When is the best time to visit India?

If you're planning a trip to India, the first challenge is often deciding which time of year to go. One thing you can be sure of - with such an incredible breadth of things to do and see, you will have a memorable trip full of unique experiences whenever and wherever you go. When it comes to the best time to visit India, that is quite heavily dependent on the types of activities you plan on partaking in, as well as the region you will be exploring. The country boasts incredibly diverse geographical landscapes, ranging from the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas to the expansive arid plains of the Thar Desert in northern India, and the climate of each region can vary quite dramatically.
  
Of course, the weather is only one consideration - there are also unforgettable festivals, extraordinary wildlife, and unique cultural events, which can all vary based on the time of year. This means that, thankfully, even in the rainy season there is still a great range of places to visit. 

Seasonality in India

The seasons in India are different to those in the UK. While the weather can vary a lot from region to region, Indian seasons generally run as follows throughout the country: 

Winter - From December to March 
Summer - From April to June 
Monsoon - From July to September 
Post-Monsoon - October to November 
  
  
Regions

North

Being home to iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort, North India is one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers to India. There is certainly no shortage of things to see here, from the bustling markets of Delhi to the serene unspoilt beauty of the Aravali Hills - but when is the best time to see it all? 

Winter

The temperature in northern India during the winter months of December to March is pleasant during the daytime, averaging at around 20°C. It can get a little chilly in the evenings, especially the further north you go - there is often snow in the Himalayan foothills - so layers are a good idea. January tends to be the driest month of the year, making it easy to get out and explore. The weather starts to heat up in February, and by the end of March it's up to an almost sweltering 30°C. If you are visiting the Taj Mahal, bear in mind that winter mornings can be foggy, making it harder to capture those wishlist photos. 

Two of the region's best festivals fall in the winter months. In February, the Jaisalmer Desert Festival showcases the culture of Rajasthan with a variety of traditional performances, arts and crafts and camel races. In March, the colourful Holi celebrations take place. While this Hindu festival takes place throughout much of the country, it is most popular and spectacular in the north. 

Summer

Summers are hot in North India, with the highest temperatures usually seen in May and June, often soaring to above 40°C. While for some this weather may be prohibitively hot for sightseeing, it is the perfect time to unwind and enjoy the amenities of jungle resorts like Vanaashyra. There is also good news for those looking to see wildlife at Ranthambhore National Park. By April, the dry weather of the winter months has left thin vegetation and animals gathering at waterholes, making them easier to spot.

 If you plan to visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, note that mid-April, in particular the 13th, is very busy due to the annual Baisakhi Festival celebrations, in which thousands of Sikhs travel to the site. Those that want to avoid the intense heat can head further north – in June Himachal Pradesh is usually around 20-28°C. 

Monsoon

July to September is monsoon season in North India. Humidity is high and can be uncomfortable for some travellers, particularly in August. While not quite as hot as the summer months, temperatures still average around 30°C in August. This is also (unsurprisingly) the wettest time of the year in the region, with the heaviest rainfall in July. This can sometimes lead to flooding and landslides in the jungles of the northwest and foothills of the Himalayas. Those travelling to Delhi may be in luck, though - the city tends to see less rain than other parts of the region. 

Given that many tourists aren't willing to brave the Monsoon season, there are benefits for those that do in the form of cheaper prices and less crowded attractions. It's also a good time of year for cruises on the Ganges owing to the high water levels.

Post-monsoon

This is often considered the best time to travel to India's north. The monsoons have subsided, making way for clear skies and dry weather. Daytime temperatures average around 34°C in cities like Agra and Jaipur, while places further north such as Shimla and Darjeeling can be up to 10 degrees cooler.

In November, Diwali gathers visitors from around the world to witness and partake in the festival of lights and the Tihar festival in Sikkim. In the same month is the Pushkar Camel Festival, which includes races, traditional performances and cricket matches. 

West

Encompassing the states of Gujarat, Goa, and Maharashtra, and home to the buzzing metropolis of Mumbai, West India is a region with plenty to offer. While the coastal areas here see relatively little variation from season to season, the temperatures across the entire region can vary quite dramatically. 

Winter

Winter is generally hailed as the best time to visit India for those looking to avoid the heat of the country's summer months, with cool or pleasantly warm temperatures in much of the country. Things are a bit warmer in the west - with Mumbai getting up to 30°C in January. This does make it a perfect escape for some winter sun, though, particularly if you plan on taking advantage of the idyllic beaches of Goa. Just keep in mind that the Christmas and New Year period can be very busy in the sunny state, so it is better to book far in advance.

If you'd like to experience a local festival during your holiday, Rann Utsav takes place every winter and runs for three months, during which time an expansive 'tent city' is formed in the desert and various performances and activities take place. In January, the International Kite Festival takes place in Ahmedabad, filling the sky with thousands of colourful creations. 

Summer

Summers are predictably hot during the summer months. May tends to be the hottest month, with an average maximum temperature of 40°C in Gujarat and Maharashtra and 35°C in Goa. The summer season is a shoulder season here, making it a great time to relax on the region's beaches - just don't forget to pack the sun cream! 

Monsoon

The months from June to September are very wet in this region. If you are visiting the country with plans to enjoy the beaches, this probably isn't the best time to visit Goa. India's famed coastal state not only sees a lot of rainy days during this period, but the waters off its beaches can get rough and many local eateries shut for the period. West India generally sees a lot of rainfall during this period, particularly in July, with an average of 19 days of rain. If you are looking to avoid the downpours during this season, you can head to north-west Gujarat, which typically remains dry owing to its desert climate. 

If you are visiting during the Monsoon period, you needn't worry too much. The region's cities, including Mumbai, Pune, and Jodhpur, offer many attractions, from museums and galleries to forts and temples, keeping you out of the rain. There is also the Ganesh Chaturthi in Mumbai in September - a 10-day Hindu festival devoted to Lord Ganesh. 

Post-monsoon

October marks the start of the dry season in West India, with very little rain until April. As a result, it's a great time to enjoy outdoor pursuits such as spotting lions and crocodiles at Gir National Park and visiting Goa's Dudhsagar Falls. As you probably guessed, this is one of the busiest times of the year in the region. Therefore, holidays should be booked as early as possible. Goa is still relatively quiet in October, and some of the beachfront restaurants stay closed for the month. It can still be quite humid, with a small chance of rain. However, if you want to enjoy the beaches out of season, this is a good time to visit. 

South

South India is generally warm all year round, providing plenty of opportunity to enjoy its many sights, from Kochi Fort to Mysore Palace. For those who aren't so fond of the heat, the region's high-altitude hill stations provide the perfect getaway to unwind in cooler weather. Let's take a look at how the seasons vary in this region. 
 
Winter

The winter months of December to March tend to be the driest in South India, with February laying claim to the fewest rainy days. The temperature during this period averages 20–25 °C, making it an ideal time to explore outdoor attractions such as Cubbon Park in Bengaluru or the famous fishermen's nets of Kochi. 

This is also the very best time to visit Kerala, India's southern state famed for its scenic backwaters, to embark on a cruise on a traditional houseboat, with the dry weather and lower temperatures providing the chance to enjoy the passing temples, rice fields and fishermen. Kerala has a busy winter tourist season, particularly around Christmas, so prices may be higher. 

Summer

Summers in the south are hot, with temperatures in the mid 30s in most of the region. This is a great time to visit Kerala for those looking for a laid back beach holiday - the state boasts over 400 miles of coastline, although you should be prepared for a chance of rain. If you want to explore in a cooler climate, you can head to Ooty, a former colonial British summer resort, where the temperature tends to sit in the mid 20s during the summer. 

Wildlife lovers may like to make the trip to Periyar National Park. While the park is more popular in the dry season, the summer months of March and April provide the best chance to see elephants as they hang out at waterholes for much of the day. Humidity can be high in the south at this time of the year, particularly in the interior. By June the rainfall begins, and can last until November. 

Monsoon

July to September is monsoon season in the south, although the rain can continue into the next few months. July sees the heaviest rainfall, with an average of 18 wet days. It's not all bad news, though. This is a great time to visit for festivals in the region, with the colourful snake boat races in Kerala in August and many festivals related to the harvest taking place, including Onam in Kerala.

Of course, if you're visiting the south's cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru or Hyderabad, you'll have plenty of options to shelter from the rain in museums, temples and palaces, as well as a wide range of restaurants, bars and shops. The main advantage of travelling at this time of the year is the lack of crowds and cheaper accommodation. 
 
Post-monsoon

The post-monsoon season is often considered the best time to go to India, and this is especially true in the south. The landscapes are lush and green following the ample rainfall in the preceding months, and the rain gives way to sunny, clear skies. While there is still some chance of rain, the showers tend to be in the evening and pass quickly. With mostly dry days and warm weather averaging 24-29°C, this is a great time to go to the beach, see the vibrant landscapes aboard the Nilgiri Blue Mountain Railway, or maybe even embark on a hike in the spectacular Western Ghats.  
 
East & Northeast

Composed of the states of Bihar, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha, this region is less visited than other parts of India, despite being extremely rich in natural beauty and incredible landscapes. The region is perhaps best known for being home to the Himalayan state of Sikkim, where dramatic mountain and forest landscapes attract visitors from far and wide. As such an expansive region, the weather here can vary quite a lot, so let's take a closer look at each season. 
 
Winter

Winter is usually the best time of year to visit India to enjoy its wealth of incredible places and attractions without the stifling heat. It is also one of the driest times of the year, and this is generally true for the North and Northeast, with the exception of snow. High-altitude areas like Sikkim often experience sub-zero temperatures, covering the landscape in a soft white blanket. As you can expect, it can get chilly at this time of year, although low-altitude areas such as Tripura offer mild winters with an average high of 26°C in January. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland takes place in early December, during which 16 different tribes gather in a celebration of heritage and traditions. 
 
Summer

East India is one of India's cooler regions, but don't let that fool you - it can still be very hot here in the summer months. In Assam, the temperature can reach 34°C, although Himalayan states like Sikkim will provide a welcome respite to the heat, often being around 10°C cooler. This is one of the best times to visit the region, with plenty of sunshine and tourist attractions in full force. Whether you are coming to enjoy the hiking trails, tea plantations or simply to take in the landscapes, this is a great time of year. 
 
Monsoon
June to August is the rainy season here, although the rainfall often lasts until early October. As a result, this is considered the low season. July is the wettest month, with an average of 21 rainy days. However, the weather is still hot in areas like Assam, with highs in the low thirties. Of course, higher altitude states will be cooler - Sikkim typically sees highs in the low twenties in July. Keep in mind that this is one of the worst times to visit the region’s mountainous areas, as landslides often occur.   
 
Post-monsoon

October heralds the start of the shoulder season in the North and Northeast. This is the best time of the year to visit the wildlife sanctuaries of Assam or enjoy a cruise on the Brahmaputra River. Weather conditions are also great - the rains have passed, and the days are pleasantly warm before the cool winter kicks in. As a result, this is an ideal time to go walking in Sikkim, with foliage in full bloom. There is also a packed calendar of festivals at this time, including the major Hindu festivals of Durga Puja, held every October, and Chhath in November. 
 

Central India

Central India includes the states of Chhattisgarh, lovingly referred to as the Heart of India, and Madhya Pradesh. The region is home to an array of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, making it a haven for nature lovers. In fact, it is believed that Rudyard Kipling drew inspiration for the setting of the Jungle Book from the verdant scenery here. 
 
Winter

Central India generally stays hot all year round, although the winters are cooler, making it a popular time to visit for those who want to avoid the high temperatures at other times of the year. The average maximum temperature is 25°C. The winter months are also the driest - December has the fewest rainy days - and less humid. While this is the peak season for the region, it doesn't feel as crowded as other parts of the country. 
 
Summer

If you're wondering when to visit India for wildlife watching, summer in Central India is a fantastic choice. The hot and dry weather means that it is easier to spot animals thanks to the thin vegetation and reliance on sparse waterholes. However, travelling at this time of the year is no mean feat for those who do not appreciate strong heat - the tropical climate means that highs of 45°C are not uncommon in the state of Chhattisgarh. Thankfully, the region's hill stations such as Pachmarhi provide a good escape, with temperatures approximately 10 degrees lower. 
 
Monsoon

As with elsewhere in the country, July to September is monsoon season in Central India, with heavy rainfall and high humidity. July is the wettest month, with around 17 days of rain. Most of the national parks, including Pench - the inspiration for the Jungle Book - are closed during this period. However, if you are planning to visit in the monsoon season, you will be rewarded with majestic looking misty forests and lush green landscapes. There are also places to visit where the rainfall won't affect you so much, for example the museums and temples of Nagpur city. 
 
Post-monsoon

October and November are great months to visit Central India. There's little chance of rain in the region, and while it's hot, at an average of around 28°C, it is much more bearable than the highs of the summer. If you plan on spotting tigers in areas such as Kanha National Park, keep in mind that the heavy rains have left the foliage full and tall, making it harder to see them. This is, however, a great time to visit sights such as the mediaeval Khajuraho Temples or the fort complex in the rural town of Orchha. 

So, now you have an idea of the seasons in India and how they vary from region to region, hopefully your trip planning will be a little easier. There's no real worst time to visit India - even in the monsoon season there are plenty of options for indoor activities in each region. While most tourists tend to visit in the winter, the dry season generally runs from October to April, and this is a great time to come to experience the country's great outdoors and natural wonders.
 
Ultimately, it is all dependent on the type of activities you plan to do. From the iconic sights of the Golden Triangle to idyllic beaches of the south, there is no shortage of things to choose from, making any visit to the country extremely memorable and worthwhile.