Best time to visit India
When is the best time to visit India : When to travel to India
India is a beautiful place to visit but the weather can have a significant impact on your experience. The country’s weather changes a lot throughout the year. The Monsoon season starting at the end of May is quite noteworthy. It takes off from the Keralan coast and gradually makes its journey towards the northeast of India. This season brings request switched between sunny days and heavy downpours. Also, the humidity is quite intense; especially after the rain has just stopped. In the northwest, the monsoon rains are heavy enough to cause flooding. This can cut off communication systems and cause other damage as well. Himalayans, which are popular for tourism, can become prone to landslides and the valleys can get disconnected for weeks.Here we are sharing a complete information for knowing the best time to visit India.
The Monsoon has almost left the north by September but the south will still appear to be cloudy. Between Octobe and December, the retreating Monson will pay a visit to the Bay of Bengal; resulting in repeat rains in those regions. However, most of India will be experiencing clear skies and lower temperatures in December.
In the middle of the winter, one can experience the most prominent difference between the climates of the North and South. The Northern cities like Delhi will be chilled by the winds blowing off the Himalayas while the South will still be featuring the post-Monsoon sunshine. In general, the temperatures start rising as spring approaches in March. The temperatures rise to peak by early June. This is the time when most people will visit the hills stations.
So the question is when to visit India? The best time to visit India is the dry and cool season between November and March. Tourists will get to enjoy ideal temperatures in major cities like Delhi and Agra. The temperatures in Ventral India remain quite comfortable too. If you plan to visit Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the best time is between January and March. After this, the Himalayas become more ideal where the trekking season is ongoing in August and September.
Our views as per major touristic cities for the best time to visit India
Major Cities of Delhi and Agra
According to the best time to visit India, Delhi and Agra are best in winter. Between October and March, the temperatures are dry and moderate. Night time is chilly from November to February. The temperatures will be as lows as 8 degrees Celsius; reaching only as high as 25 degrees. Hot weather is experienced in May and June. Temperatures can reach 40 degrees and occasional dust storms might happen.
In Agra, the TajMahal is the most prominent destination. Depending on what season you have chosen, you will also have to choose the best hour of the day to visit it. In winter, fog can be a hindrance early in the morning so choosing the afternoon is feasible. For other seasons, early morning is best when the rush is minimum and heat has not peaked.
Check our great itineraries of Golden Triangle Tours in India
Visiting Central India and Rajasthan
Being a tropical desert, the temperatures of Rajasthan are quite similar to that of Delhi and Agra. Towards the west, rainfall and humidity is minimum and East is sub-tropical. Dry areas like Jaisalmer experience only 10cm of rain annually while other parts of this region can get up to 100cm of rain. Most of the rainy season in Rajasthan is centered in July and August. On the other hand, central India gets significant rainfall in July and August by the temperatures are similar.
Visiting the Himalayas
The seasons in alpine Himalayan foothills like Darjeeling and Shimla are quite different. Although, travel is possible throughout the year. Typically, the months of December and January are quite chilly. The temperatures in Darjeeling can be freezing during the night and barely 10 degrees Celsius during daytime. June and July are moderate. Shimla, on the other hand, remains slightly warmer year round. Monsoon hits Darjeeling from June to September and Shimla from July to August. Higher up in the Himalayas, the snow season is from December to February. Even higher and there is only snow and no rain.
Check our great itineraries of Leh Ladakh
Visiting Mumbai
When planning the best time to visit India, you can’t ignore the lure of Mumbai. Considered a monsoonal destination, the ideal time to visit in from October to May. These months almost get no rainfall. As far as temperatures are concerned, they are quite stable year round. The temperatures get low around 16 degrees in January and 26 degrees in May. Peak temperature is 29 degrees in winter and 33 degrees in summer.
Goa
For the beach lovers, GOA is the central place to visit in India. Most of the year, the temperatures are quite comfortable. Temperature will remain around 24 degrees. The drop and rise are minimal in winter and summer respectively. Monsoon season hits GOA from June to September. Rainfall is quite heavy and continuous. It can rain 27 days just in July. If you are trying to avoid rainfall, thebest time to visit is from October to April. Check our blog for the best beaches in Goa.
Kerala
This area falls in the South of India so it is close to the equator. The temperatures are mostly hot throughout the year. Temperatures are not likely to go below 22 degrees. The temperature can peak around 34 degrees in the hottest months of May and June. Heavy rains can occur from June to August. Although, from September to December, the torrential downpours make the days warm but pleasant. So this is a great time to travel to Kerala.
Check Kerala Tour Packages
Here is a 12-month guide to help you decide when to visit India to experience the different regions of this culturally rich country:
January
In terms of the best time to visit India and if you love the winter, then January is the best time to travel. Here is what you can do in January in different parts of the country:
- Rajasthan will give you clear and dry days but cold evenings; making it an ideal time to discover wildlife
- In the South, you can relax at Kerala Beaches and soak the mild sunshine
- Experience the culture in Delhi and Agra during daytime
- Goa remains warm and you should plan an early visit to enjoy the New Year celebrations
- Tiger tracking can be both fun and adventurous
January is quite busy for India in terms of tourism. Therefore, don’t forget to complete your planning earlier.
February
Many people consider February the best time to visit India than January.
- Experience the rich culture of India
- Perfect for adding some beach time to your trip
- An opportunity to track Tigers in the national park
March
March is kind of controversial. The first 2 weeks are warm followed by 2 very hot weeks. If you are ready to bear the heat of the day time, then it is still a nice time to go to India.
- Experience the festival of colors celebrated throughout India. Known as Holi, it is one if significant parts of Indian culture and religion. So it could be a life time experience to enjoy this festival in India.
- Experience the rich culture of India
- Many consider March and April ideal for viewing the Tigers in India
April
By April, the temperatures in different parts of the country have become even higher. The heat can be stifling. Although, it means ideal times for experiencing the wildlife in India.It is the best to get bargains on trip expenses from April till September.
Both culture and safari adventures can be managed if you can plan around the heat. You will have to be a little patient with the temperatures but some hours of the day will feel better. Remember that busy parts of the cities and tourist attractions like temples could become stuffy.
The idea for exploring the Himalayas in April is not bad either. If you plan to visit sea sides, then Kerala beaches are recommended. You will also be able to discover the backwaters quite comfortably. However, don’t forget to apply sunscreens. The same is advised for when visiting Goa.
May
May is the hottest month in India. The rains have also started to fall, which can add the humidity factor. If you belong to colder regions and very little tolerance for heat and humidity, it is highly advised against to visit India during this month. It can actually be unsafe.
If you have a tolerance for hot and humid climates, then the cultural attractions are still open in Delhi and Agra. You can easily plan a trip to Taj Mahal during early morning. When the heat rises with the day, you can opt for the indoor tourist attractions. These include art galleries, museums, etc.
As far as Southern India is concerned, it is hot but not uncomfortable to visit. You can go to Kerala beaches and visit hill stations like Munnar too. The lower temperatures of the hill stations will offer a respite.
Extreme north like the Himalayan hill stations is even better because the temperatures will get even lower
It is not the best time to visit India but not impossible either for those who can face the extreme heat. However, wildlife adventures are not advised.
June
Just like May, June is no better in terms of intense heat. In fact, the central regions away from the coast are getting ready for monsoon season. Humidity will get unbearable and you will probably dream of relaxing in an air-conditioned room than be outside.
The Taj Mahal, sites in old and New Delhi, and erotic temples of Khajuraho can be visited. However, plan your trips during mornings to avoid the intense heat.
The best places to visit in India in June are the hill stations and the Himalayas. They provide the ultimate respite from the heat. Even the locals will benefit from the summer vacations and escape to these cooler regions. Travel experts for India will recommend that you visit Ladakh, which is quite distinct from the rest of the country. Moreover, it is ideal for a visit between June and September.
July
In July, most Indians celebrate because they can finally welcome the rains. These rains are appreciated because the heat makes everybody stressed and overwhelmed. If you plan to come to India in July, you should be ready for the wet season.It is the best to get bargains on trip expenses from April till September.
- Almost all cultural attractionsare open but you will have to plan keeping the rains in mind
- Ladakh is welcoming with its amazing landscape views in this month. You will be able to avoid the rain and even visit the beautiful monasteries
- Explore Rajasthan and South India and enjoy the great discounted deals.
August
The monsoon continues. There are thunderstorms and humidity is high.It is the best to get bargains on trip expenses from April till September.
- Visit Ladakh for the amazing views
- Explore Rajasthan and South India and enjoy the great discounted deals.
September
Temperatures can vary greatly depending on where you are planning to travel in India. It is the best to get bargains on trip expenses from April till September.
- Rajasthan is at the end of monsoon season.
- The Ganges remains an ideal site to visit
- For lovers of architecture, Taj Mahal, temples, and palaces await
- Kerala and other Southern hills stations are refreshing after the rains
October
Peak travel season begins in October. It is the best time to visit India as the monsoon is ending and temperaturesare becoming milder.
- Visit tiger parks
- Experience the various cultural sites of India
- Enjoy the festival of lights known as Diwali
November
The best time to visit India continues.
- Diwali could also fall in this month
- Rajasthan offers the Pushkar Camel Fair to enjoy
- National Parks are lush after the rains; offering great landscape views
- South India is very pleasant to travel during this time.
December
Overall, the weather is great across the country. But the temperatures can still vary from North to South due to the size of India. Rajasthan is considerably cooler while beaches are perfect for traveling. It is also ideal for experiencing and photographing the wildlife.
Learn more about when to visit India as you start planning a trip.
