Best Time to Visit India

India Weather Guide: Seasons & Best Time to Visit India

The best time to visit India depends on your travel plans and which regions you want to explore. When considering the best time to visit India, keep in mind its extremely varied weather. The monsoon season in India typically arrives on the Keralan coasts around June 1st, working its way to the northeast across the country over the following month and a half. A burst of hot sunshine infuses the regular downpour, extending its duration. At the height of monsoon, flooding in India can trouble the northwest and the lowlands of Bengal, and landslides in the Himalayas are common in the Himalayan foothills.

Monsoon in India: Rain Season & Best Time to Visit India

The monsoon in India typically begins its retreat from the north by September, but full withdrawal from the entire country isn’t complete until late October/early November. By December, most of the country enjoys clearer skies and comfortably cool temperatures. Mid-winter sees the most contrasts between North India weather and South India weather. Delhi, for instance, receives chilly winds, while the Tamil plains and coastal Kerala to the south remain hot and sunny. As spring gears up, the center of the subcontinent starts to heat up again, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C (95°F) across most of the plains and Deccan plateau by late March.

Summer Heat in India: Hill Stations & Best Time to Visit India

Temperatures peak in May and early June, which is the perfect time to retreat to the cooler hill stations. The best time to visit most parts of India is during the cool, dry season, generally between November and March. Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh are ideal at this time, and temperatures in Goa and central India remain comfortable. From June onward, many Himalayan regions become more accessible, with the main trekking season peaking between July and September, once snow on high passes has melted.

Best Time to Visit India: Travel Tips & Seasonal Advice

For most travelers, the best time to visit India is between November and March, when the weather is cool and dry. This period offers the most comfortable travel experience across most regions. However, if you are a budget-conscious traveler, a keen photographer, or seeking a specific experience like Himalayan trekking or an Ayurvedic retreat, planning your trip during the summer or monsoon seasons can offer a unique and rewarding adventure.