The Best Time to Visit India

India in the Winter: October to March

Why Visit India in the Winter?

With the rains coming to an end and humidity levels decreasing, cooler temperatures begin at the start of winter season. October is a transitional month but is still warm. By the end of November and beginning of December, temperatures decrease quite a bit, making this a great time to visit India. It is the start of peak season for travelers. The coolest months overall are December and January, with mean temperatures in the 50’s in the north and higher mean temperatures in the low 70’s along the east and south coasts. 

Winter also marks the end of the crop season for farmers, and they go through the annual process of burning their fields, causing some smoke through Delhi and Agra, mixed with fog due to the drop in temperature. This results in lower visibility during the nights and early mornings, which means less sunlight and much colder temperatures, but some piping hot jalebis (sugary snacks) or a steaming cup of chai in Old Delhi can remedy the situation. 

What to Expect on Our Winter Tours

Early mornings and evenings in Rajasthan (one of the most popular destinations to visit) can drop into the 40’s in the Thar Desert, but desert sun and clear skies warm up the day quickly to 75°F and a crackling bonfire awaits for evening comfort.

On wildlife safaris in Central India, there can be very low temperatures on early morning open-jeep drives, possibly dipping below freezing with wind-chill factors, but as the sun rises and warms up the day you can get some t-shirt temperatures, so you’ll want to layer up. Later in the season, February-March, most of the trees begin to lose their foliage, which can make it easier to spot animals through the park’s dense vegetation (although these mammals are great at camouflage), but be prepared for hotter days with temperatures occasionally rising into the 90’s.

The coldest parts of India are Ladakh, Kashmir, and the other mountain regions.  For those who are after the transformative experience of spotting a snow leopard in the wild, winter is the ideal time to travel to Ladakh.  Temperatures dip down to the teens, and even lower at night. With the arrival of winter snows, the snow leopard makes its way out of its mountain dens to find prey, a priceless sight for those who are privileged to view it. 

What to Expect During the Winter Monsoon

The winter monsoon, also known as the northeast monsoon, begins on the east coast of India at the beginning of November, caused by winds picking up moisture off the Bay of Bengal and in turn scattering rain over the Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala regions. This monsoon lasts until mid-December. Unlike the summer monsoon this one is not as wet or long, so houseboat travel and temple visits can still be enjoyed.

India in the Summer: March, April, May & June

Why Visit India in the Summer?

By March, most of the country has come out of its cool slumber and a new season begins with vibrancy.  The trees and flowers start blooming with bright colors all around. And what better way to start the new harvest season in March than with the Festival of Colors, Holi. Temperatures rise with average highs of 100°F in March to around 105°F in April in the north. South India becomes quite humid, with highs around 95°F.  The Indian jungles flourish with fresh vegetation and life and plenty of butterflies and dragonflies can be seen fluttering about. 

If you want to see the snow leopard in Ladakh but not during the dire cold conditions of winter, early summer may be a better time to try. Ladakh’s climate warms up drastically during these months, with enjoyable temperatures of 50°F in the day, while the nights can still dip down to 30°F. Later in the summer they retreat to their mountain dens, making it harder to spot them.

India’s Monsoon Season: June, July, August & September

When and Where are India’s Monsoon Seasons?

There are two types of monsoons in India: The southwest monsoon (or summer monsoon) and northeast monsoon (or winter monsoon).  Warm, humid air blowing inland off the Indian Ocean and up the western coast of India brings the torrential rainfalls of monsoon season.  The summer monsoon is considered the main Monsoon season and affects the whole country by July.  (By contrast, the winter monsoon only hits the eastern coast of India.)

Where to Visit During India’s Summer Monsoon?

From June through September, the country becomes very hot and humid, with many disruptions to travel and transportation by road.  These months are great to travel to the mountains of Ladakh, where temperatures can hit balmy daytime highs of 75°F. The snow leopards do become even more elusive during this season, but there are many other activities to try your hand at.  Ladakh’s many Himalayan mountain passes are accessible this time of the year with breathtaking landscapes to enjoy, either on trek or via jeep excursions. And this is the time to join in with the locals as they celebrate summer festivals, complete with traditional wear, song, and dance.