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Weather & climate

Best time to visit

India's vast size means that there are numerous weather patterns. Generally, the best time to experience warm, dry and sunny weather is between October and March. 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. The southern states are best enjoyed from November onwards when the monsoon has ended. Juxtaposing the rest of the country, Ladakh in the far north is accessible between June and September.

  • The alpine Himalayan foothills including Darjeeling and Shimla have distinct seasons but travel is possible year-round. December and January are the coldest months, when temperatures in Darjeeling drop to nearly freezing at night, and days peak at around 10°C (50°F). In June and July temperatures range from around 13°C (55°F) to 19°C (66°F). Shimla is a few degrees warmer year-around. Both areas have a monsoon season. Darjeeling experiences heavy rain from June to September, while Shimla has a shorter wet season from July to August.

    As you reach higher into the Himalaya, the temperature drops by about 6,5°C every 1,000m (3,5°F for every 1000 feet) you climb. The heaviest snow is from December to February at elevation over 1,500m (5,000 feet) making travel difficult or impossible in some areas. Above 5,000m (16,400 feet) freezing temperatures mean that only snow falls and never rain.

  • The best time to go to Delhi is during winter, from October to March, as it is relatively dry and temperatures are more moderate. Nights can be chilly from November to February with temperatures dropping to around 8°C (46°F), and highs in the low 20s (70s), while October and March are warmer with peaks around 30°C (86°F). May and June are very hot with lows around 26°C (79°F) and highs reaching an average of 40°C (104°F). Hot, dry winds are common and occasionally dust storms occur. July through September is the monsoon season, with rising humidity and heavy rains in July to August.

    The best time of day to visit the Taj Mahal in Agra, will vary according to the season you visit. If you are travelling from November to February, fog can sometimes obscure your view in the early morning, so it is best to go later in the morning or the afternoon. For the rest of the year, the best time to go is around sunrise, when there are fewer tourists and the midday heat is yet to set in.

  • If you plan to visit India for its beaches, Goa enjoys pleasant temperatures year-round with low temperatures around 24°C (75°f) most of the year, dropping a few degrees from December to February and rising a few in April and May. High temperatures are around 32°C (90°), except during the monsoon when they drop a few degrees. The monsoon season from June to September brings a huge amount of rain, peaking at 994mm ( 39 inches) in July with an average of 27days of rain that month. The rain eases in September, and from October to April , there is very little rain at all.

  • The south of India is the closest to the equator, so temperatures are hot year-round. It rarely drops below 22°C (72°F) and temperatures peak between 28°C (82°F) and 31°C (88°), except in the hottest months of May and June when they reach 34°C (93°F). Two thirds of the rain falls from June to August, with heavy rains prevalent throughout the day. The rest falls from September to December, when torrential downpours in the afternoon leave the rest of the day warm and pleasant for touring.

  • Mumbai is a monsoonal destination and the best time to go is from October to May, when there is almost no rain. It is wet from June to September, especially July and August when there are few days without at least some rain. July alone sees an average of 868mm (34 inches) of rain. Temperatures are fairly stable throughout the year. Lows vary from 16°C (61°F) in January to 26°C (79°F) in May, while the peak temperatures vary by only a few degrees from 29°C (84°F) in winter to 33°C (91°F) in summer.

  • This part of India is a tropical desert, and temperatures within the state of Rajasthan are similar to nearby Delhi and Agra. Around Udaipur temperatures in summer can be a welcome few degrees cooler, while the « arid west » has maximums averaging 45°C (113°F).

    To the west of the Aravelli Hills including Jaisalmer, there is very little humidity and rainfall, while to the east the climate is sub-tropical. The driest areas such as Jaisalmer get only 10cm (4 inches) of rain a year, while other parts of the state receive up to 100cm (40 inches). Almost all of the rain in Rajasthan occurs in July and August.

    Further east, in central India, temperatures are similar but July and August see more significant rainfall.

Month-by-month guide to travelling in India

Visiting India in January

Cold nights in Rajasthan and the north clear for warm, dry days, making January a great option for sightseeing; although fog can linger in the mornings. Southern states are popular as a warm, sunny escape; properties in Kerala do fill up quickly though. Some of the best mountain views can be experienced in the Himalaya, but you need to wrap up warm.

Visiting India in February

As fog and mist clears in the northern states, this is one of the best months to travel as nearly the whole country is warm and sunny. Hotels do get booked up well in advance, so it's important to plan ahead.

Visiting India in March

A very popular month to travel for both great weather and the popular Holi festival. The colourful paint-throwing event is great fun as everyone celebrates the victory of good over evil. The festival's date changes each year.

Visiting India in April

Temperatures increase country-wide, making April one of the best months for seeing wildlife in the central parks. Water is limited, so sightings at watering holes are frequent. As daytime temperatures are very high, we'd recommend excursions in the morning and evenings only. Hotels are very busy over Easter, so plan well in advance if your travel dates aren’t flexible.

Visiting India in May

Hotels offer great value during May, but we do warn of the very high temperatures of up to 45°C and the humidity, which can be very uncomfortable. Some camps close, as does desert accommodation. Wildlife sightings continue to be at their best early in the morning and early evening.

Visiting India in June

The stunning region of Ladakh is accessible from June and offers a complete contrast to the rest of the country. Days are sunny and clear, but you will need layers for warmth. The rest of the country is awaiting the monsoon; humidity is high and thunderstorms frequent, especially in the Himalaya and southern states.

Visiting India in July

July and August offer ideal weather and incredible views across Ladakh, whilst elsewhere in India, celebrations are underway due to the arrival of the much-needed monsoon rains.

Visiting India in August

The continuing rains and higher water levels mean that August and September are the best months for cruising along the Ganges, between the holy city of Varanasi and Patna. Departures get booked well in advance so plan ahead.

Visiting India in September

September can offer fantastic value in Rajasthan as it marks the end of the monsoon, although weather is still mixed in the surrounding regions. Ladakh’s season comes to a close but travel is still possible. Trips to the southern states and Himalayas is not advised until the rains clear.

Visiting India in October

Marking the start of the peak travel season, October sees the rains end in the north and the warm, sunny days return. Unpredictable showers can remain in the south, but these help create the beautiful verdant scenery. Mahatma Ghandi’s birthday is celebrated on the 2nd October and is a national holiday.

Visiting India in November

One of the best months to travel anywhere in India, November offers wonderful weather as well as multiple festivals. The Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan is a unique event to witness, while Diwali, the festival of light (which sometimes takes place in October), encourages beautiful candle displays, buildings covered in lights and celebratory fireworks all over the country.

Visiting India in December

December is ideal for a trip to the south of India - it is beautifully sunny and warm, making it a very popular option for Christmas, but it's important to plan well in advance to secure the best accommodation. The north has lovely daytime temperatures, but mornings and evenings are much cooler and sometimes foggy. Flight prices are among their highest in December so book early if you can.