If you are organizing your trip, it is important that you get information about the weather in India and you should know that due to the size of the country, the weather can vary greatly depending on the area.
Find the best time to travel to India according to your travel style and activities and make the most of this adventure! And don't worry too much if you can't choose the dates of your trip since in India there is a destination with optimal weather at any time of the year.
I will let you know everything you need to minimize the risk of bad weather on your next trip.
Climate in India
India is an extremely large country and has a wide climatic range that varies greatly from the north to the south of the country.
The average annual temperature is 24 °C with an average rainfall of 1060 mm.To give you an idea of the difference, in Spain the average temperature is 14°C and the average rainfall is 625mm.
In general, from December to March the weather is pleasant, warm during the day and cool at night. During December and January the lowest temperatures are reached and the nights can be very cold in the north of the country. In February the temperature in India starts to rise slightly. April is a hot month and May and June can be extremely hot as well as humid. From July to September there are usually heavy rains due to the monsoon.
Seasons in India
India has 4 seasons that define the tourism seasons as well: the cold or winter, the hot or summer (also called pre-monsoon), the monsoon or rainy season and the autumn or post-monsoon.
Winter: December to March.
It is known as the high season for tourism. It is the ideal time to visit a large part of the country being best time to visit South India with moderate and pleasant temperatures.
In the North it is very foggy and the weather is cold. With December and January being the peak of lowest temperatures (an average of 8°C at night and 20°C during the day). Mountainous areas close their access due to the ice and in the Thar desert the nights are very cold.
At the end of the year Goa is usually crowded and Rajasthan, Agra and Kerala very busy. So if you plan to travel during Christmas or New Year, plan and book in advance as it is a time of high demand.
Summer or pre-monsoon: April to June.
The summer begins in the low season for tourism. It is the hottest time of the year, the temperature in India is quite high (ranging between 32 and 45 degrees), except in the mountainous areas of the Himalayas or the Northeast of the country.
If you travel at this time of the year, remember to wear a hat, sun protection and drink enough water to avoid dehydration.
Monsoon or rainy season: July to September
The rainy season occurs at different times in the north and south of the country, with the south being the most affected by the monsoon.
During this time, which is considered low season, there are fewer tourists in the affected areas and because of this there are considerable discounts on tours and hotels.
The Kerala and Goa area suffers from heavy rains while in the north, which is arid and drier, is not as affected and enjoys a cool and pleasant climate..
If your trip to India is during the monsoon you should know that the humidity levels are very high making the heat suffocating. The rains are usually short and intense and once they finish the sun comes out again, but sometimes it can be several days raining non-stop.
Many of the country's cities do not have efficient sewage and drainage systems, so they flood and make the experience quite cumbersome if you are visiting, also some activities such as boat rides on the Ganges can be suspended because of the rains and also because of the rise in river level. On some occasions, the transportation network may be affected and the operation of some airports may be affected as well.Even during monsson, the Indian subcontinent's life doesn't get paralyzed by the rains.
I personally find the monsoon a mystical and enchanting season when the fields become lush and recover their striking green and the rivers and waterfalls regain their joy. But it is true that if it is your first trip to India and it rains every day, you may not find it charming.
The monsoon is divided into two seasons:
Summer monsoon: begins in July in the south of the country and extends to Delhi and the Bay of Bengal. In Delhi it manifests itself with heavy rains and in the Gulf they are somewhat less because of its proximity to the sea.
Winter monsoon: begins in the Himalayan area and manifests with heavy rains from June to September. The monsoon extends to the Bay of Bengal, with rains from September to November.
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Autumn or post-monsoon: October and November.
Autumn in India marks the beginning of the high season for tourism and it is, together with winter, the best time to travel to India. It is also the time of festivals and weddings which means that you can enjoy super interesting experiences and delve into their culture through these celebrations.
If you travel at this time of the year you will have to plan your trip in advance as there is a high demand for flights and hotels at this time of the year from both international and local tourists.
At this time there are rains in Tamil Nadu which receives the southeast monsoon.
Don't forget to read my article about the mistakes to avoid on your trip to India , it will be very useful in the preparation of your trip.
And as I always recommend...get a good health and travel insurance, as it will be your best friend in case of any unforeseen event. Being a reader of Mi Viaje a la India, you get 5 % discount on your HeyMondo insurance.
The climate in India according to the time of the year (by month):
Now that you know a little more about the weather in India, here are the best destinations to visit each month of the year taking into account the climate and temperatures in India by month:
The weather in India in JANUARY
The south of India has a warm and sunny climate while the north has its lowest temperatures.
Recommended areas to visit in January: Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Punjab, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Assam.
The weather in India in FEBRUARY
As the fog disappears, the weather in the north becomes ideal. In February the "Goa Carnival" is celebrated and the weather there is very pleasant.
Recommended areas to visit in February: Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and its desert, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Punjab, Mumbai, Kolkata, Assam.
Climate in India in MARCH
The month of March enjoys an ideal climate in most areas of the country and also celebrates the Holi Festival, so I recommend you to celebrate it in northern India.
Recommended areas to visit in March: Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Assam.
Weather in India in APRIL
Temperatures begin to rise throughout the country. This season is ideal for trips to natural parks and animal sightings.
Recommended areas to visit in April: Mountain areas such as Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Manali, Shimla, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Wayanad and Munnar. It is also a good time to visit Gangotri, where the source of the Ganges River is located.
The climate in India in MAY
Temperatures are very high, can reach 45 degrees, and the humidity can be quite uncomfortable. Hotel prices drop and desert camps close at this time. Good time to visit the natural parks.
Recommended areas to visit in May: Mountain areas such as Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Manali, Shimla, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Wayanad, Munnar...
The weather in India in JUNE
In June they open access to Ladakh. The temperature in India remains very high, humidity levels high and thunderstorms are common in the southern area.
Recommended areas to visit this month: Mountain areas such as Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Manali, Shimla, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Wayanad, Munnar...
The climate in India in JULY
Most of the country continues to experience high temperatures and very high humidity levels. The climate in Ladakh is ideal. The southern part of India remains rainy and travel to mountainous areas is not recommended as landslides may occur.
Recommended areas to visit in July: Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Kashmir, Ladakh, Jammu and Gangotri.
Weather in India in AUGUST
Continuous rains and high humidity. The south of the country continues with rains and it is not advisable to travel to mountainous areas as landslides may occur.
Recommended areas to visit in August: Rajasthan, Jammu, Kashmir, Adaman Islands...
Weather in India in SEPTEMBER
The season in Ladak ends and in Rajasthan it is the end of the monsoon.
Recommended areas to visit in September: Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Jammu, Kashmir, Kerala, Goa and Sikkim.
Weather in India in OCTOBER
It marks the beginning of the high season. Sunny, warm days return across most of the country and the rains end in the North although errant showers continue in the South.
Recommended areas to visit in October: Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Darjeeling, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa.
The climate in India in NOVEMBER
It is one of the best months to travel with pleasant temperatures both in the north and south. It is also the time of festivals such as Diwali (sometimes in October) or the camel festival in Pushkar.
Recommended areas to visit in November: Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Mumbai, Kolkata, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala and Goa.
The weather in India in DECEMBER
The weather continues to be good in both the north and south but you should know that in some northern areas at night it can be quite cold.
Recommended areas to visit in December: Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Punjab, Mumbai, Kolkata, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu.
If you want more details about the temperatures in India by month and by zone and the weather forecast for your travel dates I recommend you to visit Accuweather or the Indian Meteorological Department website.
Best time to travel to India
In general, the best time to travel to India is from October to March, autumn and winterThere is little rainfall and pleasant temperatures in most parts of the country but keep in mind that prices are higher at this time. If you want to visit mountain areas the best time is summer (in the months of April to June) and you will be lucky as prices are lower at this time.
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To travel to India or any other destination (and at any date)
Don't forget that the weather in India is unpredictable and even if you plan your trip in the best season for your chosen destination, unforeseen weather conditions can always arise. In summary, take all this information into account but do not consider the weather in India as a decisive factor in the preparation of your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to travel to India?
The best time to travel to India is between October and March, the climate in India is cooler and drier, especially in the north of the country. During these months, temperatures are pleasant and there is less chance of rain, making travel more comfortable.
When to travel to India?
It depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Log on to October and March is the most comfortable season for most travelers, but if you want to see festivals such as the Holi (March) or the Diwali (October/November)If you are planning your trip, it may be worthwhile to adjust your trip according to these dates.
The best month to go to India
If you are looking for a month with balanced weather and less tourists, February is usually an excellent choice. Temperatures are pleasant, destinations are not so crowded and you can still enjoy festivals and cultural events.
What is the climate like in India?
India has a diverse climate due to its vast geographical spread. In general, we can distinguish three main stations:
- Summer (March to June): Hot, especially in the north and center of the country.
- Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rains, more noticeable in the south and northeast.
- Winter (October to February): Cool and dry climate, ideal for traveling.
Is it hot or cold in India?
It depends on the region and the time of the year. In winter, the north (Delhi, Rajasthan, Varanasi) can be cold, with temperatures dropping as low as 5°C at night. However, in the summer, some areas can exceed 40°C. In the south, the climate is warmer and tropical throughout the year.
I hope you liked the article about the weather in India and understood that the best time to travel to India depends on the destination and the type of trip!
Enjoy your trip :)
This article is for information and guidance purposes only. We recommend that you always check the official information on the corresponding website for updated and accurate details. We are not responsible for errors, omissions or possible discrepancies with official sources. Consult with experts or competent authorities if you have specific questions.
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