Deborah Chan
Goa is a popular honeymoon destination in India, known for its beaches, water sports, and vibrant culture. However, for those considering a honeymoon in Goa in May, there are some important factors to consider. May marks the start of the monsoon season, bringing high humidity and rainfall, which can impact beach activities and the availability of restaurants and bars. Nevertheless, some travellers enjoy the quieter atmosphere and the opportunity to explore the local markets, indulge in cheap water sports, and relax in resorts. For those seeking a more traditional romantic escape, hill stations like Gangtok, Tawang, and Kerala offer pleasant weather, breathtaking views, and adventure activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Weather | Very hot, humid, and rainy |
| Season | Start of monsoon season |
| Restaurants, shops, and bars | Many are closed |
| Beach shacks | Many are closed |
| Tourists | Mainly domestic Indian tourists |
| Hotels | Large resorts are a better option |
| Beach | Very quiet with high tides and large swells |
| Activities | Limited |
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What You'll Learn
- Pros of a Goa honeymoon in May: beaches, shopping, water sports, and fewer tourists
- Cons of a Goa honeymoon in May: very hot and humid, rainy, fewer restaurants and bars
- Alternative Indian honeymoon destinations in May: Kerala, Tawang, Wayanad, and Gangtok
- Alternative international honeymoon destinations in May: Thailand and Bali
- Best places to stay in Goa in May: North Goa (Baga, Calangute)
Pros of a Goa honeymoon in May: beaches, shopping, water sports, and fewer tourists
Goa is a popular destination for honeymooners all year round. However, there are some pros and cons to visiting in May.
While May marks the start of the monsoon season in Goa, it is still a great time to visit the beaches. The beaches will be quieter, with fewer tourists and fewer beach shacks, but you can still enjoy the sun, sea, and sand. May is also a good time to take advantage of the cheap water sports on offer.
If you're looking for a more relaxed honeymoon, May is a great time to visit Goa as it is less crowded. You can enjoy the beaches and other attractions, like the beautiful churches, without the usual hustle and bustle. Plus, the markets are lined with amazing goods at low prices, so it's a great time to shop.
While some restaurants and bars may be closed during this time, there are still plenty of options, especially in North Goa, where you can find lively neighbourhoods and plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from.
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Cons of a Goa honeymoon in May: very hot and humid, rainy, fewer restaurants and bars
Goa is a popular honeymoon destination in India, known for its beaches, seafood, water sports, and party spots. However, there are several potential drawbacks to visiting Goa on your honeymoon in May.
One of the main cons is the weather. May falls at the end of the tourist season, and the start of the monsoon season, so the weather can be very hot and humid, with the possibility of rain. If you are looking for a cool climate to enjoy your honeymoon, then Goa in May may not be the best choice. The humidity and rain may make it uncomfortable to spend time outdoors, and you may have to spend a significant amount of time in your accommodation.
Another consequence of the timing is that many seasonal restaurants, shops, and bars may be closed, especially those on the beaches. While some restaurants will remain open, the selection will be more limited than during the peak tourist season, and the beaches will be much quieter. If you are looking for a lively atmosphere with a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, May is not the ideal time to visit Goa.
Additionally, the start of the monsoon season can bring high tides and large swells to the beaches, which may limit your ability to enjoy the beach and participate in water sports. Furthermore, the weather conditions and the fact that it is the off-season may result in fewer tourists, particularly international tourists, so the atmosphere may be different from the peak season.
Overall, while Goa is a great destination at any time of year, there are some cons to visiting in May, especially for a honeymoon. The hot and humid weather, the possibility of rain, and the limited dining and entertainment options may impact your enjoyment of the trip. However, if you are willing to compromise on these factors, you can still have a wonderful honeymoon in Goa, taking advantage of the cheaper rates, less crowded beaches, and the unique experience of the monsoon season.
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Alternative Indian honeymoon destinations in May: Kerala, Tawang, Wayanad, and Gangtok
May is the start of the monsoon season in Goa, so it may not be the best choice for a honeymoon. However, if you are still interested in a honeymoon in India in May, there are several alternative destinations to consider, such as Kerala, Tawang, Wayanad, and Gangtok.
Kerala
Kerala is a state in southern India known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It offers a range of experiences for honeymooners, from exploring spice markets and tea plantations to visiting historic sites and beaches. The Mattancherry Dutch Palace, built in 1557, and St. Francis Church, built by Portuguese Franciscan friars, are among the most important landmarks in Kerala. You can also visit the burial spot of Vasco da Gama. Kerala is also known for its handicrafts, including coir handicrafts and shell souvenirs. Honeymoon packages for Kerala can be customized to include various tourist attractions and typically range from INR 30,000 to INR 40,000 per person for 5-6 days, including flights.
Tawang
Tawang, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, is a town close to the border with Bhutan and Tibet. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance, dating back to the 17th century when it was founded by the Monpa people. Tawang is home to the famous Tawang Monastery, one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Asia. The peak season in Tawang is from March to June, with pleasant weather and a bustling atmosphere. Other popular tourist spots include the Kameng River, Jaswant Garh, a historic site named after a soldier from the Indian Army, and PT Tso Lake, a picturesque high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Wayanad
Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala known for its natural beauty and diverse attractions. It offers a range of experiences for honeymooners, including exploring its vast forests, visiting waterfalls, and enjoying the local culture and cuisine. Wayanad has various honeymoon packages available, which can be customized according to your preferences.
Gangtok
Gangtok, the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim, is a popular honeymoon destination known for its stunning natural scenery and adventure activities. Couples can indulge in paragliding, river rafting, trekking, and camping. The city also offers a cable car ride, providing panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the city below. Gangtok has pleasant weather throughout the year and a well-developed transportation system, making it an ideal and hassle-free choice for a honeymoon.
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Alternative international honeymoon destinations in May: Thailand and Bali
While Goa is a famous place that people would love to visit at any time of the year, May is the start of the monsoon season. The weather will be very hot and humid, and many restaurants and beach shacks will be closed.
If you are looking for alternative international honeymoon destinations in May, Thailand and Bali are two great options.
Thailand
Thailand is a country brimming with opulence and tradition, from temples to palaces and lush jungles. The country has something for all tastes, with its mix of vibrant cities and serene surroundings. The best time to visit is between November and April, as it is the driest season, ideal for lounging on the beach. However, these are also the hottest months, with temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius.
If you are looking for a beach holiday, consider the peaceful Railay Beach or the stunning beaches of Phuket Island. For city life, Bangkok, the bustling capital, offers a combination of state-of-the-art architecture and traditional Asian elements. Chiang Mai is another wonderful city with broad leafy avenues and temple spires.
Bali
Bali is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean, part of the Indonesian archipelago in Southeast Asia. It is known for its luxurious hotels, fancy beach clubs, and fine dining. The island offers spectacular beaches, jungle forests, volcanoes, and rice fields to explore. The best time to visit is between April and October when the conditions are typically dry and temperatures are not as high.
For a romantic honeymoon, South Bali is a great option, with its luxury hotels, nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Canggu are recommended for their romantic settings. If you prefer a quieter area, consider the Gili Islands or Lombok Island, known for their beaches and natural beauty.
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Best places to stay in Goa in May: North Goa (Baga, Calangute)
While some sources suggest that May is not an ideal month to visit Goa due to the high temperatures, humidity, and the possibility of monsoon rains, others claim that Goa is a great place to visit year-round. If you decide to go ahead with your honeymoon plans in Goa in May, here are some suggestions for places to stay in North Goa, specifically in Baga and Calangute:
Baga Beach is one of the famous beaches in North Goa, known for its vibrant shacks. You can consider staying at the highly-rated Baga Beach Resort, or other resorts such as Cavala Resort and Coco Goa. If you're looking for a luxurious experience, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Goa, located near Baga Beach, offers plush comfort and beautiful views of the lagoons. The hotel also has an onsite casino.
For a more tranquil and natural experience, consider staying in the premium serviced apartments in Arpora, North Goa. These apartments are covered with lush green coconut trees and are close to the beach and nightlife of Baga.
If you're looking for a lively neighbourhood, check out the Taj Holiday Village. While it's not located in an area bursting with bars and restaurants, it offers a vibrant atmosphere.
Calangute is another popular area in North Goa. You can consider staying at the well-known and safe Popeys Guest House, which is located near the Calangute steps leading down to the beach. North 16 Goa is another option, offering serene surroundings, spacious and elegant interiors, and outstanding culinary fare. It is located at a convenient distance from both Calangute and Baga beaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Goa is known as the Beach Capital of India, so it is a great honeymoon destination if you enjoy the heat and humidity. However, May is the start of monsoon season, so there might be a lot of rain and many restaurants and bars will be closed.
In May, Goa is relatively less crowded, so you can enjoy the beaches without the usual hustle and bustle. You can also enjoy water sports, go shopping, and visit the beautiful churches.
The Park Hyatt is a great option for a honeymoon, with its outstanding facilities, great restaurants, and nice spa. The Taj Holiday Village is also a good choice if you want to be in a lively neighbourhood with lots of bars and restaurants.
There are many lovely honeymoon destinations in India in May, such as Wayanad, Gangtok, Tawang, and Kerala. These places offer a mix of nature, culture, and tradition, as well as peace and luxury.
