When should you travel to India?
The best time to visit India depends on which part of the country you travel to. We are happy to plan the best India tours for you depending on what you want to see and do. To help you decide, here is an overview of when to holiday in India.
After you have read this article, we recommend checking out our India travel guide. It contains helpful information about visas, getting around, dining, shopping and more.
Best Time To Visit India
OVERVIEW
WE RECOMMEND
- Float down the Kerala backwaters on a houseboat
- Join the Republic Day festivities in the nation’s capital
- Witness a one-of-a-kind Camel Festival in Bikaner
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- Ski down the slopes of Auli in Uttarakhand
- Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh
- Visit India’s most iconic landmark – the beauty in white – the Taj Mahal
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- Celebrate the colorful festival of Holi in Mathura
- Sip on some of the finest teas in Darjeeling
- Set off on scenic treks around Dharamshala
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- Birding enthusiasts will love the chance to spot a variety of avifauna in Corbett National Park
- Visit picturesque Kashmir for the Tulip festival
- Marvel at the majestic Kanchenjunga from idyllic Pelling
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- Come face to face with the majestic tiger at Kanha National Park
- Savor the king of fruits – the delicious mango
- Travel the Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh
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- Explore the colonial history of Shimla
- Find your peace in Rishikesh
- Discover the extraordinarily beautiful landscape of Ladakh
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- Escape to beautiful Mt. Abu in Rajasthan
- Discover cascading waterfalls and pristine lakes in Lonavala, Maharashtra
- Trek through a bed of wild roses and geraniums at the Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand
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- Delve into the rich history and culture of the maharajahs at Udaipur
- Breathe in greenery and freshness at Munnar
- Witness the battle of boats in Allepey
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- Sign up for an Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala
- Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab
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- Travel the popular Golden Triangle route
- Revel in the grandeur of the Durga Pooja celebrations in West Bengal
- Dance along with locals in the colorful Navratri celebrations in Gujarat
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- Travel to the Andamans for a blissful beach vacation
- Explore the ruins of Hampi in Karnataka
- Experience the magic of Diwali in the holy city of Varanasi
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WE RECOMMEND
- Be mesmerized by the vibrant culture and expansive white desert of the Rann of Kutch
- Welcome the New Year in Goa
- India’s party capital – Attend classical music concerts and visit ancient temples in Tamilnadu
Best Time to Visit India by Region
Best Time to Visit North India
The best time to visit North India is from October to March. The temperatures vary widely between the plains of the north and the deserts of Rajasthan. Generally, the temperatures in the main season are consistently pleasant, it is dry and often up to 34°C hot. In the winter, however, it can cool down to around 0°C, especially in the evening. Rajasthan, on the other hand, is one of the country’s hottest regions so if you are planning a Jaipur tour or a Udaipur visit, the cool season from November to March is best, although rather warm.
- Main season: October to March
- Peak Season / Winter: December and January
- Rainy Season: July to September
Best Time to Visit South India
The weather in South India is heavily influenced by the monsoon. In Kerala, it is rather sultry and hot throughout the year, with temperatures up to 33°C. In summer, temperatures of up to 45°C can be unpleasantly hot in southern India. During the winter months, on the other hand, the weather is most pleasant. In the higher regions, it becomes relatively fresh in the evening with 15-20°C.
- Main season: October / November – March
- Summer: April – June
- Rainy Season: June / July – September
Best Time to Visit Central & West India
For Central & West India tours, prepare for warm to very hot weather in summer and a pleasant climate in the winter months of October to March. Ideal for a wildlife safari, the region is typically rather hot and humid near the coast and dry in the interiors between April to June, until the monsoon rains arrive in July. The weather in Central and West India can be very hot and sultry, especially along the coast. In the interior of the country, however, the heat is rather dry. February and March are the best months to go on an Indian safari.
- Main season: October – March
- Summer (Not recommended): April – June
- Rainy Season: July – September.
Best Time to Visit East India
The best travel time for East India travel is during the months of September / October to March. The entire region shines after the rain in June-August turning lush green.
Best Time to Visit the Himalayas
The temperatures, and therefore the best time to visit the Himalayas, vary according to altitude and latitude. During the day it is pleasantly warm – up to 22°C – while it can be cold in the evening and at night. During the monsoon, the chances of landslides are very high. In winter temperatures can drop to -14°C. The Himalayas at this time is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
- High season: March – June, October – November
- Winter: December – February
- Rainy Season: July – September
Best Time to Visit India’s Islands & Beaches
The beaches of India experience a tropical climate. The best time to travel to India for a beach holiday is during the months from November to March. Then you can enjoy long hours of sunshine and average temperatures around 30°C. During the monsoon season, some rain showers can be found. The beaches are often flooded due to the high seas, and swimming is not possible due to strong currents and waves.
- Main season: November – February
- Low season: March – April, October
- Rainy Season: May / June – September
What to Pack
Carrying a shawl, stole, or scarf offers protection from the heat and dust, and can also be used to cover the head in holy places. Please carry a comfortable pair of flat shoes, since you will be walking quite a bit during your sightseeing tours. Light cottons or even light woolens (for areas closer to the Western Ghats, e.g. Ooty and Kodaikanal) are ideal.
As a rule of thumb, visitors to the larger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore will find that a mix of Indian and Western clothing is acceptable and is worn by many young Indians. However, in many popular tourist destinations like Rajasthan, modesty in dress is recommended. Clothes with plunging necklines and hemlines above the knee are to be avoided.
Please also keep in mind that modest behavior is also appreciated as public displays of affection, even between spouses, is considered in bad taste in many parts of the country.
Our experts can create a personalized India vacation package for you based on your interests and requirements. Get in touch with us and take the first step towards going on your next memorable trip.
From the Blog
With a vast country like India, choosing a region is no mean feat! Here’s your comprehensive guide on what North and South India have to offer to help you decide on the best tour for you.
Discover the secrets of the wilderness on your safari in India! Tucked away in the national parks of Central India, there is a touch of magic in every jungle, as they unfold their treasures of flora and fauna, the simple living of local villagers and of course, the mysterious Royal Bengal Tiger! Meet the creators.
These architectural wonders have featured in myriad documentaries, movies and photos, and remain the go-to destinations to include in your India travel plans!
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Popular Trips to India
Savor generous doses of culture and relaxation as you make your way from the backwaters and plantations of Kerala to the stunning beaches of the Maldives. Your journey begins in the historic port city of Cochin, where you will set out to uncover its fascinating mix of Dutch, Portuguese and British heritage. Explore the scenic…
Embark on an enchanting journey to uncover north-east India’s fascinating history and culture. At Kolkata, delve into India’s colonial past as you explore landmarks such as the majestic Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills and tea plantations await you at Darjeeling, which is rightly known as the ‘Queen of…
This customizable tour blends the historical and cultural exploration of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with the spiritual charms of Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities. Marvel at the colonial architecture of Lutyens’ Delhi and discover the charms of Old Delhi on a walking tour through its winding alleys. Enjoy a boat ride…
Come be immersed in the sights and sounds of North India and then relax in the backwaters of Kerala. This 20-day tour takes you through the icons of Indian culture and history with stops at the Taj Mahal, Delhi’s Red Fort, Jaipur’s Palace of the Winds and Ranthambore Fort. Enjoy a float down the Ganges,…
The ideal tour for those who want to experience the best of this region’s incredible history, culture and beauty. Explore historic landmarks such as the 17th century Leh Palace and Hemis Monastery, and participate in the Morning Prayer rituals at Thiksey Monastery. Soak in the breathtaking landscapes of the Nubra Valley while in your luxury…
Discover North India and parts of the country’s western coast on this immersive 13-day tour. The highlight is a three-day journey onboard the opulent Maharajas’ Express train, with stops at Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Ranthambore. Take in the magnificence of forts, palaces and monuments across the region, and if you’re lucky, you might spot…
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Best Places To Visit
Travel Guide
India’s vast size means that there are numerous weather patterns. As with the rest of Southeast Asia, the best time to visit for warm, dry and sunny weather is between October and March.
Safety
India is by and large a very safe country that will leave you mesmerized and mystified. However stimulated, inspired, awe-struck or overwhelmed you might feel while here, it is always important to remain alert.