Know when you’re travelling to India but not sure where best to go? Check out our guide on best places to visit in India or where to go when in India to help plan that perfect holiday whatever month of the year you’re visiting.
With such a varied geography, climate and culture, each month brings something new in India whether its colourful festivals or perfect weather for outdoor adventure. To help plan your visit we’ve put together a guide to the best places to visit each month.
India’s vast size means that there are numerous weather patterns. Generally, the best time to visit for 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 best time to travel to India’s southern states is 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 iconic Taj Mahal is a beautiful sight; plan ahead with some flexibility and we can arrange for you to visit under a full moon.
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Visiting India in January
As the north of India experiences some of the coldest temperatures it will see during the year, the south region is ideal in January with pleasant temperatures in the cities and perfect weather along the coast and inland regions. If you’re visiting for New Year’s, the beaches of Goa are the place to be with all-night parties and firework displays. If you prefer your beaches a bit quieter, consider the Andaman Islands for glorious sunny days, comfortably hot temperatures, great diving conditions and the chance to see nesting turtles.
Auli: Kickstart the new year with an incredible adventure in the snow-clad meadows of Auli Bugyal in Uttarakhand. Ski down the glistening snow on the slopes that transform Auli into a winter wonderland, which makes January the best time to visit Auli. Haridwar is the nearest railhead at a distance of 273 km from Auli and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.
In Bikaner you can join in the festivities of the Camel Festival and as Rajasthan is largely desert, day time temperatures are still quite pleasant with typically sunny days though the mercury does drop at night.
Cold nights in Rajasthan for Jodhpur, Udaipur 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. This makes it a wonderful time for sightseeing in the north of India with pleasant daytime temperatures. The historic Pink City of Jaipur is a delight at this time of year with its striking fort and palaces while Jaisalmer hosts the three-day Jaisalmer Desert Festival, an extravaganza of camel racing, turban tying and quirky competitions. Wildlife safaris like Ranthambore National Park makes the perfect addition to a tour around India’s Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.
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.
Rishikesh Yoga Festival: Visit the yoga capital of India for the biggest yoga festival in the country during the first week of March, which makes this month the best time to visit Rishikesh. Learn the ancient art of meditation from the gurus who gather during the International Yoga Festival to address yoga enthusiasts from all over the world.
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. For wildlife viewing without the crowds, try the lesser-visited Sunderbans National Park for mangrove forests and majestic tigers.
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. The Himalayas are ideal at this time of year with the high altitudes resulting in bright, sunny days with comfortable temperatures. Intrepid travellers can relish the opportunity to visit Leh and Ladakh, India’s remote far-eastern corner characterized by rugged mountain scenery and grand Buddhist monasteries.
Visiting India in June
Come June and most of India is experiencing rainfall with the monsoon having started in earnest, especially in the south. It’s not the time to be looking at a beach holiday but it is a good time to book that Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala, known for its authentic practices of the ancient science of life and longevity.
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 offer ideal weather and incredible views across Orchha and Munnar, whilst elsewhere in India, celebrations are underway due to the arrival of the much-needed monsoon rains.
Visiting India in August
The country is in the middle of the monsoon but the state of Rajasthan receives far less rain than other regions thanks to its desert location, so sightseeing is still possible in August. The romantic city of Udaipur takes on a particularly magical appearance at this time of year with Lake Pichola filled with water and the surrounding mountains of the Aravalli Range thick with greenery.
Take the road trip of a lifetime to the stunning Himalayan desert in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The district of Lahaul and Spiti promise the best options for exploration on a road trip that start from Manali, via Chandrataal, Kee, Kibber, Komic, Tabo and Nako.
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. Landscapes thick with vegetation and heavily discounted prices are two great reasons to visit Kerala at this time of year but you can also add the colourful harvest festival of Onam to that list which sees processions and dance performances fill the streets of Kochi.
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. October is an excellent time to visit India with a number of festivals taking place this month including the ancient Hindu festival of Diwali, which kicks off at the very end of October. The holy city of Varanasi is a wonderful place to enjoy the celebrations with the ghats along the Ganges River illuminated with candles and the skies lit up with fireworks. Elsewhere in India the Durga Puja takes place in Kolkata early October.
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.
It’s a great month to visit much of India with the rains well and truly past and temperatures still warm enough for outdoor pursuits and sightseeing. These conditions perfectly suit exploration of Hampi and the evocative ruins of the 14th century Hindu city of Vijayanagar. The same goes for the erotic temples of Khajuraho, intricately carved with scenes very much in line with the Kamasutra.
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.
The Christmas holiday brings with it high numbers of tourists and peak season prices with many visitors opting for the beaches of Goa and Kerala. Also, down south Mysore – Bandipur and Ooty can be a wonderful destination to explore the nearby tea estates as well.
So these were the best places to visit in India by month. Hope this helps you in planning your India trip.
Also Read: India Travel Guide – 25 Smart Things to Know Before Coming to India
