From exploring the bustling laneways of Delhi, watching the sunrise over the Ganges in Varanasi, or drifting through the backwaters of Kerala on a houseboat, India delivers rich travel experiences through its culture, history, and everyday life. It's a place where no two days feel the same, and even the smallest encounters can leave a lasting impression.

But the impact of external factors on your trip can’t be overstated. India’s climate varies widely by region and season, and planning around it can make a big difference. Scorching summer heat, monsoon rains, or winter fog can affect everything from sightseeing comfort to road conditions and visibility.

In addition to weather, India’s busy calendar of festivals and public holidays can also influence your travel experience. While festivals like Diwali, Holi, or Durga Puja can offer unforgettable insight into local culture, they also bring large crowds, limited availability of accommodation, and sometimes transport delays. Even school holidays or major religious events can also affect the rhythm of daily life in certain regions.

Being aware of what’s happening locally and seasonally not only helps you plan around potential disruptions but can also enhance your trip, allowing you to witness India’s celebrations with the context and preparation to enjoy them fully. Calculating the best time of year to visit India will depend on your personal preferences, and which destination you have in mind.

If you’ve got wildlife safaris on the top of your bucket list, then the best time to visit India for you may be influenced by weather patterns that draw the animals closer to water sources.

Which month has the best weather in India?

Like most destinations, the weather is a major factor when deciding the best time to travel to India. Many travellers don’t realise that the weather in India is shaped by a wide range of microclimates, from the arid deserts of Rajasthan and the humid coasts of Kerala to the cool Himalayan foothills and temperate tea regions of the Western Ghats. This variation means that while one part of the country may be sweltering or soaked with rain, another can offer mild temperatures and clear skies.

Winter (December to February)

Ranging from December to February, Winter is often considered the best time to visit India due to cooler temperatures and clearer skies. However, regional variations are significant. Northern regions like Delhi and Rajasthan can experience chilly mornings and evenings, with occasional fog affecting visibility, especially at landmarks like the Taj Mahal. In contrast, Kerala and Tamil Nadu offer warm, pleasant weather ideal for exploring backwaters, temples, and coastlines. The Himalayas may see snow, attracting trekkers and snow-seekers, while central India remains dry and comfortable. These seasonal contrasts make winter a versatile time to explore different parts of the country, especially if you’re looking for an all-around ideal time to visit India.

Summer (March to May)

From March to May, India enters its summer season, marked by rising temperatures and dry conditions across much of the country. Northern and central regions like Rajasthan, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh often see daytime highs above 40°C, making travel challenging. While these areas become less comfortable, the hill stations in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the Western Ghats offer cooler escapes and remain popular with domestic travellers. In South India, coastal areas such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu are hot and humid, but manageable with slower-paced travel. Wildlife viewing in national parks is excellent during this season, as animals gather around water sources, increasing your chances of spotting them.

Monsoon (June to September)

Between June and September, the monsoon season sweeps across India, bringing heavy rainfall, dramatic skies, and renewed greenery. Kerala and Goa are among the first to receive rain, followed by much of central and northern India. Travel during this time can be unpredictable due to flooding, transport delays, and closures, particularly in rural areas. However, the monsoon also has its appeal - tea plantations in the Western Ghats turn lush, and cities like Mumbai come alive with a unique atmosphere. Rajasthan receives far less rain and can be a drier option during these months, while northern states like Ladakh receiving less rainfall as well. It’s a significantly quieter season for tourism, with fewer travellers venturing to this part of the world.

Autumn (October to November)

From October to November, Autumn in India is less about falling leaves and more a transitional phase between the monsoon and winter. Rainfall retreats, humidity drops, and temperatures become more comfortable, making it an excellent time to travel. Northern and central regions like Rajasthan are dry and pleasant, while the south, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, may still receive light showers. Some remote areas in Ladakh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand can begin to see early snowfall by late October. Landscapes remain lush from the monsoon, and skies begin to clear. This season also coincides with major Hindu festivals in India like Diwali and Durga Puja, offering rich cultural experiences.

Although the South Indian state of Kerala is regarded as one of the most humid and wettest during the monsoon, the rain brings much needed sustenance to its forests and lush tea plantations.

What are the major festivals of India to consider?

Aside from weather considerations, determining the best time to visit India also means checking the cultural calendar. India hosts a vast array of festivals, religious events, and regional celebrations throughout the year, many of which can enhance your travel experience or complicate it.

Events like Holi in March, Diwali in October or November, and regional fairs such as the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan or Onam in Kerala can offer rich cultural insight, but they also draw large crowds and may impact accommodation and transport availability. Being aware of what’s happening locally allows for more informed, rewarding, and smooth travel planning.

Diwali

Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of India’s most important and widely celebrated festivals. Held annually between October and November, it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Homes are decorated with oil lamps, candles, and colourful rangoli designs, while streets and shops glow with lights and festive displays. Families come together to exchange gifts, share sweets, and enjoy fireworks, with Diwali often observed across religious and regional lines. Travelling in India during Diwali offers a chance to witness this joyful, spirited time, but planning in advance is essential as many Indians return to their hometowns to celebrate.

Holi

Holi, celebrated in March, marks the arrival of spring and is one of India’s most vibrant festivals. Known as the Festival of Colours, it involves public celebrations where people throw coloured powder, sing, dance, and share festive food and drink. While Holi offers a lively and memorable cultural experience, it also brings practical considerations for travellers. Transport services can be limited, many shops and businesses close for the day, with urban centres like Delhi and Mumbai hosting large-scale events featuring music, dance, and colour throws. For those interested in participating, it’s essential to plan ahead, book early, and prepare for crowded, energetic street scenes.

Regional

India is home to a wide range of regional festivals beyond Diwali and Holi. Onam, Kerala’s biggest festival, runs for 10 days in August or September and highlights the state’s traditions with floral designs, dances, and regional rituals. On the other side of South India in Tamil Nadu, Pongal is a four-day harvest festival in January, celebrated to honour nature, especially the sun and rain, with offerings and traditional meals. In Maharashtra, Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most beloved events, lasting for ten days and marked by public processions, devotional music, and the immersion of Ganesh idols, celebrating the god of prosperity and wisdom.

For curious travellers eager for an intense level of cultural immersion, the best time of year to travel to India may coincide with one of the major Hindu festivals like Holi.

What is the cheapest time to visit India?

The cheapest time to visit India is generally between May and September, which includes the summer and monsoon seasons. During these months, international tourist numbers drop significantly, leading to lower airfares and discounted rates on accommodation. Many hotels and tour operators offer off-season deals, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.

While the weather can be challenging - especially the intense heat in May and the heavy rains of July and August - this period also sees fewer crowds at major attractions. If you're comfortable with adapting to the climate, you'll find more availability and often more personal travel experiences.

Certain regions are particularly suited to off-season travel. Hill stations and Himalayan areas remain cool and scenic during the summer, while some parts of Rajasthan and central India receive relatively little rain. With flexible planning and a focus on the right destinations, visiting India in the off-season can be rewarding and cost-effective.

Although the monsoon season is usually the cheapest time to visit India, it doesn’t mean that the entire country is inaccessible as certain regions in the far north are particularly suited to off-season travel.

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Established in 2007, India Unbound is an award-winning travel company specialising in custom-made private tours to India. With more than twenty years of experience exploring this fascinating country, we create unique itineraries for discerning travellers looking for their next big adventure. To find out more about how we can bring your bucket list trip to life, get in touch with us today.

The Best Time To Visit India By Season