India at a Glance: Best Time to Visit
Recommended time to visit: India is vast, and the climate varies dramatically depending on where you are travelling. As a general rule, visiting from September - March means you avoid the scorching temperatures of summer and the monsoons.
Less popular time to visit: Generally, the summer months from April - July are too hot for sightseeing. But you could always head to the beach or into the northern parts of the country to avoid the heat.
Wettest time to visit: The monsoon season begins in May in the south, gradually moving north and lasting until November. You can still visit India during this time, but be prepared for short, sharp rainfall. It's also the best time for cruising the Kerala Backwaters.
Best time for beaches: November - March is the time to hit the beaches of Goa. Temperatures are warm but not scorching and there is little rainfall.
Best time for wildlife: October - June is prime time for tiger safaris in India. Drier weather means vegetation is less dense and tigers are easier to spot as they head out of the undergrowth to find pools and rivers for a drink. Many national parks are closed to visitors during the monsoon rains from June - October.
Exciting time to visit: Diwali (October / November depending on the year) and Holi (March) are both amazing times to visit India, when the country unites in celebration.
Best Time to Visit By Region
As such a vast country with an incredibly diverse landscape, it should not come as a surprise that the climate can differ too from region to region. As a general rule however, the climate in the north of India is cooler, central India is hot and dry, and the south is hot and humid. Read on for more information about the weather patterns across India.
When is the best time to visit Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle?
The state of Rajasthan and the popular touring route of India's Golden Triangle experience a desert-like climate with dry, hot summers with very high temperatures. This means the cooler winter months of November to March are the ideal time to visit, though December and January can get particularly cold. Check out our guide on visiting Rajasthan for more detailed info.
When is the best time to visit Goa?
Goa is India's most popular beach destination and travellers come here seeking sunshine, clear skies and warm temperatures. And if that's what you're after, the best time to visit Goa is mid-November to mid-February when the weather conditions are ideal for sun-lounging and swimming. It's also popular with visitors thanks to a number of colourful festivals and Christmas/New Year celebrations that take place during this period.
When is the best time to visit Kerala?
The state of Kerala draws travellers looking to cruise the lush backwaters, go wildlife spotting in national parks and spend a few days relaxing on golden sands. December to February is considered the best time to visit, when the skies are clear, temperatures cooler but still warm, and humidity bearable. Perfect for relaxing on the beach or heading out to explore!
Don't write off the monsoon season from June to November though! Although much wetter, the scenery comes alive with rushing waterfalls at their fullest, forests a vibrant green and fewer tourists, meaning you can explore at a slower pace. An added bonus is it is likely to be much cheaper in this quieter season! For more information see our guide to visiting Kerala.
When is the best time to visit the Himalayas?
The Himalayas incorporate a large area of northern India and climatic conditions vary with the altitude. In the scenic foothills where you'll find Darjeeling in the east and Shimla in the west, it's possible to travel year-round. However, once you reach over 1,500 metres in altitude it's best to avoid travel between December and February when temperatures plummet and roads are closed due to the snow. Generally speaking the best time to visit India's Himalayas are March to June and September to November.
When is the best time to visit South India?
The weather in southern India is largely determined by monsoon patterns. It's a tropical region with temperatures that hover somewhere between moderate and high with humidity and incessant rain. To avoid the worst of it, visit between December and March when the weather is mostly pleasant.
Climate | Delhi
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temp Min °C | 7 | 9 | 14 | 20 | 26 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 8 |
Temp Max °C | 21 | 24 | 31 | 36 | 41 | 39 | 36 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 29 | 23 |
Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 74 | 180 | 173 | 117 | 10 | 3 | 10 |
Climate | Darjeeling, West Bengal
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temp Min °C | -17 | -15 | -10 | -5 | -1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 2 | -5 | -12 | -16 |
Temp Max °C | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 8 | 5 | 3 |
Rainfall (mm) | 4 | 88 | 160 | 218 | 242 | 409 | 751 | 72 | 344 | 148 | 39 | 14 |
Climate | Kochi, Kerala
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Temp Min °C | 23 | 24 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 |
Temp Max °C | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 |
Rainfall (mm) | 17 | 18 | 19 | 72 | 184 | 484 | 352 | 274 | 190 | 282 | 105 | 29 |
Best Places to Visit in India by Month
Know when you're travelling to India but not sure where best to go? Check out our guide on where to go when in India to help plan that perfect holiday whatever month you're visiting.
Festivals and Events
Unsurprising for a country with such religious, cultural and natural diversity, India is host to a variety of colourful festivals throughout the year whether it's in the scorching deserts of Rajasthan or the streets of Goa. Here's our guide to some of the best of these festivals.
What is Holi Festival?
What is Diwali?
Families come together all across India to celebrate Diwali Festival of Light and the triumph of light over dark, good over evil. Small diyas (lamps) are lit and placed outside homes with firework displays at night. Over the course of five days various prayers and rituals are performed and it's a wonderful time to check into a guesthouse to share the festivities with local Indian families.
Recommended tours
See Also
For more handy information on India to assist with your holiday planning, check out the following:
Best Places to Visit - see our recommended top spots in India
Tourist Visas - the lowdown on visa regulations for India
Top Travel Tips - information on money, health and food in India plus more
Where to Go When - the best destinations in India by month
Traveller Reviews - see what our passengers say about our India tours
Travel Operators for Tigers - learn more about the work we do for tigers in India
The Golden Triangle - visiting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur
Visiting Rajasthan - our guide to India's largest state
Visiting Kerala - everything you need to know about Kerala
Tiger Safaris - where to see a tiger in the wild
Holi Festival FAQ - where to go, tips, safety and more
Diwali Festival FAQ - all your frequently asked questions answered
India Video Lounge - incredible India beautifully captured on film