When Is the Best Time to Visit India?
India is a country of contrasts, and that is a big part of what makes travelling here so exciting. You can watch the sun rise over the Taj Mahal, explore colourful cities and magnificent palaces, search for tigers in the national parks or drift through palm-fringed backwaters. Food, festivals and everyday life add just as much to the experience as the headline sights.
For much of India, the best time to visit is between October and March. Days are generally warm and dry, with cooler temperatures that are well suited to exploring. It is also a good time for wildlife safaris, although the hotter months of March to May can bring some of the most rewarding tiger sightings.
India’s size means the seasons vary considerably from north to south. The monsoon arrives across much of the country from June, while the Himalayan regions come into their own as temperatures rise. Below, we’ve kept things simple, focusing on what each season means for your holiday and where we’d consider travelling.
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October to March
The Best Months for Exploring India
October to March is the main season for travelling through much of India. The monsoon has cleared across most regions, temperatures are more comfortable and days are generally dry and sunny, making this a particularly good time for exploring Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle.
Early in the season, landscapes are still green after the summer rains, while December and January bring cooler conditions, especially in northern India. Mornings can be surprisingly chilly in Delhi, Agra and Rajasthan, so you’ll want an extra layer for early starts and safari drives.
Further south, this is also a lovely time for Kerala, with warm days and lower humidity. It’s a popular time to travel, particularly over Christmas and New Year, so it’s worth planning ahead if you have particular hotels or experiences in mind.
April to June
Hotter Days and Excellent Wildlife Viewing
From April, temperatures rise quickly across much of India. Sightseeing can be more demanding in the middle of the day, particularly in Rajasthan and northern India, but there are good reasons to consider travelling at this time.
For wildlife, the heat can work in your favour. As the forests become drier and water sources shrink, animals gather more frequently around rivers and waterholes. April and May can be particularly rewarding for a Tiger Safari in India, with better visibility through the thinning vegetation and a greater chance of seeing tigers near water.
By June, the monsoon is beginning to reach parts of the country and many national parks start to close for the rainy season. If you’re comfortable with the heat, April and May offer a very different experience from the cooler winter months.
June to September
Monsoon Rains and Himalayan Adventures
Best Time to Visit Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle
Cooler Days for Cities, Forts and Palaces
Best Time to Visit Kerala and Southern India
Warm, Tropical Days and the Kerala Backwaters
December to March is one of the best times to visit Kerala and southern India, with warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine and lower humidity than during the wetter months. It’s a lovely time to explore Kerala’s coast, spend a night on a traditional houseboat or head inland to the tea-covered hills around Munnar.
The Kerala Backwaters are particularly enjoyable at this time, when settled weather makes days on the water easy and relaxed. Further inland, temperatures are cooler in the hills, especially in the mornings and evenings, giving you a welcome contrast to the tropical coast.
Kerala’s main monsoon arrives from June and brings heavy rainfall, although showers can continue later in the year. If you’re planning a wider trip through southern India, the southeast follows a different pattern, with Tamil Nadu receiving much of its rain between October and December.
Best Time for a Tiger Safari in India
Cooler Safaris or Better Chances of a Sighting?
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Laura
Specialising in wildlife and South America holidays, Laura draws on an extensive travel experience across Latin America, Southeast Asia and Australia. Her travels have taken her through destinations including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, as well as Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Australia. Some of her most memorable experiences include paragliding over Peru’s Sacred Valley, trekking through the Amazon rainforest in Colombia, witnessing the Sardine Run in the Philippines and taking a scenic flight over Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
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