India: land of mystery, mayhem and marvellous diversity. From the jam-packed alleys of Delhi to the peaceful backwaters of Kerala. It’s the place that doesn’t fail to leave a mark. Whether you’re gazing at the sublime Taj Mahal spread by the Yamuna River or doing your best not to get hit by a rickshaw while crossing the road. But before you go, there’s one important thing to ask: when is the best time to go to India?
And here’s the answer: not all year round. The country’s weather is as deranged as a Bollywood tragic romance and knowing the best time to visit India might as well be the key to the age-old secret of life. Getting the timing right could mean the difference between the trip of a lifetime and one that’s hot, rainy, sweaty and an all-around nightmare. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at India’s different seasons to help you plan the absolute best time to go to India for you.
When is the best time to go to India? The perfect time to experience its wonders
When it comes to picking the best time to visit India, it’s not all about dodging bad weather or escaping unbearably hot temperatures. It’s also about planning your trip around the subcontinent’s sensational festivals and unique cultural experiences ― and its stories change season by season.
From the Golden Triangle to the backwaters of Kerala, the best time of year to visit India is usually from October to March. Here, the weather is cooler and more refreshing, especially in the north. The cool weather conditions give you an easier chance to explore the sites and surroundings. The temperature also stays comfortable at 20-25°C in cities such as Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, so you can explore the stunning views of the Taj Mahal or go for a tour of Jaipur’s Amber fort without discomfort.
If visiting during the cooler months, you’ll want to pack some light clothes for the day. Those intending to visit the cooler northern region should also pack a jacket or sweater, especially as the temperatures can drop considerably when the sun goes down, while temperatures in the southern region (like Kerala or Goa) will be much milder.
India’s festival season is an incredible reason to visit. Diwali, the Festival of Lights, takes place most often in either October or November and makes the whole country sparkle. And in March, you’ll witness an even greater variety of colours when the streets become a vivid playground for everyone, local and tourist alike, celebrating the national holiday of Holi.
The greatest time to visit Delhi
If you’re asking when the best time to visit Delhi is, let’s be honest: you likely want to go when you’re not going to fry on the sidewalk or be blown away in a dust storm. If anywhere in India is a city of extremes, it’s Delhi. Expect at least a few days well over 40°C in the summertime and temperature drops in the winter that will have you whipping out that coat you swore you’d never wear.
The golden time to visit Delhi is between October and March. Delhi weather is usually comfortably warm at this time of year and allows you to really sit back and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this mesmerising city. By December and January, Delhi’s climate usually drops down to 5-10°C at nighttime. So pack your jacket or a light coat for those cold Delhi nights.
You can wander around the city’s bustling streets in search of the numerous iconic landmarks, discover plenty of history and still not get tanned to a crisp. Walk around India Gate or Lodhi Gardens in the morning, visit the ancient Red Fort with its beautiful Mughal facades, or simply wander around the streets of Chandni Chowk market and enjoy the city at the ground level. Also, in November, you’ll have Diwali in Delhi. The festival of lights turns the entire city into a spectacle of colour with lights, sweets and the sound of fireworks.
As for what to pack, make it adjustable. Wear light, cool clothing during the day and something warmer for the cooler evenings. If you’re travelling in winter, you’ll appreciate having those winter clothes to hand, even if it does look a little odd wearing them in India. So pack your sunscreen, pack that party spirit and pack your sense of adventure.
Best Time to go to India: a seasonal guide to Indian weather
India is a country of extremes. The weather completely changes depending on where you are. You can go from freezing your feet off in the Himalayas in Ladakh to basking in the glorious sun on the beaches of Goa. Sometimes, the weather can feel like one big head-scratcher puzzle. But fear not! All are listed below.
Winter (November to March): Mild, cool weather — perfect for wandering around! It is the best time to do your tourist bit, gazing at the beautiful Taj Mahal, wandering around the desert cities of Rajasthan and exploring Delhi’s attractions.
Summer (April to June): Say hello to the sweatbox! Temperatures in the north can soar by about 40°C. You may wonder if you have enough sunscreen on hand. But don’t give up hope! Head to the lovely hill stations — places like Shimla, Manali and Darjeeling are considerably cooler and the views are amazing.
Monsoon (July to September): The craziest season of them all! But with the rain, the entire country blooms. You will find very few tourists at the popular tourist destinations. Head to Kerala, Goa and the Western Ghats. If you’re caught in the rain, why not dance in it?
Autumn (October to November): The best season to visit India! The summer has died down and the Indian monsoon months are over, leaving the country with a lovely green feel. A great time to go on trekking trips, walk around Delhi and visit the beautiful beaches.
January to March and the cool embrace of India’s winter charm
If it’s the summer sun in India you’re trying to avoid, the best time to visit is from January to March — India’s winter months — the most bearable time of year, temperature-wise.
The weather in India in February is perfect for sightseeing. Walking down the streets of Delhi, the gardens of Agra, and the northern part of the country, you will enjoy very pleasant temperatures. Most travellers find February to be the best month to visit Delhi, as you can easily walk around the markets, visit the Qutb Minar in Delhi, and taste some delicious Delhi street food without sweating buckets.
Wondering what is the best time to go to India’s Golden Triangle? This time of year is ideal for touring Agra (hello, Taj Mahal!) and Jaipur and sightseeing at the beautiful fortresses and palaces. But India isn’t just appealing up north. The weather in southern India is also more comfortable, which means places like Kerala and Goa are inviting for people seeking beaches, sunshine and adventure.
April to June and the summer heat with India’s vibrant energy
The summer heat in India starts in and around April and it can get pretty harsh depending on your location. The weather in India in April usually has temperatures that go up to as high as 40°C or more in north India. Places like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur become like a furnace in the afternoon.
But don’t write off summer travel just yet. Though North and Central India are roasting in the heat, destinations like Goa and Kerala in the South stay pleasant. India summer is also the time of colourful festivals, lively street markets and an overall celebratory vibe. The heat can be intense, but it brings a feeling of cheerfulness.
Also, let’s not forget about the hill stations. India has some of the most beautiful hill stations like Shimla and Manali — with the weather remaining a lot cooler and the scenery absolutely enchanting.
July to September and the monsoon mystique of India’s landscape
The Indian rain season sees the country undergo a drastic transformation. Monsoon offers a completely unique experience for those who choose to travel through this season.
Visiting India during monsoon months is a delightful mishap or a disastrous delight, it is up to you how you take it. On one hand, the monsoon brings out the most wondrous elements of the country. If you don’t mind getting a bit wet, you will find landscapes covered in lush greenery, rivers flowing in full vigour and waterfalls everywhere you look. Regions like Kerala and Goa turn into absolute paradises during the monsoon season, resting in the lap of nature drenched in rain, and the land becomes an emerald paradise.
But on the other hand, the rain can make your plans go off roads. The roads are mostly flooded with water and when travelling by rail, there can be long delays. But if you are a solitude seeker or you like places surrounded by nature with no crowds, then this is the best time to visit.
October to December: a season of mild weather
Now comes the season to visit India. The weather in India in October is the best to visit the country. The scorching heat of the summers would be gone, the monsoon season would be done and dusted and the temperature would be in the ideal range, especially in Northern India; this is the time when the country shows its true colours.
With the Indian weather in November becoming milder, Rajasthan, Varanasi and the Golden Triangle head up the list of sightseeing locations. Now, you can visit Jaipur’s incredible Amber Fort or the historic streets of Delhi and Agra‘s Taj Mahal without getting sunstroke. It’s the best weather in India for tourists who want perfect conditions combined with a bit of festival cheer because the entire country is lit up with lamps to celebrate Diwali (the biggest festival in India.)
By December in India, the northern regions have begun to get chilly. So, if you come to see Jaipur or Delhi, pack a light jacket. But the south weather is still dry and pleasant, making it the top for a coastal getaway.
So, when’s the Best Time to Go to India?
India is a land as diverse as its people and just as its people, its weather is surprising. However, once you get your head around the seasons, there are so many ways to enjoy them. You can relax in winter, soak up the summer sun, enjoy the monsoon, or admire its magical charm. No matter when you visit, it’s always a delight!
So, what is the best time to visit India? Well, it depends on what you want out of the trip. For comfortable sightseeing in pleasant weather, October to March is ideal for popular regions like the Golden Triangle. For those who want to experience India in all its lush mineral glory, there’s the monsoon season. And, for those needing relief from the sweltering heat, winter is the perfect retreat, especially in the north.
The best time is whenever suits your adventure—whether touring temples, exploring hill stations, or sunbathing on beaches. Choose the right moment to experience India like never before!
Ready to explore the best of India? Whether you want to head to the chillier climes of the north or head to the sunnier beaches of the south, there’s a WeRoad group trip to India to help you get the most out of your adventure. Embrace the marvels of India — in your own way and in good time. Leave the stressful planning to them and dive into an authentic, adventure-filled experience in India now that you know the best time to visit!
