The Best Time to Visit India (Month by Month)

India's weather is highly seasonal. Here is a breakdown of when to visit based on the region.

India is a massive country, and the weather varies drastically from the Himalayas in the north to the tropical beaches in the south. However, generally speaking, the best time to visit most of India is from October to March.

The Three Main Seasons

1. Winter (October to February)

This is the peak tourist season.

Weather: Cool, dry, and pleasant across most of the country.
Where to go: Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Kerala, and Goa.
Note: The Himalayas will be freezing and many mountain passes will be closed due to snow.

2. Summer (March to June)

This is the shoulder season.

Weather: Very hot and dry in the plains (often exceeding 40°C / 104°F).
Where to go: This is the best time to visit the Himalayas (Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand) to escape the heat.
Note: Avoid central and southern India during May and June due to extreme heat.

3. Monsoon (July to September)

This is the low season for tourism.

Weather: Heavy rain, high humidity, and hot temperatures.
Where to go: The monsoon is actually a beautiful time to visit Kerala (for Ayurveda) and Rajasthan (when the lakes fill up).
Note: Many wildlife sanctuaries are closed during this time.

Summary by Region

North India (Golden Triangle): October to March.
South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): November to February.
The Himalayas (Ladakh, Manali): June to September (when the roads are open).