Best Time to Visit India: A Month-by-Month Guide

In short: the best time to visit most of India is from October to March, when the weather is dry and pleasant in Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle, Kerala, Goa and the South. From June to September, while the monsoon rains fall on the plains, Ladakh and the high Himalaya are at their best. April and May are hot, ideal only for the mountains.

India is a huge country with very different climates, so there is a good region to visit in every month. The real question is not "when", but "where, when". This guide answers it simply.

The three seasons of India

• Cool and dry, October to March: the main travel season for almost all of India. Days are sunny and warm, evenings pleasant, and December and January nights can be cold in the north.
• Hot, April to June: temperatures on the northern plains often pass 40 °C. This is the season for the Himalaya, hill stations and Ladakh from June.
• Monsoon, June to September: heavy rain on most of the country, lush green landscapes and fewer visitors. Ladakh, which lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, stays dry.

Month by month: where to go

Month	Best regions	Good to know
January	Rajasthan, Golden Triangle, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu	Peak season; cold mornings in the north
February	Almost everywhere, including the tiger parks	Ideal weather; book early
March	Rajasthan, the South, Varanasi, tiger parks	Holi, the festival of colours
April	Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling, Sikkim, tiger parks	Hot on the plains
May	Himachal, Darjeeling, Sikkim	Very hot on the plains
June	Ladakh, Himachal	Monsoon begins in the South
July	Ladakh	Monsoon across most of India
August	Ladakh	Green landscapes, fewer tourists elsewhere
September	Ladakh, Rajasthan late in the month	Monsoon ends from the north-west
October	Rajasthan, Golden Triangle, Varanasi, Himalaya	Diwali often falls in October or November
November	Almost everywhere	Start of peak season; Pushkar camel fair
December	Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu	Christmas and New Year are busy; book early

The summer exception: Ladakh

Many Europeans can only travel in July or August. That is not a problem. While it rains in Delhi, Ladakh behind the Himalaya is dry, sunny and at its most beautiful, with monasteries, high passes and turquoise lakes. See our Ladakh and the Himalaya journey.

Matching India to your holidays

• Christmas and New Year: Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa are wonderful, but busy. Book four to six months ahead.
• February and Easter: excellent everywhere in the north and south, and a great time for tiger safaris.
• July and August: choose Ladakh, perhaps combined with a few days in Delhi and Agra.
• Autumn, October and November: perfect light, festivals and green landscapes after the monsoon.

Festivals worth planning around

Holi in March fills the streets with coloured powder. Diwali, the festival of lights, usually falls in October or November. Pushkar’s camel fair takes place in November, and Durga Puja transforms Kolkata in autumn. Festival dates follow the Hindu calendar and change every year, so we confirm them when we plan your trip.

Ready to choose? Explore our journeys through Rajasthan, Kerala, Varanasi or the tiger parks, or see our prices.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit India?

February is often called the best single month: the weather is pleasant almost everywhere, from Rajasthan to Kerala, and the tiger parks are open. November and March are also excellent.

Is it a good idea to visit India during the monsoon?

It can be, if you choose well. Ladakh stays dry in July and August, and Kerala is green and quiet during the monsoon, ideal for Ayurveda. Long road trips on the plains are harder in heavy rain.

Where should I go in India in summer?

In June, July and August, go to Ladakh, which lies beyond the reach of the monsoon. Himachal Pradesh is also pleasant in June and from September, but can be wet in July and August.

Is India too hot in April and May?

On the plains, yes for most travellers, with temperatures often above 40 °C. These months suit the Himalayan foothills, Darjeeling and Sikkim, and tiger safaris early in the morning.

When is the best time to visit the Taj Mahal?

From October to March, ideally at sunrise. The light is soft, temperatures are comfortable and crowds are smaller early in the morning. The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.

How far ahead should I book a trip to India?

For travel between November and March, book three to six months ahead for the best choice of hotels. For Christmas, New Year and tiger safaris, six months or more is wise.