Seasonal Guide
Best Time to Visit India
India's seasons vary dramatically by region. This guide covers the whole country — from the Rajasthan desert to the Kerala backwaters — so you can plan for the weather that suits your trip.
Month by Month
India Season Calendar
Applies to North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan) — the most-visited corridor. Scroll down for regional breakdowns.
Jan
Cool & clear
Feb
Ideal temps
Mar
Warming up
Apr
Very hot
May
Extreme heat
Jun
Rains begin
Jul
Heavy rains
Aug
Heavy rains
Sep
Rains ease
Oct
Post-monsoon
Nov
Best weather
Dec
Peak season
Nov – Mar
- Ideal temperatures 15–28°C
- Clear skies for photography
- Most festivals and events
- Book accommodation early
Mar & Oct
- Good value on hotels
- Fewer crowds at major sites
- Warm but manageable
- Ideal for South India
Apr – May
- 40–48°C in Rajasthan
- Outdoor sightseeing punishing
- Good for Kerala & hills
- Cheapest hotel rates
Jun – Sep
- Heavy rain (especially Jul–Aug)
- Lush and photogenic landscapes
- Kerala backwaters best in Aug
- Budget traveller advantage
By Region
Regional Season Guide
India is a subcontinent. The best time varies enormously depending on where you're going.
North India — Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan
Best: October – March
Avoid: May – July (extreme heat 40–48°C)
The classic India circuit. Winters (Nov–Feb) are cool and dry with clear skies — perfect for the Golden Triangle. Spring (Mar) is warm and pleasant. Avoid April–July: temperatures regularly exceed 45°C in Rajasthan.
South India — Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Best: November – February
Avoid: June – September (Southwest Monsoon)
South India follows a different monsoon calendar. The Southwest Monsoon (Jun–Sep) brings heavy rainfall to Kerala and the Western Ghats. The Northeast Monsoon (Oct–Dec) affects Tamil Nadu's east coast. November–February is dry and warm throughout.
Goa & West Coast
Best: November – February
Avoid: June – September (heavy rain)
Goa's beach season runs November to February with warm days, cool evenings, and calm seas. The monsoon (Jun–Sep) turns lush and green but many beach shacks close. March–May is hot but manageable if you want smaller crowds.
Himalaya & Hill Stations
Best: April – June, September – October
Avoid: December – March (snow blocks high passes)
Spring (Apr–Jun) and autumn (Sep–Oct) offer the clearest Himalayan views and open trekking routes. Summer (Jul–Aug) brings the Himalayan monsoon — trails can be muddy and landslide-prone. Winter closes most high-altitude passes.
Northeast India — Meghalaya, Assam, Sikkim
Best: October – April
Avoid: May – September (heaviest rain in the world)
Northeast India is India's most underexplored region — and its most biodiverse. Cherrapunji receives the world's highest annual rainfall June–August, so visit Oct–Apr for dry, clear weather. Kaziranga's rhinos are best spotted Nov–Apr when the grass is short.
Time Your Trip
Major Festivals & Events
Month
Jan
Jaipur Literature Festival
FestivalMonth
Feb
Taj Mahotsav, Agra
CulturalMonth
Mar
Holi
FestivalMonth
Oct
Dussehra & Navratri
FestivalMonth
Nov
Pushkar Camel Fair
FestivalMonth
Dec
Rann Utsav, Kutch
CulturalSee all festivals → India Festivals Guide
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