Weather in India in October

The weather in India in October is a mixed bag, with the average high temperature different in every region. Read through our article on the weather in India in this month and get inspired by discovering the best places to visit in India during this time.

India Weather in October

October in India marks the end of monsoon, but in India, weather is different in different parts of India. October acts as a transitional month, where some parts of the country occasionally experience rain, some parts begin to cool down, while in some parts, it gets quite hot.

The cold takes over in the north. With clear skies and pleasant climate, these regions get ready for tourism. It starts to snow in Ladakh and Uttarakhand in north India.

In Central and Western India, October weather is dry with minimal rainfall. However, the climate can swing between hot and cool.

On the other hand, the southern and eastern coastal regions such as Kolkata, Chennai, and Kerala experience the retreating monsoon season with light rainfall.

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

October experiences a few showers and is a good time to travel across India.

Best Places to Visit in India in October

The weather in October in India differs from one region to another. While it is mostly warm and dry in maximum places, it is unpredictable. At India Someday, we would recommend the Himalayas in the North and northeast. The lower parts of these regions are perfect for short treks and hikes during this month.

The states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra have average high temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), but the weather is pleasant. You can visit the blue city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, known for its blue-painted houses, or visit the grand city of Udaipur. Gujarat and Maharashtra have many cultural attractions worth visiting. There are also many national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that start opening up in October in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.

The Golden Triangle is a great route to visit in October. Comprising Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, this route includes many important historic monuments in India, such as the Red Fort in New Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. It is an amalgamation of different cultures and traditions, with something for everyone.

Additionally, there are many amazing festivals that take place during October. Diwali, the festival of lights, takes place in October or November, and is one of the biggest festivals in the country. Another festival is Navratri, which takes place towards the end of September or in October, and is celebrated differently across the country. Dussehra also takes place in October, celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival and Marwar Festival takes place in Rajasthan.

Before planning, look up the dates for Diwali, arguably the biggest and most festive season in India celebrated either in October or November based on the Hindu calendar.

Explore More: Unearth Rajasthan’s Top Tourist Spots

Diwali

North India in October

October is a great time to visit the mountains in the northern part of India. The high altitude regions in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh can get extremely cold and there is also a good likelihood of snow. However, the hill stations and regions of Rishikesh, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala are ideal for a trip in October. With clear skies and pleasant sunny days, you can go for hikes and treks here in October. Read more about adventure travel routes in the Himalayas here.

If you are visiting India for the first time, the Golden Triangle is a great route for exploring the north of the country. With Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Hawa Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and City Palace on the route, you get a glimpse of many facets of India in this short trip.

Coming to the lower north of India, Rajasthan can get quite hot during the afternoons, with daytime temperatures sometimes reaching 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.

Diwali is celebrated in a grand manner in North India. All the houses are cleaned and lit with oil lamps. People visit friends and families and exchange sweets and gifts.

The Rajasthan International Folk Festival takes place in mid-October near Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. This annual event celebrates the local music and art of Rajasthan through folk music, dance performances, and storytelling. Another festival in Jaipur during this time is the Marwar Festival, which includes horse polo, one of the most popular sports in Jodhpur.

The festival of Dussehra takes place in September or October in India. While it is celebrated across India, you can find a different kind of energy if you visit Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Statues of Ravana, a demon king in Hindu mythology, are set on fire on this day. In the holy city of Varanasi, along with Lucknow and Kanpur, Ram Leela, a popular Sanskrit epic, is performed on a large scale.

Find some popular travel routes for Rajasthan.

Dive Deeper: 20 Premier Travel Destinations in North India

Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthan

South India in October

As the retreating Northeast monsoon arrives, Kerala receives a lot of rain even in October. If you are planning to visit Kerala during October, you will be greeted with lush greenery and beautiful waterfalls, but be prepared for heavy downpours. It is not tourist season in Kerala, so expect fewer restaurants open by the beach. It can get quite warm in the lowlands and cool in the mountains with temperatures varying from 16° to 30°C (86°F). We’d recommend preparing for every weather change possible: from drizzle to storm, from cloudy to sunny, from hot to cold. See four popular routes for Kerala.
Karnataka’s climate is almost the same as Kerala’s but there is less rainfall. It is also a very viable route for backpackers.
Tamil Nadu’s official monsoon season starts mid-October and lasts until mid-December.  It is better to avoid the East Coast like Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram and Chennai in October.
In Goa business slowly picks up by mid-October with many resorts and restaurants reopening for the new season. South Goa remains slow until November. However, the beaches of North Goa are warm and welcoming. It can be hot and it might get stormy on some days but it is a rare occurrence.

Diwali in the southern states has different customs and traditions, and is much more subdued than the rest of the country. People light oil lamps and pray to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. They prepare a variety of snacks and exchange gifts and clothes with loved ones. Kerala does not celebrate Diwali with the same enthusiasm as the other states in India. In Goa, people burn effigies of Hindu demon Narakasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

See Also: Timing Your Kerala Adventure Right

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

Karnataka receives a good amount of rainfall but it is still less compared to Kerala.

East India and North East India in October

October to March are the peak months for tourism in East India and Northeast India. The October temperatures on the eastern coast are relatively cooler, great for outdoor activities.

Durga Puja usually takes place in September or October, and is celebrated with great vigor in West Bengal. This nine-day festival honors Hindu Goddess Durga through large idols, aartis (chants), and other festivities. Dussehra is the last day of the festival.

Diwali is celebrated in East India differently than the rest of India. While most of the country focuses on Lord Rama, West Bengal celebrates Diwali with Kali Puja. People worship Goddess Kali by lighting clay lamps to idols of the Goddess. The evenings are filled with lights and fireworks.

In Meghalaya, people light lamps in their homes and on the hills, making it a sight you cannot miss. In Nagaland, Diwali often coincides with Toku Emong, a harvest festival in the state.

Durga Puja

West India and Central India in October

As the monsoons recede, the weather in Central and West India in October becomes pleasant. It rarely rains in Central India in October, so you can mostly expect a rain-free holiday. With the average high temperature staying at 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, the climate is hot but not unpleasant. However, the ‘October Heat’ can take hold of regions like Mumbai, where it becomes unbearably hot before the month transitions to the cool winter.

Navratri is celebrated in India during September or October. In Gujarat and Maharashtra, the nine-day festival is filled with people fasting and performing traditional dances of Dandiya and Garba with friends and family.

Diwali is celebrated resplendently in the western states of Maharashtra and Gujarat. Houses are lit by diyas and lanterns, and Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped. Rangolis, intricate designs made by colored powder, are drawn outside everyone’s houses. Friends and families visit each others’ houses and exchange gifts, sweets, and traditional snacks. At night, people burst firecrackers together – the festival is a riot of lights and vibrance all around.

In Central India, Diwali coincides with the harvest season. People worship their livestock and light bonfires.

Navratri celebrations in Gujarat and Maharashtra

Islands in October

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, have warm seas and pleasant weather. The October temperatures make it the perfect time for some outdoor activities on the island, or underwater activities in the sea.

October is the beginning of winter in Lakshadweep. The average temperatures range between 24 and 27 degrees Celsius (75.2 and 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit), ideal for outdoor activities or water sports on the island.

Lakshadweep

Tips while visiting India in October

• Visiting India in October will require some extensive packing. The choice of clothing will depend on the region you are visiting. With an average high temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), we would recommend light and breathable clothes throughout the country along with some warm clothes for the night and sweaters or shawls if it gets cold. Also carry an umbrella with you in case of a sudden rain spell.
• While visiting conservative places, wear appropriate clothing covering the body.
• October is the beginning of the high season for tourism in India, so you will see a moderate influx of travelers in India. The cost of accommodation and other tour expenses are still relatively reasonable. You will be able to find many resorts and hotels of good quality at a good price.
• Make sure you check the festival dates for the year before planning a trip, as the dates change every year.
• Respect the customs and traditions of the region.

Explore More: Unearth Rajasthan’s Top Tourist Spots

Does this article make you want to visit India in October? Let us know! For more detailed information about the best places to visit in October, or for any help planning your perfect trip to India, feel free to Contact Us! We will plan a wonderful trip for you, customized according to your requirements.