Get ready to experience a country that has everything. From hiking and skiing to surfing and celebrations, this country will captivate you from start to finish. See when the best time to visit India is, below.
Best time to visit India: Spring
Whether you want to see wildlife in its natural habitat in early spring, or head to the mountains as the monsoon hits, there’s something for all. Hot and humid tends to be the story for most of the country, with temperatures continuing to rise until autumn arrives.
March
One of the best times of the year to visit India is during the first month of spring when wildlife spotting is at its best. March is considered the last month of the high season for tourists and you’ll have a better chance of spotting incredible animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants too. This is because the vegetation dies off and the animals need to go in search of water.
Another reason to visit during this month is to see the Holi Festival in all its glory. A colourful occasion that celebrates the start of spring, those who attend get doused in water and colourful powder. In general, the weather is favourable during March with temperatures at around 20°C in the northern Himalayan regions and about 33°C in the south of the country. As the weather tends to be dry you will want to pack light, but don’t forget an extra thin layer for potentially cooler evenings.
April
If you’re looking to avoid crowds then April is the best time to visit India. Peak season is over and you can head to sights like Delhi’s Red Fort without the swarms of tourists. It’s also a great time to head to areas like Darjeeling as the weather is ideal for some great outdoor activities.
There are also some great religious festivals to enjoy across the country during this month. Mahavir Jayanti is a Jainism festival, Vaisahki is the Sikhs’ solar new year, whilst Rama Navami is a Hindu celebration of Rama’s birth. Temperatures start to rise in April, with the southern cities like Goa reaching about 34°C and the areas such as Kashmir in the north averaging about 24°C. You’re also more likely to experience rain than earlier in the year, so ensure you take a mac.
May
During May the tourist season is in full swing in the mountains, with many tourists trekking, hopping on-and-off trains, and sightseeing before the monsoon hits. As it’s cooler in the northern part of the country during May, with temperatures reaching about 25°C compared to the highs of about 40°C in cities like Delhi, it’s a good time to stay out of the major urban areas.
In Tibetan Buddhist areas, such as Bodh Gaya, you’ll find great celebrations for Buddha Jayanti. This important festival celebrates the birth of Buddha on Vaisakh, which is the day of the full moon in May. It’s hot and humid this time of year so pack light and bring a lightweight coat in case of heavy rain.
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Best time to go to India: Summer
With the monsoons arriving annually between June and September, many tourists head to the mountains for a mild and dry holiday. From fascinating towns, picturesque views, and celebrations aplenty, don’t let the rain put you off your trip.
June
The onset of the monsoon season often makes people think that June isn’t one of the best times to visit India, but there is still plenty to do. One of the best places to visit in India in June is Ladakh, which has clear bright days with temperatures hovering around 21°C. Here you can enjoy sublime scenery such as the untouched Turtuk Village, the beautiful lake of Pangong Tso, and the hiker’s haven of Zanskar Valley.
As rain tends to come to the whole country in this month, temperatures tend to cool a bit, which can be a welcome relief. Make sure you bring some extra layers, especially if heading to Ladakh, as night temperatures can drop considerably.
July
Staying in the Himalayas, July can also be the best time of the year to visit India. The rest of the country will experience heavy rainfall, flooding, and even landslides. However, the Himalayas provide a welcome change in weather, with there being some great places to visit. The Valley of flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a popular place to trek to. With the onset of the summer, you’ll get to experience some of the flowers in full bloom.
Temperatures in the Himalayan regions will vary, but if you were to go to the Valley of Flowers you can expect it to be a mild 19°C during the day. You’ll want to pack for cold weather in the evenings though, so remember your layers. In addition, a good pair of walking boots are a must.
August
Whilst the monsoon season is still in full flow during August, you could only get a few hours of rain each day. This means that you can still do lots of activities without the crowds of tourists that are more common in the high season. During these months the Vallamkali boat races tend to take place in Kerala, which is a great spectacle. A harvest festival to celebrate the arrival of King Mahabali, it’s an exhilarating event that often has more than 100 rowers per boat.
On 15th August you should head to Delhi to see the flag-hoisting ceremonies and parades that celebrate independence from Britain. Temperatures are still hot, at about 34°C in Delhi and 30°C in Goa, so you’ll want to pack light. However, remember a rain mac as there is still plenty of precipitation.
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Best time to go to India: Autumn
As the monsoon season comes to an end, tourists flood back into the country. Enjoy some superb religious celebrations, see top sights, and explore every corner of this great country.
September
As the monsoon season ends, snow returns to the mountains, so tourism is more common in the mid and southern areas of the country. That being said, if you’re a keen trekker then this is the ideal time to go to Himalayan areas for the autumn trekking season, which goes until late November. Temperatures are at around 0°C in Ladakh in the mountains though, so remember your thermals.
In the rest of the country, you can take a trip to Goa and enjoy some water sports by the beach, or to the Taj Mahal, which benefits from less rainfall than in summer months and low tourist numbers. Whilst there is still rain, you’ll find in general it’s a great time to go to India, especially if you want to avoid peak season. Temperatures are at about 34°C in Delhi and 28°C in Goa, so pack light with waterproof gear at the ready for any random showers.
October
October is considered the best time to visit India, in part because you’ll get to enjoy some amazing festivities. With the dry season beginning, tourism starts to pick up though, so you can expect bigger crowds than in the last couple of months. The predominant tourism areas during the dry season are those south of the Himalayas, as the snow tends to mean most Himalayan attractions are unreachable. With rivers full after the wet season, now is also the perfect time to see some iconic waterfalls across the country.
Some of the most famous festivals in the country include Dussehra, which celebrates Rama’s victory over the demon King Ravana, and Diwali, which brightens up towns and cities across the country with fireworks and light shows. Temperatures are about the same as they are in September during this month, just with much less precipitation, so pack light.
November
November is one of the best times to visit Indian regions like Rajasthan and Punjab. Head to the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan, which welcomes over 50,000 camels and other cattle. Whereas in Punjab, Sikhs celebrate Nanak Jayanti, which is the birthday of the founder of Sikhism, with a range of songs and processions.
This month is also considered the best time to visit India for the Golden Triangle as the temperature is pleasant across much of the country. You can expect average daytime temperatures of about 33°C in Goa and around 28°C in Delhi, with it being mainly dry. You won’t need warm clothing this month, so stick to your basics for a summer holiday.
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Best time to visit India: Winter
The high season in India, winter brings tourists from all over the world. Temperatures are ideal, there’s little to no rain and all the top attractions are in full swing.
December
What is often considered peak tourist season, the weather tends to be great across the country as long as you’re not in the mountains. With the build-up to Christmas, you can expect Christians in cities like Goa to brighten up the skies with fireworks, lights, and decorations. This makes it one of the best times to visit Goa in India. It’s also the perfect month to do any sightseeing that might be on your bucket list.
Head to the beautiful city of Shimla in the foothills of the mountains and enjoy the snow and a range of winter activities like ice skating. Visit Mylapore, where you can see important temples such as Kapaleeswarer Temple. Or go to the historic Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage site of Gaya. Temperatures remain at about 33°C in Goa and drop to about 23°C in Delhi during this month. Unless you’re heading to an area like Shimla, you can pack light.
January
If you’re wondering when the best time to visit India is, your answer may be during January. You can expect great weather and fun festivals, making it a terrific time to visit. In Delhi, you can enjoy Republic Day on the 26th, which includes motorcycle stunts from the army and police. The Hindu festival of Sankranti also takes place across India, with common celebrations including decorated cows and kite flying.
As with December, this month offers you the chance to hit up all your itinerary. Take a ride on the Umngot River in a boat and see Dawki Bridge, visit the picturesque town of Dalhousie or check out the mystical island of Diu. It’s one of the best times to visit India with regard to the weather, as temperatures are ideal. In Goa, the temperature is the same as other winter months, whilst in Delhi, it cools to about 20°C. As with December, pack light for the mild days, but you might want a warm layer for cooler evenings in some parts of the country.
February
If it’s a beach holiday you’re after, then February is the best time to go to India. Head to Auroville Beach near Pondicherry if you want to surf, Palolem Beach in Goa if you’re with your family, or Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh if you want to enjoy water sports.
As well as seeing all your favourite tourist sites, this month is the best time to visit north India for skiing and trekking at resorts in areas like Kashmir. The best time to visit the Taj Mahal is in February too, as you can also soak up Taj Mahotsav. This is the carnival of culture that lasts 10 days. This offers food, crafts, and much more for you to enjoy.
This month is also the best time to visit southern India, with Goa being at about 32°C during February. In the north, Delhi starts to get warmer to about 24°C and places like Kashmir reach up to 10°C. Across most of the country you can pack light unless you’re heading to the north where you’ll need layers.
Best time to go to India: FAQs
When is the best time of the year to visit India?
India has activities to do all year round, so you’ll always find something to do. From wildlife spotting in early spring and hiking in the Himalayas in the summer to mountain towns in the autumn and beaches in the winter, it caters to all.
When is the best time to visit India?
No matter when you visit India, you’ll always be able to enjoy this magnificent country. Peak season is from December to early March, which brings the best all-round weather. However with this also comes crowds and more expensive accommodation. Monsoon season tends to take place from June to September, so expect heavy rain unless you’re in mountainous areas like Ladakh.
When is the best time to visit India for the Golden Triangle?
Between October to April is a great time to see the Golden Triangle. This refers to the three prestigious points of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur.
When is the best time to visit north India?
Going to northern India in the winter season is considered one of the best times to travel. This is between October to March when temperatures are warm and there is hardly any rain.
When is the best time to visit India for the weather?
The dry season in India is between October and March, so this tends to be the most popular time to visit. Temperatures will be comfortable and you shouldn’t expect much rain.
When is the best time to visit southern India?
Between December and March, you can enjoy a great time in southern India. Temperatures will be between 20-30°C for the majority of the time so you can pack light.
When is the best time to visit India for the Taj Mahal?
February to June is the best time to see the Taj Mahal, as there is likely to be less fog. If you go in February you can also enjoy the 10-day culture carnival of Taj Mahotsav.
When is the best time to visit Goa, India?
Go to Goa between October and May for less rainfall and high temperatures. Outside of these months, you can expect it to be hot, humid, and wet.
