2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do The Taj Mahal National Parks & tigers The Golden Triangle Cooking & food Families Advice Responsible tourism All our India guides

Best time to visit India

The season between October to February is the best time to visit India. As India is such a large country you'll find the best time to visit varies from region to region with mild winters and roasting summers occurring thanks, in part, to the natural barrier of the Himalayas. In general, India succumbs to a summer season, winter season and monsoon season so read more to find the best time to go.

Home\Asia\India

Best time to visit India

Many people avoid August as they think it's still monsoon. In the north there isn't much rain so it actually feels like a European summer.

You can’t generalise about anything when you travel to India. Certainly not the weather. In December you can bask on the beaches of Kerala or burn at the Taj Mahal, yet head into the mountains of Ladakh for temperatures plummeting into the minus teens. There is a monsoon from July until September, but the sun can be shining in the north. You can hike in Kerala’s Western Ghats in winter, but head to the Himalayas and it’s skis, boots and crampons.

Call us for the best time to go to India

Kerala Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

110

MAY

200

JUN

310

JUL

210

AUG

160

SEP

190

OCT

270

NOV

200

DEC

Our India Holidays

Month by month guide

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.

Need some help? Give us a call

PLAY

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about India or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

What happens when

Rajat Kumar, Managing Director at our supplier ExplorIndya:

“February and March are wonderful, because places and people are more relaxed after the Christmas rush. October and November are also great, as it is fresh off the monsoon and everything is luscious and green. For hiking March is perfect with clear blue skies - the sort of weather where you wake up with your eyes closed and still know it is a sunny day. “

Shanane Davis, Director of our supplier, True Luxury Tours, specialising in Rajasthan:

“In the mountain regions I think May and September are the best months, with orchids in May, and alpine flowers in September”

Festivals & events in India

Did you know about...?

Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is held in Jodphur every October, with traditional dancers, musicians and artists from all over the state. And located in stunning Mehrangar Fort, it’s an amazing venue too. The Jaipur Literary festival in January is also very cool.

More about India

India travel guide

India is an explosion of colour. The Golden Triangle glistens with culture, Rajasthan has pink and blue cities, and Kerala has lush green Ghat Mountains...

Where to go in India

It is vast and, therefore, can be overwhelming, so take some time to look at our map and highlights to help you work where to go in India...

Things to do in India

From Ladakh's Buddhist influences, Rajasthan's palaces, and tigers in the national parks, India has no shortage of cultural and natural treats...

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal sets the standard for romance. Learn how to ge there as well as places to see nearby, including the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri...

Tigers safaris in India

India has 103 national parks. They pack in a host of endangered species, exotic birdlife, dramatic landscapes, and - most famously - tigers...

Things to see & do in the Golden Triangle

Crammed with temples, palaces and Mughal architecture, the Golden Triangle delivers a perfect week in India, with plenty of Indian spice and flavour...

India birdwatching

It’s underrated when it comes to avian experiences, but India should be on every twitcher’s wishlist.

Cooking & food holidays in India

India is a veritable feast, and exploring it through food will give you the best insight into its culture, history, geography and stuff your faceology...

Diwali in India

Experiencing an internationally celebrated event in its country of origin is one of those travelling adventures to tell the grandkids about.

India with kids

Travelling in India with children is like opening a storybook and sinking into a different page every day, because it is so full of stories for kids...

India travel advice

Here are some of our top India travel tips on what to pack, what not to miss and how to get the most out of this varied and wonderful cultural adventure...

LGBT holidays in India

Same sex sexual activity was only briefly decriminalised in India before being made illegal again, but LGBT travellers should not face discrimination...

Responsible tourism in India

In a country that is constantly changing, poverty, conservation and animal welfare are areas that are worth reading up on before your India holiday...

All our India guides

Find all of our India guides in one place, for particular places in India such as Rajasthan, Kerala or the Himalayas...

More relevant guides

Written by Catherine Mack

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: Uzi Yachin] [Temperature chart: Vinoth Chandar] [Rt recommends - tea estate: Sakeeb Sabakka] [Rajasthan International Folk Festival: Varun Shiv Kapur]

Best time to visit India