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.
Our tours in India
14 Days
From
3605
Take in north India’s fabled cities and encounter the exotic wildlife of Ranthambhore...
8 Days
From
814
Take an action-packed eight-day tour through the essential sights and bites of India’s...
15 Days
From
1471
Travel to India and visit the Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar through...
10 Days
From
3170
Take a 10-day India Premium adventure with Intrepid through the country’s north,...
13 Days
From
3290
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
1560
Travel to India and Nepal on a tour from Delhi to Kathmandu. Visit the Taj Mahal of...
22 Days
From
6750
Join Intrepid on a Premium adventure to explore opulent places, holy Ganges, dense...
11 Days
From
688
Get the most out of 11 days in India on this trip exploring the best of Delhi, Varanasi...
15 Days
From
2580
See the best of Rajasthan on this 15-day tour. Behold the delights of Agra, Jaipur,...
22 Days
From
1020
See the essentials of India’s north on a 22-day trip through Delhi, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur,...
10 Days
From
1320
Take an action-packed family tour of India, following tiger trails, visiting Delhi and...
15 Days
From
2770
Relish the sights and flavours of Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Udaipur, Mumbai and Goa on this...
13 Days
From
1462
Travel to India and visit Delhi, Shimla, Mandi, Dharamsala, Rishikesh and Amritsar on...
15 Days
From
1586
Explore the tropical and spiritual southern India. Ride the toy train in Ooty, relax in...
15 Days
From
1114
Discover India in all its glory on this 15-day spice-filled adventure from Delhi...
16 Days
From
1184
See the landscapes of South India on a 16-day adventure from Varkala to Goa via Kerala...
11 Days
From
841
Join us for a jaunt around north India, with rickshaws in Delhi, spirituality in...
13 Days
From
1221
Explore India and Nepal with other folks aged 18-29 on this 13-day adventure including...
9 Days
From
2135
Explore ancient temples and colourful cities on this 9-day northern India adventure...
15 Days
From
949
Get on the road from Kathmandu to Delhi on a trip from Nepal to India, through Pokhara,...
16 Days
From
955
Get an authentic slice of the real Rajasthan on a trip that takes you to Delhi,...
19 Days
From
2576
Spend 19 days touring India and Nepal, departing from Delhi and visiting Jaipur, Agra,...
13 Days
From
2520
Explore the backroads of India’s south on this 13-day tour. Travel from Chennai to...
37 Days
From
2250
Discover the colours and cultures of India on this trip visiting Delhi, Rajasthan's...
15 Days
From
2147
Travel to India and cycle the romantic Rajasthan region. Tour from Delhi to Pushkar and...
11 Days
From
1290
Discover northern India on this tour through Delhi, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Nimaj,...
10 Days
From
1585
Your whole family will love this incredible sensory adventure into the diverse life of...
29 Days
From
3196
This 29-day tour traverses India from south to north, winding from Kochi to Delhi and...
20 Days
From
1950
From the deserts of Rajasthan to the holiest river around, India will blow you away....
21 Days
From
4890
Get a cultural insight into India’s north and south, travelling through Delhi, Agra,...
12 Days
From
1585
Join an all-women group and female leader on an inspiring 12-day Women’s Expedition...
20 Days
From
1624
Spend time in Kathmandu and Pokhara and then see where Buddha did his thing. Get active...
19 Days
From
2403
Visit India and tour the famous Golden Triangle of Dehli, Agra, and Jaipur, delve into...
3 Days
From
378
Visit India and travel from Delhi to Agra. Travel to the Taj Mahal and Agra’s Red Fort,...
16 Days
From
3285
Discover the beauty of India’s most remote area on a 16-day Expedition that visits...
4 Days
From
335
Lift your spirits as you float on the Ganges at dawn in Varanasi, and explore the city...
18 Days
From
6165
Explore Northern India and Sri Lanka on this 18-day Premium adventure
