May in Lepakshi is the brutal Rayalaseema heat. Daytime 37-39C, occasional 40-42C peaks the second-third week, nights 26-27C, humidity 45 percent. The semi-arid Rayalaseema plateau runs at year-extreme — Anantapur district consistently records 41-44C peaks in May, and Lepakshi (in the southernmost edge of Anantapur near the Karnataka border) is no exception. Pre-monsoon thunderstorms hit the third and fourth week — short violent squalls that drop temperatures 4-5 degrees temporarily but with high winds and dust storms. The Veerabhadra Temple precinct granite floors at 55C surface temperature through midday — barefoot entry (required) becomes painful within seconds. The Hanging Pillar, monolithic Nandi, Naga Linga, Sita's Footprint all close to comfortable visits except 5:30-7:30am and 7:30-8:30pm. The fresco ceiling of the main mandapa stays cooler (partially-shaded high-roof) but the visitor approach through the temple courtyard becomes the challenge. ASI conservation works pause for the month. The trip you came for — frescoes, Hanging Pillar inspection, monolithic Nandi, temple-precinct walks — is functionally closed.

Why May scores 2.0/10