Asia
Best Time to Visit India
A subcontinent — pick your region carefully.
Last updated June 2026
India is enormous. The Himalayas peak in summer, the south is great in winter, the deserts are unbearable in May. Monsoon (Jun–Sep) shapes most of the country.
Best time to visit India: quick answer
| Best overall months | January, February, October, November |
| Months to avoid | May, June |
| Cheapest months | April, May, June, July |
| Best regions by season | North & Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur), Rajasthan & Gujarat, Kerala & south India |
| Insider tip | Plan India by region, not by country — climate varies by 30°C across it on the same day. |
Year at a glance
India weather & travel by month
Average highs/lows, rainy days, crowd levels, prices and a one-glance verdict for every month.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain days | Crowds | Prices | Verdict | What's on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanJanuary | 22°/8° | 2 | high | high | Go | Republic Day (26 Jan) · Lohri · Pongal |
| FebFebruary | 26°/11° | 2 | high | high | Go | Jaipur Lit Fest · Holi prep |
| MarMarch | 31°/16° | 2 | high | high | Great | Holi (Mar full moon) |
| AprApril | 36°/22° | 2 | med | med | Baisakhi (13 Apr) | |
| MayMay | 39°/26° | 4 | low | low | Skip | Buddha Purnima |
| JunJune | 35°/27° | 13 | low | low | Skip | Monsoon arrives Kerala (~1 Jun) |
| JulJuly | 32°/26° | 18 | low | low | Rath Yatra (Puri) | |
| AugAugust | 31°/26° | 17 | low | low | Independence Day (15 Aug) · Janmashtami | |
| SepSeptember | 31°/25° | 14 | low | low | Great | Ganesh Chaturthi (Mumbai) |
| OctOctober | 32°/22° | 7 | med | med | Go | Durga Puja (Kolkata) · Dussehra |
| NovNovember | 28°/16° | 3 | high | high | Go | Diwali (Oct/Nov) · Pushkar Camel Fair |
| DecDecember | 24°/11° | 2 | high | high | Great | Christmas in Goa · Sunburn Festival |
India festival calendar
Major festivals worth planning a trip around — with the booking lead time you'll need.
| Festival | Dates | City / Region | Why it matters | Book ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holi | March full moon | Mathura, Vrindavan, Jaipur | Festival of colours — Mathura/Vrindavan are the spiritual epicentre. | 4 months |
| Pushkar Camel Fair | 1 week around Kartik Purnima (Nov) | Pushkar, Rajasthan | 50,000 camels, fire dancers, balloon rides — pure Rajasthan. | 4–6 months |
| Diwali | Oct/Nov new moon (5 days) | Nationwide (Varanasi, Jaipur) | Festival of Lights — entire country glows; Varanasi Dev Deepawali follows. | 3 months |
| Durga Puja | Late Sep – early Oct | Kolkata | 5-day art-installation festival across 3,000+ pandals. | 3 months |
Region by region
India is big enough that the best month varies by area. Here's the breakdown.
North & Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur)
Pleasant Oct–Mar. Brutal heat Apr–Jun. Monsoon Jul–Aug.
Rajasthan & Gujarat
Best Nov–Feb. Avoid summer (45°C+).
Kerala & south India
Dry & lush Oct–Mar. Backwaters at their best.
Goa
Beach season Nov–Mar. Closed/wet Jun–Sep.
Himalayas (Ladakh, Spiti, Himachal, Uttarakhand)
Trekking & high passes Jun–Sep. Snowed in Dec–Mar.
Northeast (Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam)
Clear views Oct–Apr; very wet Jun–Sep.
Trip highlights
- Plains: Oct–Mar
- Himalayas: Jun–Sep
- Kerala: Dec–Feb
Insider tip
Plan India by region, not by country — climate varies by 30°C across it on the same day.
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Frequently asked questions about India
What is the best month to visit India?
The best time to visit India is January, February, October and November. India is enormous. The Himalayas peak in summer, the south is great in winter, the deserts are unbearable in May. Monsoon (Jun–Sep) shapes most of the country.
What months should you avoid in India?
Avoid May, June in India — expect extreme heat, monsoon rain, deep cold or widespread closures. If you must travel then, focus on regions less affected and book flexible accommodation.
When is the rainy season in India?
The wettest, most unsettled stretch typically lands in May, June — that's when heavy rain, humidity or storms are most likely. Drier conditions return in January, February, October, November.
When is the cheapest time to visit India?
The cheapest time to visit India is usually April, July, August — flights and hotels drop outside the January, February, October and November peak. You'll trade some weather or closures for noticeably lower prices and fewer crowds.
How many days do you need in India?
Most travellers spend 7–14 days in India to cover the headline experiences without rushing. With 6 distinct regions, 2 weeks lets you pair the classics with one off-the-beaten-path area.
Is India safe for tourists?
India is generally safe for tourists who take standard precautions — watch belongings in busy areas, use licensed transport, and check your government's latest travel advisory before booking. Travel insurance is recommended.
How to read the calendar
- best — Peak season — ideal weather
- good — Great time to visit
- shoulder — Shoulder season — mixed conditions
- off-season — Off-season — extreme weather or closures
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