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The best time to visit India is between December and early March for pleasant temperatures and dry weather
There are pros and cons to visiting anywhere at any time, but we’ll help you narrow down when to go on your next trip to India. If you don’t mind the heat, the spring shoulder season from April to June brings fewer crowds due to the high temps, and the rainy season in summer is a good time to visit mountain towns (but you might want some indoor activities on the radar as a plan B). India is a huge country with diverse climatic regions and there are great places to explore all year. So, here’s a guide to help you figure out when you’d like to head out on your next holiday.
When to visit
For cooler temps
The best time to visit India for cool and comfortable weather is November to February before the heat intensifies from March to May. This is the best time of year to go sightseeing while the weather is pleasant and dry for outdoor exploration.
For the Indian Himalaya
The best time to visit the Indian Himalaya is from November to February. This is the driest period, though January and February are very chilly at higher altitudes. In the eastern Himalaya – in places like Gangtok and Darjeeling – the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall from June to August.
For festivals
The best time to visit India for festivals is between October and March. The famous Diwali (Festival of Lights) takes place in October but sometimes falls in November. The Jaisalmer Desert Festival comes to the Thar Desert in late January into early February, and Holi is celebrated in March.
India by month
January for the Himalayas or Goa’s beaches
- Travel through the foothills of the Himalaya
- Learn about Tibetan spirituality in Dharmsala
- Sip hot chai in Rishikesh’s cafes
- For warmer weather, head to Goa’s golden beaches
February for exploring Rajasthan’s regal sites
- Explore Rajasthan’s Maharajah forts and palaces
- Camp under the stars in the Thar Desert
- Experience the Jaisalmer Desert Festival
- Visit traditional temples in Lotwara Village
March for Holi Festival and the Golden Triangle
- Visit the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort before the heat hits
- Experience Holi’s colourful celebrations
- Spend the night in a heritage property in Lotwara
- Check out Old Delhi on a rickshaw and walking tour
April for spotting wildlife in national parks
- Explore Panna National Park with a local naturalist guide
- Visit the tiger reserve in Bandhavgarh National Park
- Try to spot nighttime jungle cats on an evening boat safari
- Hike in the Himalaya with blooming wildflowers
May for retreating to the mountains
- Visit Darjeeling for cool breezes and tea
- See the Himalayas from a new angle on a train ride
- Explore the home of the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala
- Learn about Sikhism at the Golden Temple in Amritsar
June for exploring northern India
- Visit historic sites in the off-season
- Spend time in Bishnoi villages for a glimpse of rural life
- Learn about Hindu traditions in Pushkar
- Take a yoga class in Rishikesh
July for Rajasthan with less crowds
- Visit the forts and palaces in Jaipur
- See the Taj Mahal at sunrise
- Take a 4WD safari through Ranthambore National Park
- For drier weather, drive through the dunes of the Thar desert
August for trekking in Ladakh
- Escape the monsoons in the rain-shadow region of Ladakh
- Visit Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and remote villages in Markha Valley
- Relax in Nimaling, one of the most scenic high valleys in Ladakh
- Explore the bazaars and monasteries in Leh
September for foodie adventures
- Head out on a Real Food Adventure during India's harvest season
- Meet chai wallahs in local markets
- Take a cooking class in a local home in Jaipur
- Explore the farming communities of Bijaipur on a countryside jeep safari
October for cycling adventures and Diwali
- Cycle through rural villages to explore at a slower pace
- Spend the night with a local family in the backwaters of Kerala
- Celebrate the festival of light with Diwali festivities
- Cruise along Lake Pichola in Udaipur
November for sightseeing in pleasant weather
- Shop at the bazaars in the Blue City of Jodhpur
- Watch cultural performances at the ghats of Varanasi
- Hike to hilltop temples in Mandi
- Take a stroll along the holy Ganges River in Rishikesh
December for cooling off down south
- Lounge on the golden beaches of Goa
- Visit a local family in Madurai for a home-cooked dinner
- Explore a spice plantation in Thekkady
- Look for tiger tracks with an expert guide in Periyar National Park
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