Best time to visit Maharashtra

If you are planning a trip to India, you must look for the best time to visit Maharashtra. An underrated gem for tourism in India, Maharashtra, on the west coast of India, offers a diverse geography and climate from one region to another. Beaches, mountains, plateaus, grasslands, historical monuments, British architecture, and tall skyscrapers – this state has a lot to offer. Plus, there are many festivals celebrated in the state with great pomp and vigor. Read this article to find out the best season to visit Maharashtra.

Best time to visit Maharashtra

The best time to visit Maharashtra is from October to February, winter season in India. The pleasant weather helps, although it doesn’t get very cold even in winter in Maharashtra. It is a good time to explore the outdoors, go trekking in the Western Ghats or for beach visits in the coastal areas along the Konkan coast. The monsoons bring heavy rains from July to September, which can disrupt many travel plans, but it is a beautiful time to visit the state as there is lush greenery all around. Monsoons do limit many outdoor activities, although trekking during this season is a popular activity. Summers in Maharashtra are unbearably hot. The tropical hot and humid climate means heavy perspiration, which can be an issue. However, you can escape to the hill stations of Maharashtra during this time.

Konkan Coast of Maharashtra

Winter season in Maharashtra (October-February)

October-February is the winter season in Maharashtra. Winter is the best season to visit Maharashtra, and the peak season for tourism. The winter months usually start from late November, and the winter season varies in Maharashtra from one place to another. Temperatures range from 12 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius, depending on the region. While the low-lying regions are usually in the high 20s, the hill stations get quite cold, with temperatures dropping to as low as 10 degrees Celsius!

Maharashtra experiences pleasant weather in winter, although you wouldn’t need any winter clothing. Maharashtra winters are quite mild compared to many other states in the country. It is the best weather to visit Mumbai – explore the markets, indulge in outdoor activities, visit the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, or go to Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

You can also explore the coastal areas of the state where you can chill or indulge in water sports at the beaches. It is also a good time to visit the many wildlife sanctuaries in the state. If you want some fun experiences, you can even attend wine tasting tours in the many vineyards of Nashik.

If you are not satisfied with the limited cooling of winters in Maharashtra, you can visit the hill stations of the region. The hill station of Mahabaleshwar is a year-round favorite among locals and tourists. You can also visit the hill stations of Matheran, Igatpuri, Lonavala, or Panchgani.

Diwali, the festival of lights, takes place in October or November. The entire state is lit up with lanterns, diyas (oil lamps), and festive lights – it is a festival you should definitely experience in Maharashtra. Christmas and New Year are two other festivals that are celebrated on a large scale in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune, where parties last till the early hours of the morning.

Best places to visit in winter season in Maharashtra

Mumbai, Matheran, Aurangabad, Panhala, Alibaug, Mahabaleshwar

Mumbai, the city of dreams

Summer season in Maharashtra (March-May)

Located on the west coast of India, Maharashtra has a hot and humid climate, and you can experience it intensely during the summer season. Temperatures range from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius. They start rising in March, and by May, the average temperature can often go up to 45 degrees Celsius in some parts of the state! Maharashtra summers can be extreme for tourists who are not used to the heat. Try to wear light cotton clothes so that you are comfortable.

It is an off-season for tourism in Maharashtra. You will not feel like going outdoors during the afternoons – even the mornings and evenings will have you sweating heavily, especially in the coastal areas, such as Mumbai, or the coastal town of Alibaug. You will find a lot of tourists in Alibaug, as you can visit the cool beaches and enjoy some sightseeing in the evenings. You can also indulge in water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, sea kayaking, and more. Summers are also a good time to visit national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as the chances of spotting wildlife is higher.

You will find solace in places like Matheran and Mahabaleshwar, two popular hill stations in Maharashtra. There are many scenic viewpoints in these hill stations, especially for tourists. The average temperature usually doesn’t rise above 35 degrees Celsius here, providing a good respite from the extreme heat and humidity of the rest of Maharashtra.

Holi, the festival of colors, takes place in March. You can also enjoy the Strawberry Festival in April in the hill station of Mahabaleshwar, and Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, in March or April.

Best places to visit in summer season in Maharashtra

Hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, Alibaug, Lonavala, Ratnagiri, Tadoba National Park

Visit Mahabaleshwar to escape the summer heat

Monsoon season in Maharashtra (June-September)

Monsoons start in Maharashtra in mid-June, making the air clear and pollution-free. Temperatures range between 19 and 30 degrees Celsius, providing respite from the heat of the summer season. The landscape transforms into a verdant paradise and it is the best weather to experience the scenic beauty of the state. July sees the maximum rainfall of the year. There is lush greenery everywhere, although there is a risk of flooding and landslides in many parts of the state.

Mumbai is not the best place to visit in monsoons, since the roads are often blocked and flooded, and many services come to a halt. However, there is nothing like watching the rains from Marine Drive in Mumbai, but you will need to check the weather conditions every single day if you plan to visit the city in this season. The trekking community comes alive in the rainy season in Maharashtra. The Western Ghats make for some great monsoon treks you can opt for if you love trekking. The hill stations turn beautiful in the rains. You can also visit historical sites of  Ajanta and Ellora caves in Aurangabad, where it doesn’t rain as intensely.

The most awaited festival in Maharashtra is Ganesh Chaturthi, which takes place in September. It completely transforms the vibe of this state into a fun, energetic celebration. There are also many local festivals in Maharashtra that take place in the monsoon season. While not the prime tourist season, you can definitely visit Maharashtra in monsoons – enjoy a hot cup of chai, gorge on pakoras, and sit by the window as it rains outside.

Best places to visit in monsoon season in Maharashtra

Igatpuri, Matheran, Malshej Ghat, Lonavala, Bhandardara

Go trekking during monsoons in Maharashtra

Festivals and events in Maharashtra

Ganesh Chaturthi: The ten-day festival of Ganesh Chaturthi takes place in September and honors the Hindu God Ganesha. An idol of Lord Ganesha is worshiped in many people’s homes and in pandals on the streets for a few days. People visit each others’ houses to pray to God. Traditional sweets like modak are made to offer to Lord Ganesha. After ten days, the idols are immersed in water as people bid adieu to Lord Ganesha as he leaves for his heavenly abode. There is a very energetic vibe in the air, along with a lot of music, performances, fireworks, and more.

Diwali: The festival of lights, Diwali, is celebrated for five days in Maharashtra in October or November. Each day has a special significance. Everybody cleans their houses and lights up their houses with lanterns, oil lamps, and lights. Friends and families visit each other and exchange gifts and sweets. The streets are all lit up and you will see people bursting firecrackers in the evenings. There is a lot of happiness and excitement in the air. It is truly a festival to be experienced in India.

Holi: Holi in Maharashtra is celebrated over two days. On the eve of Holi, a bonfire is lit and people celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The next day, you will see the festival of colors in its full glory, as people gather together to smear color and play with water. There are a lot of events in cities like Mumbai and Pune where there is food, music, and dancing. It is a fun time to be in India.

Gudi Padwa: The Maharashtrian New Year, Gudi Padwa, takes place in March or April. It is considered to be an auspicious day among Hindus. People hoist a “gudi”, a bamboo stick adorned with an inverted pot, colorful cloth, and neem leaves outside their houses as a symbol of prosperity. You will find festive parades and processions in cities like Mumbai and Pune, which showcase the Maharashtrian history and culture. You must visit Mumbai and Pune for this festival. Traditional food is prepared, and everyone gathers together to celebrate the festival.

Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti celebrates the harvest season in Maharashtra. It falls on 14th or 15th January, which is winter in the state. People exchange tilgul laddoos (a sweet made of sesame and jaggery) and fly kites on terraces or the streets.

Bail Pola: Bail Pola is a harvest festival that honors bullocks. This takes place in the rural areas of Maharashtra, usually in August. On this day, farmers bathe and adorn their bullocks, who help them so much in agriculture and farming. Bullocks are not made to work on this day, and are in fact, worshiped by the people. There are also parades and processions of these vibrantly decorated bulls.

Ellora Festival: Held in the month of January, the Ellora Ajanta International Festival celebrates the culture and architecture of the region. The festival was started in 1985 and takes place over three days at Soneri Mahal in Aurangabad with a backdrop of the Ellora Caves. There are many cultural and classical performances displayed by different artists from all over the country.

Christmas and New Year: Christmas and New Year are celebrated mostly in cities like Mumbai and Pune, but the parties go on till the early mornings. Christmas is celebrated with midnight masses and feasts. New Year’s Eve is celebrated with gatherings in the big cities, or with small groups of people going to quieter places like Alibaug or Lonavala to celebrate in peace. There are parties, fireworks, food, and music as everyone brings in the New Year with great excitement.

Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations (Pic courtesy: Times Now)

Tips to enjoy your trip to Maharashtra

• In the busy cities like Mumbai, you will see a lot of crowds in the peak season or during festivals like Holi and Ganesh Chaturthi. You might encounter pickpockets and thieves during this time, so always stay alert and take care of your belongings.
• If you are traveling during the rainy season, always check the weather before making any plans, especially in the month of July, as heavy rains may disrupt your plans.
• Pack according to the season – you will be okay with loose, breathable clothes throughout the year, except for a few cold nights in winter. Wear light cotton clothes during the summer. For the monsoon season, carry umbrellas, raincoats, and appropriate footwear. Wear decent clothes that are not too revealing.
• Use sunscreen liberally, no matter which season you are visiting.
• If you cannot bear the heat of Maharashtra, you can definitely plan an escape to the hill stations of the region. The hill station of Mahabaleshwar is especially popular in the state.
• If you are planning to travel around a festival, check the dates for the year, as they change every year. Do experience at least one of the big festivals in India while you are here.
• Although Maharashtra is primarily a Marathi-speaking state, the region has a lot of diversity, perhaps more than most other states in the country. You will find people of all religions, regions, and castes settled in this state, especially in and around Mumbai. However, it helps to know some Marathi slang, and using it can earn you brownie points from the locals!
• Respect the local customs and traditions. Make sure to dress appropriately while visiting temples and religious places.

Western Ghats of Maharashtra

So, did this article make you want to visit the beautiful state of Maharashtra? At India Someday, we curate personalized trips to India for  you. Contact us and we will plan the perfect trip to India for you!