Best time to visit India
October to March is the most comfortable season across most of India. The monsoon (June–September) makes travel challenging but brings lush landscapes.
Month-by-month overview
| Month | High / Low | Rainfall | Crowds | Prices | Verdict | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21° / 7°C | 15mm | High | $$$Peak | Great | Republic Day celebrations |
| Feb | 24° / 10°C | 15mm | High | $$$Peak | Great | Holi preparations |
| Mar | 30° / 15°C | 10mm | High | $$$Peak | Great | Holi festival |
| Apr | 36° / 21°C | 10mm | Low | $Low | Okay | Intense heat begins |
| May | 39° / 25°C | 15mm | Low | $Low | Avoid | Extreme heat across plains |
| Jun | 36° / 26°C | 75mm | Low | $Low | Avoid | Monsoon arrives in south |
| Jul | 33° / 25°C | 210mm | Low | $Low | Avoid | Full monsoon |
| Aug | 32° / 25°C | 240mm | Low | $Low | Avoid | — |
| Sep | 33° / 24°C | 150mm | Low | $Low | Okay | Monsoon retreating |
| Oct | 33° / 19°C | 30mm | Medium | $$Mid | Great | Diwali preparations |
| Nov | 28° / 13°C | 5mm | High | $$$Peak | Great | Diwali; pleasant weather |
| Dec | 23° / 8°C | 5mm | High | $$$Peak | Great | — |
Month-by-month deep dives
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Read the full ranking →Festivals & events
Holi
MarThe festival of colours — joyful powder-throwing celebrations across the country.
Diwali
Oct–NovFestival of lights with fireworks, oil lamps, and elaborate sweets.
Pushkar Camel Fair
NovThousands of camels converge on Pushkar in Rajasthan for this vibrant fair.
Indiaweather & timing FAQ
When is the best time to visit India?
October–March is the sweet spot. October to March is the most comfortable season across most of India. The monsoon (June–September) makes travel challenging but brings lush landscapes.
When is peak tourist season in India?
Peak season runs through November–February. Expect higher prices, busier sites, and the need to book accommodation and major experiences several weeks ahead.
What's the cheapest time to visit India?
April typically combines the lowest accommodation rates with the smallest crowds — a workable shoulder window on weather and conditions. Intense heat begins.
What's the weather like in India in May?
May averages a high of about 39°C (102°F) with lows around 25°C. Expect roughly 15mm of rainfall across the month. Extreme heat across plains.
What festivals or events happen in India?
Standout dates include Holi (Mar), Diwali (Oct–Nov), Pushkar Camel Fair (Nov). Holi: The festival of colours — joyful powder-throwing celebrations across the country.
What should I pack for India?
India sees a wide annual range — winters drop to about 7°C while summers peak near 39°C. Pack for the season you're visiting: a warm layer and rain shell for the cold months, breathable cotton + sun protection for the hot months.
Are there months to avoid in India?
Skip May, June, July, and August if you can — these months score lowest across weather, crowd, and price in our calendar. Common issues: Extreme heat across plains, Monsoon arrives in south, and Full monsoon.
How crowded does India get?
Crowds peak in May, June, July, August, January, February, March, November, and December — book accommodation 6–8 weeks ahead and expect queues at flagship sights. Outside those windows, even popular cities feel noticeably calmer.
Book your India trip for October–March
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