When is the Best Time to Visit India?
With India being such a vast country, researching the best time to visit is highly advised if it’s on your bucket list to visit. The weather varies dramatically from north to south, so you may wish to take this into account when you’re contemplating when to go on your honeymoon.
The best time to visit India would be in the milder, dry season between December to March, so you can travel and explore without being exposed to dangerously high temperatures and humidity levels.
Visiting India in January
The northern hemisphere of India is warm and dry during January, which is ideal for sightseeing, although you may wake up to the occasional patch of fog in the mornings.
If you’re a fan of warmer weather, head to the southern regions such as Goa, where it is peak beach season.
Plenty of celebrations are held throughout this month, including the famed Kite Festival in Rajasthan, and the national celebrations for Republic Day on 26th of January.
Visiting India in February
Most parts of India are still warm and sunny (except in the mountainous regions) during February. As it is one of the peak months to visit for tourists, you can expect popular locations to be at their busiest.
If the Taj Mahal is on your itinerary, this is the best month to go as you’ll get to experience the 10-day carnival of food, culture, and homemade crafts around the celebrated building.
Visiting India in March
March is the final month of the dry season. The weather is hotting up across the country, with rainfall easing in the Northern states.
If you’re lucky, you may spot wildlife such as elephants, tigers, and leopards roaming around.
This month celebrates the beginning of spring with the Holi Festival. Take some old clothes, so you can get involved with the traditional paint-throwing activity!
Visiting India in April
The temperatures start to soar in some parts of the country, making April one of the best months to see wildlife as they emerge from the jungle on the hunt for water. With daytime temperatures reaching scorching highs, morning and evening excursions would be recommended to avoid the risk of sunstroke and dehydration.
The religious festival of Ramadan runs between April to May, therefore, many Muslim-owned businesses are likely to be closed over this period.
Visiting India in May
Temperatures can reach up to 45 degrees across India during May, in which residents choose to migrate towards hill stations to seek shade. The intense heat may make it difficult to travel around the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan.
Festivals are limited during May due to the heat, but Buddha’s birthday celebrations are in full swing.
Visiting India in June
The monsoon kickstarts in June, with intense heat and humidity levels. Thunderstorms are also common, especially in Delhi, Goa, or the Himalayas.
June is, however, the best time to visit Ladakh, which is a start contrast weather-wise to the remainder of the country. While the weather is sunny and dry, there is a slight chill in the air, so you may wish to bring some layers to stay warm.
Visiting India in July
July marks the beginning of the monsoon season and while rainstorms are heavy, they’re only occasional. Ladkhah is the best place to visit to enjoy more settled weather and makes a great opportunity to try out hiking in the expansive Ladakh mountain range.
Visiting India in August
The monsoon season is still very much in full force during August, but that shouldn’t offput you from visiting. The high-water levels from rainfall create the opportunity to sit back and relax on a cruise along the Ganges between Varanasi and Patna.
Visiting India in September
Torrential rain is less frequent in September, but you can still expect the occasional shower from time to time. The monsoon starts to disperse midway through September and is considered the ‘shoulder’ month, before peak season which means you may grab a great honeymoon deal.
Visiting India in October
As the wet weather starts to clear up, October is a much fresher month with more comfortable temperatures. This month typically isn’t overly crowded with tourists, but if the ancient Hindu festival of Diwali happens to fall in October, you can expect popular regions to be busier than usual.
Visiting India in November
November is deemed to be one of the best months of the year to visit India; in which you can enjoy settled, cooler weather and a handful of vibrant festivals, including the famous camel fair and Diwali (if it falls in November).
Visiting India in December
December is peak tourist season, so you can expect most parts of the country to be congested. However, it is also the coldest month of the year – especially in the Himalayas and central India. Do be aware that travel prices can be steep, and fog can affect transport schedules which can prove difficult when trying to get from A to B.