October to February and even until April is a popular season that features a high number of visitors to India. Since India is an immensely large country, the best time to travel will actually vary from place to place with steaming summers and mild winters, partly as a result of the natural barrier created by the Himalayas. India generally has a summer, winter and monsoon season.
Monthly Guide
For people who adore the sun, October to February provides an opportunity to enjoy the glorious appearance of the sun, especially in the southern region. February to May is also a pleasant period although it gets more humid.
The best time to watch elephants and tigers is during the driest and hottest months. These are typically from April to June when tigers become more visible as they search for water.
February and March as well as October and November are the best months to visit the Golden Triangle and Delhi. The temperatures at this time are bearable and you can expect to find crowds at major sites.
Scorching heat and soaring temperatures are experienced between April and June. Monsoon rains arrive in July to provide timely relief from the heat and usually go on until September. Flooding is possible during the monsoon season and this creates a big muddy city that is harder to navigate.
December to February can be freezing and foggy. The Taj Majal is not opened to the public on Fridays. Learn more about the best time to travel to India here.
Cooler Climate
Humidity and rain hit Kashmir in June and August during the monsoon but temperatures are cooler around the mountain regions.
December to March features closed roads due to snow but you have the option of skiing at Gulmarg.
The rural parts of central India can get quite cold December and January. Nights and early mornings will require you to keep warm with gloves and woolen hats but the days are sunny and bright.
Popular Destinations
Mumbai is monsoonal and October to May is the preferred period when there is virtually no rain. The tropical destination of Kolkata offers relatively warm weather throughout the year. If you want to visit India’s beaches, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures in Goa along with the scenic views.
Festivals and Celebrations
Travelers can look forward to several exciting celebrations during January, ranging from the Rajasthan Camel Festival and Gujarat Kite Festival to Republic Day that is celebrated around the country on 26th January.
Festivals in New Delhi are particularly delightful and fun to watch.
The Festival of Light, commonly known as Diwali, always guarantees a magnificent affair that occurs in October or November.
Hiking
If you plan to hike in the Western Ghats of Kerala, it is advisable to target July and August when the monsoon is not at its peak. During this time houseboats are not usually rented out. March is typically the ideal month for an Indian hiking holiday.
Monsoon and Rejuvenation Therapy
Ayurveda tradition regards the monsoon seasons as the best time for rejuvenation therapy. This is attributed to the pores being open wide, which allows them to fully absorb oils during therapeutic treatments.
