Weather in India in August

If you are planning to visit India in August, you first need to understand the weather in India in August. The average temperatures and weather conditions in August differ from region to region in the country. As a whole, June to September is the wet season in India. August is also a shoulder season for many parts of the country, which means less tourists and great prices! Read on to find out about the weather conditions in India in August.

India weather in August

India has three primary seasons: summer, winter, and monsoon. The Indian monsoon season is from mid-June till the end of September. August is a prime monsoon month in India. Some parts of India experience heavy rainfall, while some other parts are relatively dry.

India in monsoons is beautiful. Although it is hot and humid in some parts of the country, the weather conditions are largely pleasant and cool.

It is an off-season for tourism in India, but there are many parts of India where you can still travel in August. Some parts of the far north, like Leh and Ladakh, or the lower north, like Rajasthan, are great to visit in August, with low rainfall, fewer tourists, and mesmerizing views.

At this time of the year, you can get off-season bargains for hotels, even for luxurious accommodations, across your stay.Further, you can have most places to yourself with a  minimal number of tourists, making your experience more authentic. For more information on travelling to India during the monsoon, check out our blog.

Travelling to India in August? Read through this article for a better understanding of rainfall patterns in different regions of the country during this time. This is our guide to help you decide what places to visit and what places are best avoided during this season.

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

India experiences monsoon season in the month of August, however, there are certain regions you can travel to during this month.

Best places to visit in India in August

If you plan to visit India in August, you need to learn the weather and temperatures of the region you are visiting. While some regions experience torrential rain in this month, some regions are quite hot. On some days, it can feel like summer, while on others, the temperatures are cool and the weather is perfect for taking in the lush green nature.

The regions of Leh, Ladakh, and Spiti Valley in the far north are perfect to visit in August. Rain does not affect these regions as much in August, making it a good destination to explore. The weather conditions are also pleasant for sightseeing.

In the lower north, Bikaner, Jodhpur, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan are quite dry and there is a lot to explore in these cities in August.

Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu is also not quite affected by the southwest monsoon, making it a good escape in South India, where it rains in most places in August. On the other hand, we recommend avoiding the state of Tamil Nadu in August, since it can be very hot and humid.

India celebrates its independence day on 15th August every year. India got its independence from British rule in 1947. It is celebrated all over India with flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and cultural programmes.

The festival of Janmashtami is also celebrated in August across India. This festival is a celebration of the birth of the Hindu deity Lord Krishna. Major celebrations take place in Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, and Gujarat. People host cultural events and reenact scenes from the life of Lord Krishna. Dahi Handi is a popular tradition that takes place on this day, where groups of young boys and men form 9 or 10 tiered human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high in the sky with ropes.

Another festival celebrated in August in many parts of the country is Rakshabandhan. Sisters tie a band called rakhi on their brothers’ wrists and pray for their well-being, while brothers promise to protect their sisters.

Related: Here’s a detailed guide about best time to travel to India

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The Thar desert of Rajasthan does not receive heavy rainfall and thus exploring this region in August would be perfect.

North India in August

In the northern Himalayas, rains are not heavy and don’t last long. The temperature becomes cooler and the countryside landscape turns green. In the Leh and Ladakh regions, the weather is amazing in August, with pleasant days and clear skies. If you do plan a trip to Leh, a flight might be a better option than by road in August. It can get cold, especially in the second half of August, so be sure to pack some woolen clothes.

On the other hand, the rest of the Himalayan regions including Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh experience heavy rains during August. Landslides are also a common occurrence. The popular destinations of Rishikesh, Dharamshala, and Manali get a lot of rain, making outdoor activities impossible.

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The lower northern regions and the Golden Triangle cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, along with Varanasi, receive a good amount of rain in August. It is one of the rainiest months in Delhi, but the intensity is not the same as in South India.

August is also one of the rainiest months in Rajasthan, although even then, the desert makes it one of the driest regions in India. The Thar desert in Jaisalmer might not get any rain at all! If it does rain, it is intense, but does not last long.

The temperatures range from 26 degrees Celsius to 33 degrees Celsius in August, pretty much the same as July.

The main independence day parade in India takes place in New Delhi. The Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag. It is followed by the national anthem and a 2 to 3 hour long parade.

Teej is a festival celebrated by women in the northern regions of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Women worship the Hindu God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and perform various rituals for a good married life.

Check out some route options to travel in the North here.

Discover: Spot Rajasthan’s Foremost Travel Locations

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

Himachal Pradesh receives a good amount of rainfall in August and you need to beware as there are chances of landslides occurring in this region.

South India in August

The west coast of Kerala and Goa experience very heavy rainfall during monsoon season, especially in August. This can hamper travel plans in the region. It rains intensely and for long hours on some days, while on some days, the sky clears up completely. However, the upside to this heavy rain is the stunning nature that comes to life in this month. The rivers and lakes are full, the surroundings are lush green, and the weather is cool.

Domestic tourists escape to the hill stations like Wayanad, Munnar, and Thekkady in Kerala to get a respite from the heat and humidity that the rain brings.

Goa also becomes extremely beautiful during this time of year, although most outdoor activities and water sports are closed. Even having a swim in the ocean can be dangerous due to the strong currents coming with the south-west monsoon.

However, Goa and Kerala are perfect if you want to relax and enjoy a stay at a luxury resort for inexpensive prices. Many hotels also have pools you can take a swim in. Because it is not the tourist season, there are off-season discounts at almost all accommodations. You not just save money, but also have the place to yourself!
You can also explore the temple and palace ruins of Hampi, an ancient empire in Karnataka. Hampi experiences moderate rains in August, so the crowds are less and the climate is more pleasant for exploring, if you don’t mind the rain. Check out a possible trip route including Hampi here.

The western part and hill stations of Tamil Nadu like the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, and Coimbatore receive a good amount of rainfall, while the central and southern regions of Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and Kanyakumari receive light rains. Pondicherry in Tamil Nadu is not much affected by the southwest monsoon, so if you want to avoid the heavy rains of South India, Pondicherry is a great escape.

The festival of Onam takes place in Kerala in August or September. The festival is celebrated with vibrant parades and the traditional snake boat race.

Madras Day is a civic holiday that takes place in Chennai in August. The day celebrates the founding of the city on 22 August, 1639. It is celebrated with heritage walks and exhibitions.

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The wet season in the picturesque countryside of Kerala, South India

East India and Northeast India in August

West Bengal receives a good amount of rain in August. The coastal regions and the Sundarbans can get particularly wet, while the cities like Kolkata can experience waterlogging and flooding. The state of Odisha sees heavy rainfall in August, in cities like Puri and Bhubaneswar.

There is also a chance of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, which can affect the rains and winds in this region.

Rains in August are abundant in the northeast, but there is a decrease in the intensity as compared to June and July. The states of Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh receive more rainfall. There is also a risk of landslides and floods during this time, especially in Assam.

August is also the hottest month of the year in this region, thanks to the high humidity levels. So while you can expect heavy rains at the beginning of the month, the temperatures are mild, ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Jhapan Mela is a snake festival that takes place in Bishnupur in West Bengal in this month. It is celebrated in honor of the snake goddess Manasa Devi and showcases performances by snake charmers.

Sundarbans in West Bengal

West India and Central India in August

The rain is in full swing in Western and Central India in the month of August. The Western Ghats of Maharashtra see some of the highest rainfall during this month. The other regions on the west coast like Konkan, Pune, and Nashik also get heavy rainfall, but the lush scenery makes up for the intense rains.

Central and Southern Gujarat experience moderate rainfall, while the northern part of Gujarat, along with Kutch region, does not get much rainfall.

The central regions, including Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, get heavy showers, and can sometimes result in flooding in the low-lying areas. If you want to plan a trip to the national parks of Central India, monsoon is not the time to go, since most national parks are closed from June to September for the monsoon season.

In August, the humidity is high in the coastal regions like Mumbai. The temperatures range from 24 to 30 degrees Celsius, but coastal cities like Mumbai are slightly cooler due to the sea breeze.

Mumbai regularly experiences waterlogging and flooding during monsoon season, disrupting transport and daily life. The Arabian Sea is also rough at this time, and water sports, swimming, and boating are discouraged.

Monsoon season displays the most breathtaking side of the Western Ghats and the surrounding regions, but it can also be a risk.

Parsi New Year, or Navroz, is celebrated in August by Parsi communities in India, particularly in Maharashtra and Gujarat. It is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and meeting friends and families.

Nag Panchami is a festival in which snakes are worshipped and offered milk and flowers. It is largely celebrated in Maharashtra.

Rakshabandhan festival

Islands in August

August is not the best time to visit the islands in India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea experience heavy rainfall in August, although the Lakshadweep Islands do not experience it as intensely. The sea is warm, but often rough, which means that outdoor activities and water sports like scuba diving, and snorkeling are closed. Ferry services can also be affected.

Tips while visiting India in August

• Pack for your trip with the monsoon and humidity in mind. Take light, breathable clothes, along with a good umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof shoes or sandals.
• Rains attract mosquitoes in India, which can carry malaria. If you are planning to visit India during monsoons, make sure to consult a doctor about malaria prevention before your trip. Also keep a mosquito repellant with you.
• Rains also bring in a horde of viral diseases, so carry basic fever medications with you.
• Choose destinations that are usually safe during monsoons, and keep your itinerary flexible.
• Avoid street food during the monsoons and drink only bottled water. Keep a bottle with you at all times and stay hydrated.
• Keep checking weather updates of the region you are visiting.

You can enjoy off-season discounts for most accommodations and also escape crowds if you choose to travel in August.

All in all, it is possible to travel to India in August. If you enjoy backpacking (cheaper costs and fewer tourists), then August is the time for your adventure. Carry a rain jacket and gumboots so you can walk around in comfort. And when it rains too heavily, you can snuggle up with some ‘chai’ and a good book.

Read Further: Guide on the Cost of Traveling in India

At India Someday, we curate personalized trips for you based on your needs and requirements. For more information about the weather in India or for planning your next trip to India, feel free to contact us!