Astavinayak Circuit in May
Maharashtra, India
May is the worst month of the year for the Ashtavinayak yatra. Daytime 30-42C across the Pune plateau; Konkan side 33-38C with 80 percent humidity (the pre-monsoon humidity ramp). Pradakshina pavements 55C noon surface; temple stone interiors hold heat through evening. Lenyadri 307-step climb unsafe at any time of day — the rocky north-facing approach holds direct sun 8am-5pm. Konkan ferry routes to Pali-Mahad still operational but the overnight halts at Pali-Mahad without AC are sleep-prohibitive. Angarki Chaturthi falls Tuesday 5 May 2026 — the auspicious fast pulls dedicated pilgrims but only the Pune-cluster temples handle the volume; even committed pilgrims skip Lenyadri and the Konkan side. MTDC packages run ₹2,800-4,200 at deep off-season rates but the experience does not justify the saving. Push to October or November.
Why May scores 4.0/10
Weather
May is a weaker window — check weather and crowds before locking dates.
PEAK ALERT · FEBRUARY
May isn't the month for Astavinayak Circuit. February is.
Save it to your shortlist so you plan the right window — February, not May.
What to do in Astavinayak Circuit this May
- 1Rescheduled pilgrimage for October onwards
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Remote workers (network available)
Who should think twice
- ✗Families with young children
- ✗All but the most committed pilgrims
- ✗Families
- ✗Heat-sensitive travellers
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.0/10 | January is one of the better windows here. |
| February | 10.0/10 | February is one of the better windows here. |
| March | 8.0/10 | March is one of the better windows here. |
| April | 6.0/10 | April is workable. Crowds and weather are mid-range. |
| Mayviewing | 4.0/10 | May is a weaker window — check weather and crowds before locking dates. |
| June | 6.0/10 | June is a weaker window — check weather and crowds before locking dates. |
| July | 4.0/10 | July is a weaker window — check weather and crowds before locking dates. |
| August | 6.0/10 | August is a weaker window — check weather and crowds before locking dates. |
| September | 10.0/10 | September is workable. Crowds and weather are mid-range. |
| October | 10.0/10 | October is one of the better windows here. |
| November | 10.0/10 | November is one of the better windows here. |
| December | 8.0/10 | December is one of the better windows here. |
What to pack for May
- ▸Rescheduling reference materials
Nearby in Maharashtra scoring high in May
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