Best Time To Visit India

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Selecting the best time to visit India can elevate your travel experience. For many, the ideal time to visit is during the winter, from November to March. However, given India’s vast size, it offers an array of experiences throughout the year, from the majestic Himalayan peaks to the serene backwaters of Kerala. Furthermore, the perfect time to visit depends on which part of the country you wish to explore. 
So, with our month and region-specific guide, plan your seamless trip and explore India with a vacation tailored just for you!

Region-wise guide for traveling in India

Region/Themes Best Time to Visit Experiences Festivals Ideal trip duration Travel Hacks
Beaches November – March Soak in the sun and enjoy beach parties in Goa – Surf at Kovalam Beach – Scuba dive in the Andamans Goa Carnival – filled with parades, live music, and beach parties 7 – 10 days Plan your beach stays in advance. – Carry sunscreen and beach essentials for Goa, Andaman & Nicobar Islands & Kovalam.
Wildlife Parks October – March Spot tigers in Ranthambore – Explore Gir for Asiatic lions – Visit Kaziranga for rhinos Wildlife Week in the national parks 5 – 7 days Safari rides get sold out fast, so book early. – Morning game drives have better wildlife sightings. – Carry light layers for chilly mornings.
Majestic Himalayas March – June Trek through Manali’s Solang Valley – Camp at Mussoorie & Nainital – White water river rafting in Rishikesh Practice yoga during the International Yoga Festival 5 – 8 days Avoid monsoon travel as landslides can cause disruptions. – Pack hiking boots and warm layers.
Kashmir March – October Shikara ride on Dal Lake – Ski in Gulmarg during winter – Visit Tulip Gardens in Srinagar Tulip Festival: Kashmir’s famous flower festival 6 – 8 days Check security updates before travel. – Pack layered clothing for varying temperatures. – Best to visit in spring for flowers and winter for snow sports.
Ladakh June – September Road trip on the Leh-Ladakh highway – Visit Pangong Lake – Trek the rugged Zanskar Valley Hemis Festival: Be a part of the colorful Buddhist celebrations 7 – 10 days Acclimatize for high altitudes (2 days recommended). – Travel with permits for restricted areas.
Golden Triangle & Rajasthan October – March Visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise – Explore Jaipur’s Amber Fort – Palace stays in Udaipur Pushkar Camel Fair: Cultural fest with camel races 7 – 10 days Book Taj Mahal tickets early. – Includes more iconic cities near this famous circuit.
Luxury Trains October – March Maharajas’ Express tour of Rajasthan – Ride the Palace on Wheels – Experience Deccan Odyssey Rajasthan International Folk Festival: Traditional music & dances 5 – 7 days Advance booking is advised.
River Cruising November – March Backwater cruise in Kerala – Sail the Brahmaputra in Assam – Drift along the Ganges in Varanasi Indulge in onboard parties and cultural events 5 – 7 days Bring binoculars for birdwatching. – Opt for houseboats for authentic Kerala experiences.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands November – April Scuba diving and snorkeling at Havelock Island – Relax on Radhanagar Beach – Explore Cellular Jail Island Tourism Festival: Cultural extravaganza 6 – 9 days Avoid the monsoon to make the most of beach time. -Book ferries between islands in advance. – Carry waterproof gear for watersports.
Varanasi & the Ganges October – March Witness the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi – Take a boat ride at dawn on the Ganges Join the festivities of Dev Deepawali: Stunning festival of lights 4 – 6 days Take boat rides at dawn for stunning views of the ghats. – Attend Hindu rituals and Aarti along the Ganges.
Goa & Mumbai November – March Enjoy parties at Goa’s Beach Shacks – Visit Mumbai’s Gateway of India – Take a Bollywood studio tour Participate in Ganesh Chaturthi: Mumbai’s grand celebration of Lord Ganesha 5 – 8 days Due to heavy rain, monsoon can be challenging in Mumbai. -Go for offbeat exploration in Goa. – Carry light cotton clothes for extra comfort.
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Month-wise guide for traveling in India

January 

  • Weather: With cool nights and warm days, travel to India in January is considered the most favorable time for a vacation. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Kerala

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Visit Amer Fort in Jaipur, Rajasthan, at dawn to avoid the crowds and enjoy a spectacular sunrise.
  • Cruise through the Kerala backwaters on a traditional houseboat in Alleppey. 
  • Head towards Shimla/Manali in Himachal Pradesh for a snowy escape. 

Cultural Experiences

  • Attend the Jaipur Literature Festival, a global gathering of intellectuals and artists.
  • Indulge in Kerala’s Pongal festivities to enjoy traditional feasts and cultural vibes.
  • Witness a traditional Kathakali dance performance in Kerala.

Travel Hack

  • January is the peak tourist season, so planning your trip in advance is a good idea.  
  • Pack layers; mornings can be chilly.

February

  • Weather: The pleasant atmosphere and fewer crowds make February a perfect time to travel to India for a vacation, especially after the New Year rush. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh 

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Visit Madhya Pradesh for exciting opportunities to spot tigers during game drives. 
  • Stroll through the coastlines and enjoy watersports in Goa. 
  • Head towards Agra to witness the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal.  

Cultural Experiences

  • Enjoy the Goa Carnival, filled with music, performances, and street parties.
  • Visit the Jaisalmer Desert Festival and be a part of the celebrations of traditions and heritage. 
  • Attend the Taj Mahotsav in Agra to feel the essence of the art, craft, and culture.  

Travel Hack

  • February is the laid-back month after New Year’s; hotels tend to be booked, so plan ahead.   
  • Pack light woollens as most of the fog and mist clears up. 

March

  • Weather: March tours in India are perfect for outdoor explorations before the summer heat kicks in and is filled with blooming flora and festivities. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Kashmir

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Trek through the picturesque hill stations of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
  • Visit Kashmir and enjoy the Shikara ride at the Dal Lake. 
  • Tick off the Golden Triangle Circuit and explore India’s iconic trio.   

Cultural Experiences

  • Soak in the spirituality at the Hindu sites in Varanasi and attend the rhythmic aarti along the River Ganges. 
  • Paint the town with colorful Holi celebrations, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan. 
  • Practice yoga during the International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh with yoga enthusiasts from around the globe. 

Travel Hack

  • Plan your travel in advance to avoid the last-minute hassle due to Holi.  
  • Holi can be messy, so carrying spare clothes during the celebrations is advised. 

April

  • Weather: In April, India showcases pre-monsoon warmth. Temperatures rise in the plains, with cooler escapes in the hill stations. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Darjeeling, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Stroll through the tea gardens of Darjeeling and treat your eyes to the panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Wander through the breathtaking tulip gardens of Kashmir. 
  • Try your hands at snorkeling and scuba diving at Andaman & Nicobar Islands.   

Cultural Experiences

  • Attend the iconic Jagganath Rath Yatra Festival in Puri. 
  • Be a part of the Baisakhi celebrations in Punjab and indulge in traditional dances and feasts.  
  • Seek blessing from the sacred spaces of Madurai and Mahabalipuram.  

Travel Hack

  • With the off-season in plains, you can get great deals here. 
  • Morning and evening excursions are recommended to avoid the day heat. 

May

  • Weather: The hot atmosphere in the lowlands and cooler temperatures in the high altitudes, makes it a great time to travel in May to India for a vacation. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Ladakh, Sikkim, Spiti Valley, Ooty, Coorg, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Get on an adventurous road trip to Leh and witness the stark beauty of Ladakh. 
  • Escape the heat with the cool climate of Ooty and go coffee tasting in Coorg. 
  • Go trekking in the rugged and remote region of Spiti Valley.   

Cultural Experiences

  • Wander through the monasteries in Sikkim and observe the local life 
  • Get a glimpse of the Buddhist culture with the Hemis Festival in Ladakh.  
  • Be a part of the celebrations of the Dhungri Festival in Manali, dedicated to the goddess Hadimba.  

Travel Hack

  • Due to the peak season in the northern region, plan accordingly.
  • Opt for early morning and evening sightseeing in the plains. 

June

  • Weather: The summer heat is at its peak in the plain areas, but the monsoon starts hitting off towards the end in the southern and western regions. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, Ladakh

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Enjoy peaceful stays amidst the monsoon charm in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir. 
  • Escape the heat with the cool climate of Ooty and go coffee tasting in Coorg. 
  • Trek up Lonavala’s forts for the stunning views.  

Cultural Experiences

  • Witness the Sindhu Dashan Festival in Ladakh, celebrating the River Indus.  
  • Enjoy the summer festivals in Shimla, showcasing folk performances and musical events. 
  • Watch the famous Kerala Snake Boat Race competitions on the backwater. 

Travel Hack

  • Check the weather forecast before traveling, as landslides can disrupt your plans. 
  • Acclimatization is essential when traveling to Ladakh. 

July

  • Weather: Monsoon showers dominate the Indian landscape, bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat.
  • Best Regions to Visit: Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Witness nature at its best in Kerala and enjoy rejuvenating Ayurvedic treatments. 
  • Escape the monsoons and head towards the Thar Desert in Gujarat. 
  • Trek up to the scenic Dudhsagar Falls in Goa or the Western Ghats of Maharashtra.  

Cultural Experiences

  • Witness the grandeur of the Behdienkhlam Festival in Meghalaya, celebrating a good harvest.  
  • Enjoy the Teej celebrations in Rajasthan, which include folk music, traditional dances, and food. 
  • Observe the elephant festival in Mysore, which has parades and feasts.

Travel Hack

  • Check the weather forecast before traveling, as heavy rains and bad road conditions can disrupt your plans. 
  • Carry waterproof gear to enjoy monsoon travel. 

August

  • Weather: The monsoon continues with cooler temperatures and vibrant landscapes across the country, making it perfect for the August tour in India.
  • Best Regions to Visit: Kerala, Rajasthan, Punjab, Karnataka, Assam, Maharashtra, Meghalaya

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Get mesmerized by the waterfalls and cross the Living Roots Bridge in Meghalaya. 
  • Visit the Golden Temple in Amritsar and enjoy the Punjabi culture. 
  • Walk through the tea – gardens in Assam and enjoy the beaches in the South.   

Cultural Experiences

  • Join the celebrations of Onam, Kerala’s harvest festival full of boat races, decorations, and feasts.  
  • Witness the Maharashtra brimming in joy with the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, a 10-day extravaganza.
  • Take part in Raksha Bandhan celebrations, where sisters tie rakhi to brothers across India.

Travel Hack

  • Take advantage of the wellness retreats when in the south.  
  • It’s peak time in Kerala, so book your accommodations accordingly. 

September

  • Weather: The monsoon is starting to fade away, leaving behind traces of warmth. The cool atmosphere spread across the country, making it ideal for a September tour in India. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Visit the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand and witness the valley in full bloom. 
  • Go on wildlife safaris in the national parks of Madhya Pradesh and stumble upon wildlife in their natural habitat. 
  • Float through Kerala’s backwaters and enjoy mesmerizing views after the monsoon.    

Cultural Experiences

  • Capture the beauty of colorful Cham Dances during Ladakh’s festival, displaying the region’s local culture and traditions.  
  • Witness the birth of Lord Krishna at Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan. 
  • Camp in the scenic Ziro Valley and attend the famous Ziro Music Festival, which showcases live performances and the local culture of the Aptani tribe. 

Travel Hack

  • Take advantage of the great deals, as it is the last phase of the off-season. 
  • Take an early morning or evening safari to spot wildlife as post-monsoon water bodies are full, attracting fauna. 

October

  • Weather: As the monsoon retreats, pleasant, cooler weather prevails across most of the country. October tour in India is excellent for cultural festivals and moderate weather.  
  • Best Regions to Visit: Varanasi, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Seek blessings at the sacred Hindu sites and relax on the beaches in Tamil Nadu.  
  • Go on lip-smacking culinary adventures in Delhi and Varanasi. 
  • Opt for the Golden Triangle tours and explore the country’s iconic cities.    

Cultural Experiences

  • Witness the spectacle of art, culture, and devotion at the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal.  
  • Dance along the beats of the Garba during the Navratri Festival, a nine-day event in Gujarat. 
  • Witness the royal ceremonial processions featuring horses, elephants, and live performances during Mysore Dasara (Dussehra). 

Travel Hack

  • Want to experience cultural festivities? Plan your trip around festivals. 
  • October is the start of peak tourist season in most parts of the country, so booking in advance is crucial. 

November

  • Weather: The atmosphere is pleasant and cool throughout the country, with sacred festivals, making the November tour in India ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Best Regions to Visit: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Varanasi

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Head towards Kerala and Tamil Nadu for a refreshing monsoon escape.   
  • Go for a heritage walk in the vintage lanes of Karnataka, narrating tales of the bygone era. 
  • Experience the opulence and royalty in the cities of Rajasthan and feel the essence of their local culture.     

Cultural Experiences

  •  Travel to Gujarat for a traditional Rann Utsav, a cultural festival in the white salt desert of Kutch. 
  • Join the celebrations of Dev Deepawali in Varanasi and be amazed by the illuminated ghats.   
  • Witness the Golden Temple lit up on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti and attend the Pushkar Camel Fair, one of the largest in the world. 

Travel Hack

  • November is the peak tourist season, so book your flights and accommodations early to avoid last-minute hassle. 
  • To avoid crowds and rush, head towards offbeat locations offering excellent experiences.

December

  • Weather: The atmosphere is cool and pleasant across the country, packed with festive charm, events, and celebrations, making the India tour in December perfect. 
  • Best Regions to Visit: Goa, Kerala, Rajasthan, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh

Indian Holiday Recommendations

  • Wander through Delhi’s bustling markets and historical monuments in the wintry charm.   
  • Head towards Udaipur and Jaisalmer for a perfect winter desert experience.  
  • Witness the several species of flora and fauna at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in Thekkady, Kerala.      

Cultural Experiences

  • Enjoy the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, showcasing local tribal traditions and culture. 
  • Dance your way into Goa’s Christmas and New Year celebrations with fireworks, live music, and beach parties. 
  • Come to the winter carnival celebrations in Himachal Pradesh, which feature folk dances, live music, and winter sports. 

Travel Hack

  • Plan your travel itinerary around festivals to get better insights into the region’s culture and traditions. 
  • Pack layers and opt for rapid dry fabrics to adapt to the weather and ease during travel.

Month-wise guide for traveling in India

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