The weather in India in June varies greatly from one region to another. June marks the monsoon season in the country, starting from southern India. So while the south of India is bathed in rain, the north of the country faces extreme heat. Read on to find out the exact weather in each region in India in June.
India Weather in June
In India, weather is different in different regions and climatic zones in June. The Southwest monsoon usually hits Kerala in South India towards the end of May or in early June. The rain then travels up North along both the east and west coast, but is usually stronger on the west coast. By mid-June, monsoon arrives in Goa and Mumbai, and in Rajasthan and Delhi by the end of the month before making its way up to the mountains.
June usually starts as another hot month with high temperatures of 35°C but can end with lots of rain and a resurgence of greenery. For some travellers however, this might not be the desired time to visit if your time is limited. This completely depends on where you would like to go.
Find out more about the effects of the rainy season and how it can impact your travels in this blog.
Wondering when is the best time to visit India?
Here is a detailed overview on what the weather would be like each month in India, in different regions of the country. Feel free to explore.
January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
June marks the beginning of the rainy season in India.
Best places to visit in India in June
At India Someday, while we would not put June at the top of our list of best times to visit India, there are still quite a few places you can visit in the country. Plus, monsoons in India can be a beautiful experience. Landscapes turn lush green from the rain after months of heat. Having said that, you need to be prepared for the varying temperatures, heavy rain and humidity, and all other issues that come with the monsoon season in India.
The northernmost part of the Himalayas is the best choice for a trip in June. Leh experiences pleasant daytime temperatures of around 21 degrees Celsius. The rain also does not affect this region much this month. It is the perfect destination for hiking, trekking, and experiencing the beauty that the country has to offer.
If you are planning to visit the Golden Triangle, you will find fewer crowds this month. However, the heat can be pretty intense, so make sure you plan any outdoor sightseeing in the morning or late afternoon. Try not to venture outdoors during the hot afternoons. If you are visiting the Taj Mahal, it is a good idea to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. Keep in mind that the Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
Kerala is wet in June, but there are fewer tourists and you will be able to witness some mesmerizing natural views during this month. On the other hand, Tamil Nadu is hot at this time, but you can visit Pondicherry, or hill stations like Ooty and Coonoor, which offer cooler temperatures.
North India in June
It rarely rains in the northern Himalayan regions in June, and the average temperature is cooler, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. Rishikesh, Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala are popular destinations at this time of year. However, towards the end of the month, the weather can change drastically with heavy rainfalls that can cause landslides, making outdoor activities extremely risky.
Ladakh or Lahual and Spiti offer an excellent escape in the North during June. Located in the middle of the Himalayas, Leh and Ladakh have breathtaking views and great hiking trails. Ladakh is also known as the cold desert since precipitation is low up there. The climate is perfect, with moderately warm days and pleasantly chilly nights. However, it is a popular tourist destination in June, so you can expect crowds during this time.
The Shimla Summer Festival occurs in June. This five-day long harvest festival is celebrated with a half-marathon, folk performances, handicraft exhibitions, and a flower show.
In Rishikesh and Varanasi in North India, the Hindu festival of Ganga Dussehra takes place in May or June, which celebrates the mythical origin of the holy river Ganga. It is said that the Ganges river descended from heaven to earth on this day.
You can browse our mountain travel routes here.
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As monsoon season in the country arrives towards mid-June and slowly makes its way up to the north, the Golden Triangle region of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, as well as the lower north regions of Varanasi and Amritsar stay hot and dry until the end of June. It is also often cloudy, adding humidity to the already exhausting climate.
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Cities like Agra, Varanasi and Amritsar are usually dry until the end of June, making it a good time to visit.
South India in June
Monsoon in India first hits Kerala in June and then travels up north along the east coast and west coast. Tamil Nadu and the east coast get little rain in this month to the extent that they can also struggle with drought some years. June in Goa is a wet month, so be prepared with umbrellas and raincoats if you plan on visiting Goa in this month. As monsoons flourish on the west coast, so does the tropical flora. The natural landscape becomes lush green and is a sight to behold.
However, the monsoon season also means disruptions in travel and outdoor activities. Many hotels and restaurants on the beaches of Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala remain closed until September.
However, accommodations that are open probably have great discounts. So if you still wish to travel in June despite the heat, rain, and humidity, we would recommend the Western Ghats. This 1600 kms long mountain range, running parallel to the coast of the Arabian Sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is full of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, forest reserves, and many hill stations.
Check out the fruit, tea, and coffee plantations in Munnar, Thekkady, or Wayanad in Kerala. You can also visit the Dudhsagar Waterfall in Goa. In Tamil Nadu, Ooty is a popular hill station among domestic tourists to escape the heat of the cities.
The Kottiyoor Vaishaka Mahotsavam takes place in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the 28-day festival sees traditional rituals performed in thatched huts, and elephants and devotees walking in the river as it rains heavily.
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For more information, visit our blog regarding travelling around Southern India at this time of year.
Plan Your Trip to India in June with us now and we will suggest the best places to enjoy during this time.
Kerala offers the most breathtaking views of lush green plantations that look even more beautiful during the rainy season.
East India and Northeast India in June
The monsoon winds hit the Northeast of the country by the beginning of June and some regions like Meghalaya get an intense amount of rain. June is the wettest month in northeast India. Plus, Kaziranga National Park is closed during the rainy season, from the end of May until the start of October. Hence, we recommend visiting this region during and after October.
The Buddhist holy month of Saga Dawa is usually in the month of June. The festival is celebrated with prayers and processions in the state of Sikkim.
In Odisha, the Jagannath Rath Yatra takes place in June. This Chariot Festival is a holy Hindu festival said to be Puri Jagannath’s holy journey.
Saga Dawa (Pic courtesy: People’s Archive of Rural India)
West India and Central India in June
Monsoon arrives in Mumbai and much of Central India in mid-June. We recommend avoiding the plains of Central India in May and June. However, the rain is not very heavy yet, and you will experience quite a few sunny days as well. So while you need to be prepared for the wet weather and humidity, sightseeing is still possible. Many national parks remain open until the end of the month.
It is better to visit upper North of India in June as the temperatures are low and rainfall is less.
Islands in June
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain warm in June, with average temperatures ranging from 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. The islands have a tropical climate with a few rainy days in this month, but the weather is pleasant overall.
On the other hand, June marks the monsoon season in Lakshadweep. The island experiences heavy rains and strong winds, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. The climate is cool and pleasant, perfect for travellers who want cooler weather and don’t mind the rain showers.
Travel tips for visiting India in June
- June is an off-season in the country, which means that many hotels and accommodations will be closed during this month. But it also means that you can get great discounts on the ones that are open, along with cheaper flights.
- The weather in June is unpredictable, which is also one of the reasons why it is an off-season month for tourism. However, if you do visit India in June, decide the regions you want to visit and pack accordingly.
- Carry light and breathable clothes. Carry a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, raincoat or umbrella anywhere you go since the weather conditions vary every year in June.
- Make sure to carry water with you and stay hydrated at all times.
At India Someday, we plan the ideal India trips for you based on your requirements and needs. For more detailed information about the best places to visit in the country in June, or for any help planning a wonderful trip to India, feel free to contact us!
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