When is the best time to visit India?
The best time to visit India is between October and March, when the weather is more likely to be warm, sunny, and dry.
During this time, the north offers clear blue skies. However, December and January are much cooler, with potential fog, while the higher Himalaya can be very cold, but with clearer mountain views. Increasing temperatures in April and May can result in excellent value trips, but you can expect high humidity and thunderstorms.
Ladakh, located in the far north, is most accessible between June and September, when the rest of the country experiences monsoon season.
The best time to visit India’s southern states is from November onward, once the monsoon has ended.
Best Time to Visit North India
The best time to visit North India is from October to March. The temperatures vary widely between the plains of the north and the deserts of Rajasthan. Generally, the temperatures in the main season are consistently pleasant, it is dry and often up to 34°C hot. In the winter, however, it can cool down to around 0°C, especially in the evening. Rajasthan, on the other hand, is one of the country’s hottest regions so if you are planning a Jaipur tour or a Udaipur visit, the cool season from November to March is best, although rather warm.
Main season: October to March
Peak Season / Winter: December and January
Rainy Season: July to September
Best Time to Visit South India
The weather in South India is heavily influenced by the monsoon. In Kerala, it is rather sultry and hot throughout the year, with temperatures up to 33°C. In summer, temperatures of up to 45°C can be unpleasantly hot in southern India. During the winter months, on the other hand, the weather is most pleasant. In the higher regions, it becomes relatively fresh in the evening with 15-20°C.
- Main season: October / November – March
- Summer: April – June
- Rainy Season: June / July – September
Best Time to Visit Central & West India
For Central & West India tours, prepare for warm to very hot weather in summer and a pleasant climate in the winter months of October to March. Ideal for a wildlife safari, the region is typically rather hot and humid near the coast and dry in the interiors between April to June, until the monsoon rains arrive in July. The weather in Central and West India can be very hot and sultry, especially along the coast. In the interior of the country, however, the heat is rather dry. February and March are the best months to go on an Indian safari.
- Main season: October – March
- Summer (Not recommended): April – June
- Rainy Season: July – September
Best Time to Visit East India
The best travel time for East India travel is during the months of September / October to March. The entire region shines after the rain in June-August turning lush green.
Best Time to Visit the Himalayas
The temperatures, and therefore the best time to visit the Himalayas, vary according to altitude and latitude. During the day it is pleasantly warm – up to 22°C – while it can be cold in the evening and at night. During the monsoon, the chances of landslides are very high. In winter temperatures can drop to -14°C. The Himalayas at this time is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
- High season: March – June, October – November
- Winter: December – February
- Rainy Season: July – September
Best Time to Visit India’s Islands & Beaches
The beaches of India experience a tropical climate. The best time to travel to India for a beach holiday is during the months from November to March. Then you can enjoy long hours of sunshine and average temperatures around 30°C. During the monsoon season, some rain showers can be found. The beaches are often flooded due to the high seas, and swimming is not possible due to strong currents and waves.
- Main season: November – February
- Low season: March – April, October
- Rainy Season: May / June – September
