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.

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