatic wave action and fewer crowds, though afternoon storms provide natural air conditioning. Early morning departures (6-7 AM) allow full beach enjoyment before rain typically starts around 2 PM.

Booking Tip: Book air-conditioned transport 7-10 days ahead as road conditions can change rapidly. Day trips typically cost ৳2,500-4,000 including transport and lunch. Look for operators offering flexible timing and covered waiting areas. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Chittagong Hill Tracts Cultural Tours

The green season transforms the hill districts into spectacular landscapes, with tribal villages surrounded by mist-covered peaks. May's moderate morning temperatures (25-27°C/77-81°F) are perfect for the winding hill roads to Bangladesh and Bangladesh. Rain creates cooler afternoons ideal for indoor cultural experiences and traditional craft workshops.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages work best in May, typically ৳8,000-12,000 for 2-3 days including permits, accommodation, and meals. Book through licensed operators with proper tribal area permits. Weather-flexible itineraries essential. Check current availability in booking section below.

Karnaphuli River Sunset Cruises

May's dramatic weather creates impressive sunset photography opportunities as storm clouds break over the port. The river is at its highest level, allowing boats closer to industrial areas and better views of ship-breaking yards. Cruises typically run 5-7 PM, timing perfectly between afternoon storms and evening calm.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises cost ৳800-1,500 per person with snacks included. Book day-of based on weather conditions - operators typically decide by 3 PM if cruises will run. Look for covered boats with life jackets. Current cruise options available in booking section below.

Traditional Market Food Tours

May is exceptional for food experiences as monsoon brings peak mango and jackfruit seasons. Morning market tours (7-11 AM) in Chawk Bazaar and Reazuddin Bazaar showcase seasonal produce before afternoon heat. The rain creates perfect excuse for extended indoor dining at traditional restaurants serving hot monsoon specialties.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours range ৳1,200-2,000 including tastings and transport between markets. Book morning slots (7-11 AM) to avoid heat and rain. Look for tours including seasonal fruit tastings and traditional monsoon dishes. Browse current food tour options in booking section below.

Indoor Cultural Center Experiences

May's afternoon rains make it perfect for exploring Chittagong's museums, cultural centers, and traditional craft workshops. The Ethnological Museum and Zia Memorial Museum offer air-conditioned respite during the hottest hours (12-4 PM). Traditional weaving and pottery workshops in covered areas provide hands-on experiences while rain creates atmospheric backdrop.

Booking Tip: Museum entries typically ৳50-200, workshops ৳500-1,500 including materials. No advance booking needed for most venues, making them perfect spontaneous rain-day activities. Check opening hours as some close during prayer times. Current cultural experiences in booking section below.

Sitakunda Eco Park Waterfall Trekking

May transforms Sitakunda's waterfalls into roaring cascades, with Chandranath Hill's streams at peak flow. The 29 km (18 mile) drive from Chittagong leads to dramatically lush forest trails. Morning treks (6-10 AM) avoid both heat and afternoon storms while showcasing the monsoon's spectacular natural displays.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ৳1,500-2,500 including transport and guide. Essential to start early (6 AM departure) and carry rain gear for sudden showers. Look for packages including waterfall access and hill temple visits. Waterproof shoes mandatory. Current eco-park tours in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Early to Mid May

Buddha Purnima Celebrations

The Buddhist community's most important festival typically falls in early-mid May, with elaborate celebrations at temples in Raozan and Chittagong city. Processions, traditional foods, and temple illuminations create unique cultural experiences, especially beautiful against monsoon's dramatic skies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms hit suddenly with 60+ km/h (37+ mph) winds and last 45-90 minutes

Waterproof day pack covers - essential for protecting electronics and documents during unexpected downpours while exploring markets or outdoor sites

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid synthetic fabrics in 70%+ humidity as they trap moisture and become uncomfortable within hours

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even on cloudy days, and reflection off wet surfaces increases exposure

Closed-toe waterproof shoes with good grip - many streets flood 15-30 cm (6-12 inches) deep and become slippery during storms

Umbrella with wind-resistant frame - lightweight travel umbrellas break easily in monsoon winds, invest in a sturdy compact model

Moisture-wicking socks and underwear - cotton retains sweat and takes hours to dry in high humidity conditions

Portable phone charger/power bank - frequent power cuts during storms can last 2-4 hours in residential areas

Anti-chafe balm or powder - high humidity and walking in wet conditions causes serious chafing issues for unprepared travelers

Plastic bags for wet clothes separation - essential for keeping dry items separate when caught in rain during day trips

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule important outdoor activities between 6-11 AM during May, avoiding both the midday heat (32°C/90°F+) and predictable afternoon storms that start around 2-3 PM

The best mango vendors in Chawk Bazaar offer free tastings in May - ask for 'Langra' and 'Himsagar' varieties which peak this month and cost significantly less than in Dhaka

Many restaurants offer special monsoon menus in May featuring hot soups, traditional rice dishes, and seasonal preparations - look for 'Bhorta' preparations using seasonal vegetables

ATMs frequently run out of cash during extended power cuts after storms - carry extra cash when venturing outside main commercial areas like GEC Circle or Agrabad

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities after 1 PM - afternoon thunderstorms are nearly daily occurrences and can trap tourists far from shelter for 1-2 hours

Wearing white or light-colored clothing - roads turn muddy quickly and splashing from rickshaws and buses will stain light fabrics within hours

Booking accommodation in flood-prone areas like parts of Nasirabad or lower Agrabad without checking recent flooding patterns and drainage systems