With a vast country like India, choosing a region is no mean feat! Here’s your comprehensive guide on what North and South India have to offer to help you decide on the best tour for you.
Best Time to Visit India by Region
Best Time to Visit North India
The best time to visit North India is from October to March. The temperatures vary widely between the plains of the north and the deserts of Rajasthan. Generally, the temperatures in the main season are consistently pleasant, it is dry and often up to 34°C hot. In the winter, however, it can cool down to around 0°C, especially in the evening. Rajasthan, on the other hand, is one of the country’s hottest regions so if you are planning a Jaipur tour or a Udaipur visit, the cool season from November to March is best, although rather warm.
- Main season: October to March
- Peak Season / Winter: December and January
- Rainy Season: July to September
Best Time to Visit South India
The weather in South India is heavily influenced by the monsoon. In Kerala, it is rather sultry and hot throughout the year, with temperatures up to 33°C. In summer, temperatures of up to 45°C can be unpleasantly hot in southern India. During the winter months, on the other hand, the weather is most pleasant. In the higher regions, it becomes relatively fresh in the evening with 15-20°C.
- Main season: October / November – March
- Summer: April – June
- Rainy Season: June / July – September
Best Time to Visit Central & West India
For Central & West India tours, prepare for warm to very hot weather in summer and a pleasant climate in the winter months of October to March. Ideal for a wildlife safari, the region is typically rather hot and humid near the coast and dry in the interiors between April to June, until the monsoon rains arrive in July. The weather in Central and West India can be very hot and sultry, especially along the coast. In the interior of the country, however, the heat is rather dry. February and March are the best months to go on an Indian safari.
- Main season: October – March
- Summer (Not recommended): April – June
- Rainy Season: July – September.
Best Time to Visit East India
The best travel time for East India travel is during the months of September / October to March. The entire region shines after the rain in June-August turning lush green.
Best Time to Visit the Himalayas
The temperatures, and therefore the best time to visit the Himalayas, vary according to altitude and latitude. During the day it is pleasantly warm – up to 22°C – while it can be cold in the evening and at night. During the monsoon, the chances of landslides are very high. In winter temperatures can drop to -14°C. The Himalayas at this time is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.
- High season: March – June, October – November
- Winter: December – February
- Rainy Season: July – September
Best Time to Visit India’s Islands & Beaches
The beaches of India experience a tropical climate. The best time to travel to India for a beach holiday is during the months from November to March. Then you can enjoy long hours of sunshine and average temperatures around 30°C. During the monsoon season, some rain showers can be found. The beaches are often flooded due to the high seas, and swimming is not possible due to strong currents and waves.
- Main season: November – February
- Low season: March – April, October
- Rainy Season: May / June – September
What to Pack
Carrying a shawl, stole, or scarf offers protection from the heat and dust, and can also be used to cover the head in holy places. Please carry a comfortable pair of flat shoes, since you will be walking quite a bit during your sightseeing tours. Light cottons or even light woolens (for areas closer to the Western Ghats, e.g. Ooty and Kodaikanal) are ideal.
As a rule of thumb, visitors to the larger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore will find that a mix of Indian and Western clothing is acceptable and is worn by many young Indians. However, in many popular tourist destinations like Rajasthan, modesty in dress is recommended. Clothes with plunging necklines and hemlines above the knee are to be avoided.
Please also keep in mind that modest behavior is also appreciated as public displays of affection, even between spouses, is considered in bad taste in many parts of the country.
Our experts can create a personalized India vacation package for you based on your interests and requirements. Get in touch with us and take the first step towards going on your next memorable trip.
From the Blog
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Best Places To Visit
Travel Guide
India’s vast size means that there are numerous weather patterns. As with the rest of Southeast Asia, the best time to visit for warm, dry and sunny weather is between October and March.
Safety
India is by and large a very safe country that will leave you mesmerized and mystified. However stimulated, inspired, awe-struck or overwhelmed you might feel while here, it is always important to remain alert.