The best time to visit India is in the winter, from December until early March. The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer monsoon in at least June, July, August and September. That being said, India is a huge country with diverse weather conditions, so we've put together a guide to the best time to visit some of its most popular destinations. 

When is the best time to visit the Indian Himalaya?

The best time to visit the entirety of the Indian Himalaya is from November to February. This is the driest period, though January and February are particularly cold at the higher altitudes. In the eastern Himalaya, in places like Gangtok, the summer monsoon brings heavy rainfall in the summer (June–August) and, to a lesser extent, in the shoulder seasons. It’s best to avoid this area, which includes Darjeeling, in the summertime.

When is the best time to visit Delhi?

Delhi experiences a subtropical climate with a mild, sunny winter, an extremely hot early summer and a wet, humid monsoon season in late summer. The best time to visit Delhi is from November to February, avoiding the monsoon rains from July–September and the intense heat from March–June. Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located, experiences a similar climate.

When is the best time to visit Goa?

The state of Goa is known for its beaches and laidback vibe. The monsoon arrives In late May through ‘til September and brings very, very intense rainfall. Consequently, the best time to visit Goa is in January and February, when the weather is still warm (average maximum of 32°C/90°F) and the sun is shining. March, April and November are still technically part of the dry season; however, it can be very warm and there is a risk of cyclones.

When is the best time to visit Kolkata?

The best time to visit Kolkata is during the dry winter from mid-December until February. The temperature increases from March onwards and the heat can get quite intense, while the monsoon rains tend to arrive towards the end of May. October and November see an increased chance of cyclones, tropical storms and flooding.

When is the best time to visit Mumbai?

The best time to visit Mumbai is in January and February, when the weather is dry but not too hot. March, April and May are generally dry too, though the heat can be overpowering. June, July and August and September see the worst of the monsoonal rains, but cyclones are still possible in November and December.

When is the best time to visit Kerala?

In Thiruvananthapuram (formerly known as Trivandrum), at the very southern tip of Kerala, the rains are less intense but last longer – from April through till the end of November. The high season in Kerala runs from late November through late March, when it’s relatively dry and not too hot. 

When is the best time to visit Rajasthan?

The state of Rajasthan, which includes Jaipur and Ranthambore National Park, is most enjoyable in December, January and February. That said, if you are travelling through India at a different time of year then it’s not a bad place to go as the monsoon has a smaller impact than in other regions.

When is the best time to visit Varanasi?

The best time to visit Varanasi is from November until early March, at which point the heat intensifies. April, May and June are extremely hot, and the moon hits in July and runs through until the end of September.

Return to India FAQs

Our tours in India

14 Days From 4360

Take in north India’s fabled cities and encounter the exotic wildlife of Ranthambhore...

8 Days From 942

Take an action-packed eight-day tour through the essential sights and bites of India’s...

15 Days From 1781

Travel to India and visit the Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar through...

10 Days From 3840

Take a 10-day India Premium adventure with Intrepid through the country’s north,...

13 Days From 3990

Join Intrepid on a Premium adventure to explore the beaches, bazaars and backwaters of...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

15 Days From 1890

Travel to India and Nepal on a tour from Delhi to Kathmandu. Visit the Taj Mahal of...

22 Days From 8170

Join Intrepid on a Premium adventure to explore opulent places, holy Ganges, dense...

11 Days From 832

Get the most out of 11 days in India on this trip exploring the best of Delhi, Varanasi...

15 Days From 3121

See the best of Rajasthan on this 15-day tour. Behold the delights of Agra, Jaipur,...

22 Days From 1238

See the essentials of India’s north on a 22-day trip through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,...

10 Days From 1595

Take an action-packed family tour of India, following tiger trails, visiting Delhi and...

15 Days From 3350

Relish the sights and flavours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Goa on this...

13 Days From 1768

Travel to India and visit Delhi, Shimla, Mandi, Dharamsala, Rishikesh and Amritsar on...

15 Days From 1921

Explore the tropical and spiritual southern India. Ride the toy train in Ooty, relax in...

15 Days From 1343

Discover India in all its glory on this 15-day spice-filled adventure from Delhi...

16 Days From 1432

See the landscapes of South India on a 16-day adventure from Varkala to Goa via Kerala...

11 Days From 1017

Join us for a jaunt around north India, with rickshaws in Delhi, spirituality in...

13 Days From 1478

Explore India and Nepal with other folks aged 18-29 on this 13-day adventure including...

9 Days From 2585

Explore ancient temples and colourful cities on this 9-day northern India adventure...

15 Days From 1151

Get on the road from Kathmandu to Delhi on a trip from Nepal to India, through Pokhara,...

16 Days From 1159

Get an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan on a trip that takes you to Delhi,...

19 Days From 3116

Spend 19 days touring India and Nepal, departing from Delhi and visiting Jaipur, Agra,...

13 Days From 3050

Explore the backroads of India’s south on this 13-day tour. Travel from Chennai to...

37 Days From 2723

Discover the colours and cultures of India on this trip visiting Delhi, Rajasthan's...

15 Days From 2599

Travel to India and cycle the romantic Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar and...

11 Days From 1565

Discover northern India on this tour through Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Nimaj,...

10 Days From 1920

Your whole family will love this incredible sensory adventure into the diverse life of...

29 Days From 3868

This 29-day tour traverses India from south to north, winding from Kochi to Delhi and...

20 Days From 2480

From the deserts of Rajasthan to the holiest river around, India will blow you away....

21 Days From 5920

Get a cultural insight into India’s north and south, travelling through Delhi, Agra,...

12 Days From 1920

Join an all-women group and female leader on an inspiring 12-day Women’s Expedition...

20 Days From 2160

Spend time in Kathmandu and Pokhara and then see where Buddha did his thing. Get active...

19 Days From 2912

Visit India and tour the famous Golden Triangle of Dehli, Agra, and Jaipur, delve into...

3 Days From 470

Visit India and travel from Delhi to Agra. Travel to the Taj Mahal and Agra’s Red Fort,...

16 Days From 4095

Discover the beauty of India’s most remote area on a 16-day Expedition that visits...

4 Days From 418

Lift your spirits as you float on the Ganges at dawn in Varanasi, and explore the city...

18 Days From 7825

Explore Northern India and Sri Lanka on this 18-day Premium adventure