Weather in India

North India experiences greater seasonal variation than the south. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F from April to June, while the monsoon season brings increased rainfall and humidity. From October to March, conditions are generally pleasant with warm, sunny days and cooler nights, making it the most popular time to visit.

Delhi’s average temperature ranges from 57°F in January to 93°F in June. Rainfall isn’t as intense here as in other regions, but August is the wettest month with an average of 9 in of rain.

Most travelers opt to visit Delhi in the shoulder seasons from March to May or September to November to avoid the cold of winter and the high heat of summer. Air pollution is a concern in Delhi, especially in the winter.

To minimize impact, you can monitor the air quality daily using phone apps and choose indoor activities for high-pollution days. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can pop on a mask, stay hydrated, and opt for outdoor activities outside of peak pollution levels, which are typically higher in the early morning and late evening due to peak traffic hours.

Jaipur has a warm subtropical climate with a ride range of temperatures throughout the year, typically varying from about 49°F to 100°F. May is usually the hottest month and January the coolest. From April to June, the city experiences intense summer heat, with daytime temps often climbing above 100°F. A pleasant part of Jaipur’s desert-influenced climate is that evenings can feel noticeably cooler, offering some relief after hot days.  

The city’s rainy season runs from mid-June to mid-September, followed by a long dry season. August is typically the wettest, most humid month while October is known for the clearest skies of the year. November is the driest month and January is the least humid, bringing cooler, more comfortable conditions for exploring.  

Agra experiences a climate very similar to Jaipur’s, with temperatures typically ranging from 48°F to 100°F over the course of the year. April and June bring the hot, dry summer conditions and the city is usually slightly cooler than Jaipur during this time but feels more humid.

The monsoon season from July to September brings the highest rainfall and humidity levels of the year, which gives you a break from the high summer temps. Like Jaipur, Agra has a long dry season outside of the monsoon months. The most pleasant time to visit is typically during the winter season from October through March, when daytime temperatures are comfortable and generally range between 68 and 77°F. With lower humidity, sunny skies and mild conditions, this is an ideal time for visiting the city’s famous landmarks.

From March to June, summers in Varanasi are hot and dry, with bright sunshine, clear skies and temps often rising above 100°F. Dust-laden winds are common and the heat can feel intense in the afternoons, so indoor activities are recommended.

The city experiences the same monsoon season as Agra and Jaipur from July to September, with moderate to heavy rainfall and high humidity, and temps range between 85 and 95°F. The rain brings a lush, green appearance to the surrounding countryside. Varanasi has its most comfortable weather from October through February, with pleasant daytime temperatures between 59 and 80°F and cooler nights that can drop down to 40 to 50°F. Mornings are often cool and misty along the river, making it a peaceful time for a cruise on the water or walk along the ghats.

South India has a warm, tropical climate with temps remaining fairly high all year. The region experiences a hot and humid summer from March to May, a rainy monsoon season from June to September that brings lush landscapes, and a pleasant winter from October to February with lower humidity, sunny skies and comfortable temps. Coastal areas tend to stay humid year-round, while hill stations offer cooler conditions and a refreshing escape from the heat.

The temperature in Goa remains high throughout the year with the most hours of sunshine in January and February, though there’s excellent beach weather pretty much all the time. It’s just a sunny, tropical place.

The monsoon season brings rainfall from May to October and is at its heaviest between June and August. While summer is the most popular time to travel to most countries around the world, winter is actually the best time to visit this coastal destination as humidity levels are low, temperatures are moderate, weather conditions are sunny and chances of rainfall are practically nonexistent.

Mumbai is hot all year, with the temperature hitting 85°F even in the middle of winter. The average temperature ranges from 62°F in January to 91°F in May, though it can get much hotter than this. The monsoonal rains are intense from June until early October, but travelers can expect sunny skies from November to May.  

With the beginning of monsoon season, humidity levels spike. If you want to avoid much of the heat and humidity, try travelling to Mumbai in winter and during the shoulder seasons. 

Kerala enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round. The winter season from October through February sees temps ranging from 75 to 90°F with relatively dry air, minimal rainfall and refreshing coastal breezes. This is a great time to cruise backwaters and relax on the beaches.  

From March to May, temperatures rise to 86 to 98°F with hot and humid conditions across much of the state. The monsoon season from June to September turns Kerala into a lush, vibrant landscape with June and July getting the heaviest rainfall. While the frequent showers and high humidity can be intense at times, they also create rich greenery for which Kerala is known for, making it especially scenic in the rainy season.