India is a riot of colours; a magical, mind-boggling place where desert forts rise from the dust, pilgrims flock to bathe in the sacred Ganges, and tigers and leopards still roam free in the forests. But you might be wondering when you should plan on visiting India to make the most of your trip? Well, fear not as we’ve done all the thinking for you. From planning a trip to see local wildlife in their natural habitat or dropping in on age-old festivals, here’s our rundown of the best time to visit India:
- Best for low prices: April—September
- Best for elusive Bengal tiger spotting: October—June
- Best for low prices and smaller crowds: April—September
- Best for good weather: October—March
- Best for beach days and temple tours: December—March
- Best for Kerala backwaters: September—February
- Best for the Himalayas: April—September
- Best for Indian festivals: October—March
Indian high season
There’s an old saying that says you haven’t seen real crowds until you’ve been to India during peak season. It lasts from October to March when temperatures are tolerable and rain is scarce. Beautiful weather attracts more tourists and the streets and landmarks bustle with activity. The vibrant culture, rich history, and colourful festivals make it an unforgettable experience. It’s also when most festivals and outdoor experiences take place and when people from colder climates travel to India to escape harsh winters.
Low season in India
Most travellers aren’t too fond of the months from April to September. Although ‘summer’ sounds fun, overpowering heat and dryness don’t suit everyone. And just when you think you can’t take the heat any longer, the weather shifts and brings heavy rains and high humidity that can last until October.
Fun fact: The beginning of the low season for most of India, represents the start of the peak season in the Ladakh region in the north of the country.
Indian weather
India's weather is as diverse and colourful as its culture and landscapes. Every season tells a story, making it a captivating destination year-round!
Winter (January—February)
Indian winter is famous for cold winds, dry air, and occasional snowfall in the north. But don’t let that scare you. Most of the country, especially the southern states, experiences mild weather conditions ideal for sightseeing.
Spring (March—April)
Spring brings warmer days and clear blue skies in India. During this time of year, you can expect dry and sunny days perfect for touring most states.
Summer (May—June)
Summer comes with scorching temperatures in most parts. Many travellers resort to mountainous regions like the Himalayas to escape the heat. India can reach temperatures of over 50℃ (122℉) after all.
Monsoon Season (July—August)
Monsoon season in India is when the land recovers from prolonged drought. Monsoons in India come with heavy rainfall that most travellers choose to sit out.
Autumn (September—October)
Fall ushers in a breezy farewell to the rains. The weather becomes pleasantly cool, perfect for outdoor festivities and travel. Occasional cyclones may still drench the land now and then.
Pre-winter (November—December)
Early winter wraps India in a cool embrace, making even the hottest places bearable and comfortable. In the north, snow blankets the Himalayas. The south enjoys mild temperatures perfect for exploring temples and beaches.
Best time to see Bengal tigers in India
Are you ready to try seeing Bengal tigers face to face? Well, get ready to kickstart your tiger-spotting journey!
March to June
These paws-itively photogenic felines are pretty elusive so it pays to pick an optimal time. Spotting is easier in spring and summer as temperatures rise and water sources begin to dry up. That’s when tigers start paying frequent visits to the remaining waterholes and sightings increase. Thanks to the intense heat in India during this period, the vegetation in forests also becomes less dense, giving clearer views and better opportunities to observe tigers in their natural habitat.
November to February
Wintertime in India is good for people as well as the tigers. Cooler temperatures and dry weather mean the felines are more active throughout the day. This gives you more chance of seeing them roaming around, sometimes even too close for comfort.
Pro spotting tips
Bengal tigers are most active in the morning hours when temperatures are cooler, so early mornings are best. For a higher chance of seeing a tiger, join us on our safari tour of northern India.
Popular reserves for tiger-watching include Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, and Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.
Festivals in India
Live life the Indian way by revelling in the nation’s traditional festivals. The majority of these events take place between October and March, so be ready for big crowds and amazing cultural experiences.
Diwali
The Festival of Lights, Diwali, takes place between mid-October and mid-November and is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. During this time, a magical atmosphere takes over cities and towns where lamps and fireworks illuminate the streets.
Holi
Many visitors also travel to India to experience Holi — the festival of colours marking the arrival of spring. If you can see the funny side of getting coloured powders thrown in your face, this one is a must-try.
Other Indian festivals
If nine nights of dancing and worshipping sounds like a good treat, you could visit India in September or October to attend Navratri and Dussehra marking the victory of good over evil. Another vibrant festival is the Durga Puja in October and is particularly grand in West Bengal cities like Kolkata.
On the other hand, January festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti are a great way to learn more about the culture. The former is most prevalent in Tamil Nadu with feasts, music, and dancing taking over the streets. The latter marks the harvest season and takes on a fun twist in Gujarat with its kite-flying activities.
Best time to visit Ladakh, India
India’s temples, bazaars, and palaces are always worth visiting. But so are the lodges and tented camps on the slopes of the Himalayas. The weather here, however, works a bit differently. The summer months form the peak season thanks to pleasant weather, accessible roads, and beautiful scenery.
It’s best to visit Ladakh between April and September for activities like hiking in the Himalayas, rafting on the Zanskar River, and mountain biking the world’s highest navigable road in Leh, Ladakh.
Visit the region in June or July for optimal weather conditions and the chance to participate in Ladakh’s lively festivals. One event you should definitely experience is the Hemis Festival which showcases traditional Buddhist culture, mask dances, and local music.
Ladakh can be a bit harder to visit from October to March however. While extreme cold, road closures, and heavy snowfall are a downside for some, travellers looking for a more isolated experience love it. You might even spot a snow leopard — one of the world’s most elusive felines.
Best time to visit Indian cities
Ready your backpack, and put on your adventurer’s hat — you’re going city hopping! Whether you’re after Mumbai’s city life, Delhi’s history, or Jaipur’s architectural feats, timing your travels well is key to a fun trip.
Mumbai
Most people prefer Mumbai from January to February when cool breezes take over the city. March, April, and May are great if you don’t mind the overwhelming heat. Monsoonal rains are prevalent from June to September with rainy conditions often flowing into November and December.
Jaipur and Udaipur
You can enjoy the Pink City and the City of Lakes to the fullest from October to March. Steer clear of the scorching April to June months and be ready for lots of rain if you travel here from July to September.
Kolkata
Located in the east of the country, Kolkata boasts dry winter weather from December to February but can reach very high temperatures starting in March. Monsoons take over by the end of May, and flooding from shifting cyclones can last all the way into November.
Varanasi
Are you a fan of extreme heat? Go here in April, May, or June. If you prefer not to sweat through five tops a day, November to March might be better. Heavy rains typically arrive in July and end by late September. Varanasi has some of the best temples in the country and if that’s your thing, try joining our temple tour of Rajasthan and Varanasi.
Best vs. worst times to visit India
Naturally, the best and worst times to explore India depend on your preferences and needs. In general, the best time to visit is between October and March when temperatures are moderate and the weather is more pleasant, making travel and outdoor activities more enjoyable. The honour of the worst time to travel typically goes to April through September thanks to extreme heat and monsoon rains.
Whether you choose to brave the summer heat or embrace the monsoon rains, each season offers its own unique perspective on India's rich culture and vibrant landscapes. But we’ll leave it to you to make up your own mind, once you’ve experienced this diverse and dynamic country with us on tour.
