Best Time to Visit India

Ideally, the best time to visit India would be between October and April, which is the comparatively cooler part of the year. India is an all year destination since it is a large country, so geographically and climatically diverse. Every season brings something different in different parts of the country. But if you ask us, February, March and November are the ideal months. February is a pleasant month to travel in almost every part of this huge country. You can experience pleasant, sunny weather in majority of India in this month. While the Holi festival is in March, November sees the Pushkar Camel Fair and sometimes, Diwali, the festival of lights.

The winters (from the end of October to the beginning of March) are mostly pleasant with moderate daytime temperatures and almost no precipitation. The summer months of (mid) April, May and June can get unbearably hot. From mid-June to September, the monsoon winds bring heavy monsoon rains across the entire subcontinent. It hardly ever rains in the country outside of the monsoon season.

That is why, the weather in India is an important factor to consider while picking the best time for visiting the country. Another thing to consider are the festivals in India, which are an integral part of Indian culture and spread throughout the year. Having said that, India has something to offer at any time in the year.

From the mighty Himalayas to the balmy beaches, it is all about picking the right destination based on when you are visiting India.

We will give you a broad overview on the best time for visiting India, the best regions to visit for each season, the festivals you should not miss, and more, so that you can decide your travel plan and itinerary accordingly.

When is the Tourist Season in India?

The tourist season in India is generally from November to the beginning of March, which is also the best time to visit the country.

This is when India has moderate to relatively cool temperatures in Central and South India and some flat parts of North India. Certain parts of the high Himalayas in the far north are inaccessible in December and January, but by and large, you can expect clear skies and sunny days across India, along with great beach weather.

October is a good month to visit most of the country. The climate is dry and pleasant, and still early for the tourist influx. The afternoons in October can be a little hot, our only grudge with the month in India. Diwali, India’s biggest Hindu festival, is celebrated either in late October or early November.

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If you plan your holiday during this time, it is best to book at least three months in advance to get the best pick of hotels at reasonable rates and hassle-free train reservations.

Prime tourist destinations such as Rajasthan, Agra, Goa and Kerala get quite crowded at this time. During Christmas and New Year, Goa in particular is completely packed with domestic and international tourists.

Apart from the cooler temperatures, if you like meeting other interesting travellers, the buzz, and excitement while you travel, then there’s nothing quite like seeing India in peak travel season.

Check out our tour ideas, almost all of which, could be executed in these months.

Seasons in India

While the winters are perfect for a trip to India, tourism in India thrives throughout the year.

Monsoon rains start from mid-June and lasts until September. An exotic concept for travellers coming from moderate climate zones, monsoon is considered to be an off-season for tourism. Monsoon season develops differently in different parts of India, but it can rain very intensely in the southern part of India (think Kerala, Goa and Mumbai). You can expect torrential rains in a large part of the country in July.

Although winters are perfect for a trip to India, tourism in India thrives throughout the year.

Monsoon rains start from mid-June and lasts until September. An exotic concept for travellers coming from moderate climate zones, monsoon is considered to be an off-season for tourism. Monsoon season develops differently in different parts of India, but it can rain very intensely in the southern part of India (think Kerala, Goa and Mumbai). You can expect torrential rains in a large part of the country in July.

Monsoons are not recommended for travel in India, but this is when nature comes to life in India. It is a magical time. Grasslands and forests become lush green. Monsoon is celebrated with various festivals across India, especially by farmers.

Another benefit of the season is that since many people avoid travelling in monsoons, you get cheaper rates for everything, less crowds, and incredible views. A little secret, most parts of North India only receive light showers during the monsoons a great region to explore especially during the months of August and September.

March to mid-June is summer season in India. During these months, plus some weeks of October, temperatures can go up to 45 degrees celsius in some parts of India. But that shouldn’t stop you from visiting India. Summer months are perfect to take a trip to North India, amidst the great Himalayan ranges.

You can venture to the spiritual haven of Rishikesh, which lies on the banks of the Ganges River. You can even visit the exiled Dalai Lama in Dharamshala. British hill stations like Shimla or Darjeeling are great to visit, while thrill-seekers can trek in various regions of North India. Ladakh becomes accessible by June. Take a look at Stephanie’s spiritual voyage through the North for some inspiration on a travel route through this region.

Festivals in India

When is the best time to visit India for its festivals? Well, India has many, many national and local festivals throughout the year. However, there are a few large festivals in India that you absolutely should not miss. So try to time your travel in India around at least one of the major festivals to truly take in the vibrance of India.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is usually in late October or the beginning of November. Homes and streets are illuminated with ‘diyas’ or oil lamps. People exchange sweets and gifts and burst firecrackers. Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed on this auspicious festival. This dazzling festival is truly something to be witnessed.

Holi, the festival of colors, is in March. Join locals in a riot of vibrant hues as they playfully drench each other in coloured powders and water. Celebrated in most of northern India and some parts of India’s south, the Holi festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil. If you are planning to visit northern India, with the Golden Triangle in mind (Delhi, Agra and Jaipur), then you must witness the Holi festival at least once.

August, September, and October see a range of festivals dedicated to Gods and Mother Earth across the country. These include Ganesh Chaturthi (festival dedicated to the elephant-headed God), Onam (ten-day harvest festival in Kerala), Navratri (nine-day festival to celebrate the nine incarnations of Goddess Durga), and Dussehra (a religious festival based on Hindu mythology).

Held in November, Rajasthan’s Pushkar Camel Fair blends a traditional camel trading market with colourful festivities.Engage in traditional Rajasthani food, music and dance. The fair’s lively energy, cultural immersion, delicious shopping and camel-centric activities make the Pushkar Camel Fair an unforgettable adventure.

Embrace the warmth of Lohri in northern India in January. This festival marks the beginning of the harvesting season. Witness folk dances like Bhangra and Gidda, enjoy delicious traditional sweets like ‘rewari’ and ‘gajak’.

While it’s great to see and take part in local festivities and ceremonies, a lot of festivals in India are intimate family celebrations. Therefore, it would be best to stay at a homestay either North or South India at that time. Just before and after festivals, trains get booked way in advance and flights are extremely costly. This is because most Indians travel to be with their families. So, try and do the same and book well in advance.

The festive seasons may not always coincide with the holiday dates you had in mind. If you just give us a shout, we’ll help you plan the ideal trip while making sure you experience a traditional festive celebration or cultural event. There’s always something great going on in India, and we know exactly when and where.

When is the best time to visit Delhi?

The best time to visit Delhi would be from October to early March, as the weather is cool and pleasant at this time. It gets quite cold from December to February, so do carry warm clothes. With the increasing pollution in India, we also recommend carrying a mask.

The summer months of April to June are incredibly hot, so restrict sightseeing to mornings and evenings, and spend the afternoons indoors eating some delicious Delhi food.

Admire the charisma of historical Rajasthan – Photo Credit Vince Russell

When is the Best time to Visit Agra?

The best time to visit Agra and the Taj Mahal is between November and March. The weather is similar to that of Delhi – winters get cold and summers are intensely hot and humid.

If you don’t mind the rain and high humidity, monsoons are a good time to visit Agra for great prices and fewer tourists.

The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is early morning, to avoid crowds and see the sun hit the marble in a surreal way. Do note that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

When is the Best time to Visit Rajasthan?

The best time to visit Rajasthan is from November to March. The weather is ideal to visit the forts of Jaipur and Jodhpur, see the Thar desert, or relax by the lakes in Udaipur.

It is also the best time to spot tigers at Ranthambore. March is also when you can celebrate Holi festival in Rajasthan.

The summer months from April to June are avoidable due to excess heat and hot winds.

The monsoons are a good time to visit Rajasthan because the rains are not heavy, the temperature is cooler, and prices are much cheaper.

Amer fort

When is the best time to visit Goa?

The best time to visit Goa is December to February. The weather is pleasant and not very humid. With its party places to let loose and beach resorts to relax, Goa is a fun place to visit in India. The only time to avoid Goa is during the monsoons, between June and September. However, the monsoons in Goa show you a different, incredible side of this beach state.

When is the best time to visit Central India?

The best time to visit Central India is from November to February. The weather is similar to that of North India. Being away from the sea, this region gets a lot less rainfall than the coastal states, resulting in very cold winters and extremely hot temperatures with dry weather during summers.

Central India is quite vast and spread out. From the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, to parts of Maharashtra, central India has some of the more offbeat and untouched places to visit.

There are many national parks for tigers in Central India (Tadoba, Pench, Kanha, and Bandhavgarh). The best time to spot tigers would be in the summer (March to June).

Uttar Pradesh has the holy city of Varanasi. Madhya Pradesh has some lovely cities like Indore and Bhopal and some historical places like Ujjain and Mandu. Further up north are Khajurao and Orchaa.

When is the best time to visit the Western Coastline of India?

Along the western coastline runs the massive 1600 km long Western Ghats mountain range. It contains beautiful hill stations, a variety of flora and fauna, and wildlife parks, forest and natural reserves that make it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wayanad, Coorg, Munnar and Coonoor are some of the places you can visit to escape the heat.

Every time you leave the plains and enter the mountainous regions between the summer months, you immediately feel the change in temperature and air quality. Since off-season for tourism in India starts in April, you’ll already save substantially on hotel bookings.

When is the best time to visit South India?

The best time to visit South India is from November to March. You can expect clear blue skies, green scenery, calm seas, and cool mountain air.

You can visit the Araku Valley or beaches of Vishakhapattnam in Andhra Pradesh. The tea plantations in Munnar and the forests of Wayanad, Thekkady and Thattekad in Kerala will have nice, pleasant weather. Pongal, a four-day harvest festival, is celebrated in Tamil Nadu in January or February.

You can see the waterfalls in all their glory during the monsoon season, but you can also expect a lot of rain, so be prepared accordingly.

Summers are hot and humid in southern India, but not unbearable like in the Northern part of the country. The temperature is cool in hilstations of Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu even during the summer months. This is also the best time to spot elephants in the Periyar National Park in Kerala and the Bandipur National Park in Karnataka.

Know More: Best Time to Visit Kerala

Munnar tea plantations

India by Months

So, wondering when is the best time to visit India? Here is a detailed overview of what the weather would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country, feel free to explore.

January:

One of the driest months in India, it is way too cold at this time in the northern part of India. But if you want to experience snow, visit India to head up to the Himalayas. The rest of the country also gets slightly cooler, so it is a good time to visit the beaches of Goa or cruise the backwaters of Kerala.

February:

You can enjoy the most pleasant weather in India during February. Most of India experiences amazing atmosphere. It is the ideal time to visit India’s majority of the regions, and tickets get booked quite in advance. You w ill find clear skies and pleasant sunshine in most of India. You could attend the Jaisalmer Festival in Rajasthan during this time.

Additional Resource: India Bound? Don’t Miss These UK Traveler Insights

March:

March is a good time to tour the Golden Triangle region of India – Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur before the hot sunshine takes hold of the country from March onwards. But another reason to visit India in March is Holi – the festival of colours in India. The streets are filled with people drenching each other in colors and water – truly an experience you should not miss.

The Holi festival, the festival of colour, will leave you spellbound, with crowded streets and people painted in vibrant colours.

April:

Temperatures soar in April, making it impossible to travel during daytime in some parts of India. But this is when visits to watering holes are frequented, since those areas are comparatively cooler. April is also prime wildlife viewing season, especially the majestic tigers of India. This month is spring season in the North, which means spring flowers bloom in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Himalayas.

Summers in India guarantees clear blue skies, a beautiful golden hour, be it morning or evening. Every Photographers paradise.

May:

May means hot and dry weather for most of India. Temperatures can soar up to 45 degrees celsius in this month, so the only way to beat the heat is to travel to hill stations, or explore the northern part of India. Early mornings and evenings in May are also great for wildlife sightings in national parks and reserves in West India. Sometimes, this month experiences summer monsoons as well.

June:

June

It is the advent of monsoons in most of India from mid to late June. So you can escape to the far North if you visit India at this time. The gorgeous Ladakh region is accessible from this month. If you don’t mind the humidity and rains, you can take advantage of the off-season rates almost all over the country starting from early June.

Escape to the mountains, like the Nubra Valley near Ladakh, during the monsoon season, and enjoy the paradisiacal landscape.

July:

Most of the country gets drenched as the monsoon rains arrive in July. This month sees regular and prolonged downpours and can sometimes severely disrupt communications with the intensity. You could visit Rajasthan and the Thar desert in this month. Ladakh is also stunning at this time. July sees many local monsoon festivals being celebrated across India.

August:

It rains heavily in August in many parts of the country, but the views during this month are surreal. Independence Day of India is celebrated on 15th August all over the country. You can check out the snake boat races in Kerala in August. Ganesh Chaturthi, the festival of the elephant-headed God, is celebrated with pomp in Maharashtra.

Also See: Detailed Guide for Australian Travelers to India

September:

As the rain recedes in September, it is a good time to visit the Golden Triangle, since it is a bit early for the tourist season. Visit the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Hawa Mahal. Rajasthan also becomes vibrant during September.

October:

The climate is pleasant in October in most of the country. With the great weather, it is a good time to visit India. 2nd October is a national holiday in India as it is Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. Diwali, the festival of lights, also occurs in October or November, making it a peak season for travel in India. Diwali is India’s biggest festival. You can witness streets lit up with rows and rows of diyas and firecrackers.

Explore More: Travel advice for US tourists Visiting India

November:

It is usually a dry and cool season in November throughout the country, and one of the  best months to visit anywhere in India. Darjeeling in West Bengal is especially pleasant in November. The Pushkar Camel Fair happens in November, and it is an extraordinary experience. Sometimes, Diwali festival takes place in November.

December:

December is one of the busiest months for travel and tourism. You will find temperatures dropping towards the end of this month. Domestic and international travellers have their winter break with Christmas and New Year’s, so everything is booked well in advance for the peak season. Goa is especially crowded in December.

Explore Further: 20 Must-Visit Places in North India

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Simply hit the Plan Your Trip button and we’ll help simplify it all. Let us help you travel your way, keeping in mind all your interests and requirements while exploring the best of this vibrant subcontinent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to visit the Taj Mahal?

The best time of the year to visit the Taj Mahal would be between October and March. Do remember that the Taj Mahal is closed every Friday.

What are the best months to visit India?

The best months for visiting India are November and February. These are not peak tourist seasons like December and January and have glorious weather in most of India, cool and pleasant.

What is the best month to visit Delhi?

The best time to visit Delhi is between October and March. However, we recommend dates toward February and March.

What month is monsoon in India?

Monsoon season hits different parts of India at different times. In the west coast and northern part of India, the rainy season starts from mid-June and end in September. In the east coast of Tamil Nadu and Orissa, it rains between October and November. July and August see heavy rainfall in most parts of central and south India.

Which city in India has the best weather?

The most optimum weather for cities in India would be Bangalore. It has moderate climate all through the year.

Also, check out our Blog Weather Series for the different months in India. If you’re still not sure when and where to travel when visiting India,  plan your trip with us and we can help you figure it out.