Best time to visit India

The best time to visit India for sun worshippers is October to February, when their god makes her most glorious appearances, especially in the south. February until May are also lovely, although a lot more humid.

Tiger and elephant watching is best during the hottest, driest months, April, May and June, as tigers come out in search of water.

Delhi and the Golden Triangle are best visited during February and March, October and November for tolerable temperatures, but you will get the crowds at popular sites. The weather is scorching from April to June, with temperatures soaring over 40°C. It is like the whole place is weeping with relief when the monsoon rains come in July, lasting through August and September. Roads can flood then, making for one big mucky metropolis. It can be foggy and freezing in December, January and February. The Taj Majal is closed on Fridays.

 

There are lots of wonderful celebrations in January, from the Kite Festival in Gujarat, Bikanar Camel Festival in Rajasthan to countrywide celebrations for Republic Day on 26 January. New Delhi festivities in particular are wonderful to witness.

If you want to go hiking in Kerala’s Western Ghats, you are best to do so outside the monsoon peak in July and August. Houseboats don't tend to be rented out during this time either. March is generally perfect for hiking holidays in India.

 

In Kashmir, Jammu on the plains is hit by rain and humidity during the monsoon, June-August, but the mountains are cooler. Roads can be closed by snow December to March, although you can also ski at Gulmarg then. Who knew?

 

Diwali, the great Festival of Light, is always a splendid affair, falling in either October or November.

 

Don’t underestimate how cold in can get in rural central India in December and January - literally woolly hats and gloves and hot water bottles for nights and early mornings – but gloriously sunny days.

 

According to Ayurveda tradition, monsoon is the best season for rejuvenation therapies because the pores of the body open wide allowing them to fully absorb the oils and therapeutic treatments.