Tehri Lake in May
Uttarakhand, India
Go in May — Tehri Lake hits peak water-sports season with warm temperatures and all activities running, but book jet skis and guides two days ahead.
Peak crowds
May is one of Tehri Lake's busiest months. The score rates conditions — weather, access, value — not how many people you'll share them with. Tehri Lake adventure sports hub — jet ski, kayak, parasail. Weekends busy with Dehradun and Delhi visitors. Water levels vary by season.
May is Tehri's tourist month — 20-32°C. The reservoir is deep blue and full enough for all water sports. Delhi and UP families arrive for the water sports experience — jet skiing (₹500-1,000), kayaking, speed boats. The dam viewpoint at the New Tehri ridge is busy. The irony of playing on water that drowned a historic town is not lost on everyone. Hotels in New Tehri at ₹1,000-3,000.
The May story
May is when families discover Tehri as a weekend getaway from Delhi (280km, 7 hours). The water sports menu is full: jet skiing (₹500-1,000 for 10-15 minutes), speed boats, banana boats, kayaking. The reservoir is blue and inviting. The dam viewpoint is selfie-central. The Dobra-Chanti bridge is a must. Kanatal above offers camping and forest walks for those wanting to escape the waterfront. Hotels in New Tehri at ₹1,200-3,000 fill weekends. The Surkanda Devi temple trek (3km from Kaddukhal) gives panoramic views including the reservoir from above. May Tehri isn't profound, but it's fun — and for a reservoir that drowned a town, 'fun' is its own complicated achievement.
Why May scores 10.0/10
Weather
Peak water sports 18-30°C. Jet skiing, kayaking, banana rides all running. Lake warm enough for swimming. Book ahead.
PEAK ALERT · APRIL
Tehri Lake is at its best in April.
Save it to your shortlist and we'll help you catch April before it fills up.
What to do in Tehri Lake this May
- 1Jet ski across the lake during peak water temperature (18–30°C)
- 2Kayak from the main beach to quieter northern coves
- 3Take a banana ride or parasail combo on calm mornings
- 4Swim in the warm lake water and dry off on the southern shore
- 5Paddle a stand-up board at dawn before afternoon winds pick up
Who should go
- ✓First-time travelers
- ✓Senior citizens
- ✓Weekend getaway families from Delhi and UP
- ✓Water sports enthusiasts at full operational capacity
- ✓Dam viewpoint selfie tourists
- ✓Kanatal forest camping combiners
Who should think twice
- ✗Crowd-averse weekend visitors — Delhi families arrive in force
- ✗Budget travellers — peak pricing
- ✗Those seeking deep cultural or spiritual travel
- ✗Travellers wanting natural lake — this is engineered
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.0/10 | Cool 5-16°C. Tehri Lake calm and turquoise. No water sports but scenic drives. Quiet reservoir views. |
| February | 6.0/10 | Similar 6-18°C. Lake levels stable. Peaceful surroundings. Good for photography. Boating may resume late Feb. |
| March | 8.0/10 | Warming 10-22°C. Water sports resuming as lake warms. Jet skiing and kayaking restarting. Beautiful reservoir views. |
| April | 10.0/10 | Best month 14-26°C. Lake full, warm enough for all water sports. Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking all running. |
| Mayviewing | 10.0/10 | Peak water sports 18-30°C. Jet skiing, kayaking, banana rides all running. Lake warm enough for swimming. Book ahead. |
| June | 6.0/10 | Pre-monsoon 22-32°C. Water sports still running but afternoon thunderstorms possible. Lake levels changing. |
| July | 2.0/10 | Heavy monsoon. Dam gates may open, creating dangerous currents. No water sports. Lake muddy. Roads risky. Avoid. |
| August | 2.0/10 | Monsoon peak. Lake at overflow levels. All water sports suspended. Surrounding roads prone to landslides. Dangerous. |
| September | 8.0/10 | Lake settling post-monsoon 16-26°C. Water sports resuming gradually. Lake levels normalizing. Fresh green surroundings. |
| October | 10.0/10 | Best autumn month 12-24°C. Lake turquoise and calm. All water sports open. Clear Himalayan backdrop. Stunning views. |
| November | 8.0/10 | Cool 8-20°C. Lake calm and beautiful. Water sports winding down as water cools. Scenic drives ideal. Quiet. |
| December | 6.0/10 | Cold 4-14°C. Lake too cold for most water sports. Scenic value still high. Quiet reservoir drives. Warm clothes needed. |
What to pack for May
- ▸Water shoes with grip (lake bed is rocky)
- ▸Rash guard or swim shirt (sun reflection off water is intense)
- ▸Waterproof dry bag for valuables
- ▸Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours in water)
- ▸Light cotton trousers and breathable shirt for post-swim
- ▸Hat or cap with chin strap (wind can be strong)
- ▸Moisturiser (dry air at 640m elevation dries skin fast)
Nearby in Uttarakhand scoring high in May
How to reach Tehri Lake
Airport
Dehradun — 85km
Rail
Rishikesh — 65km
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