India is a continent-sized country with three main seasons: the cool, dry winter (October to March), the hot summer (April to June) and the monsoon (June to September). The good news is that somewhere in India is always in season. Use this guide to match your dates with the right region, or let us build an itinerary around your travel window.
Overview: the three seasons
| Season | Months | Weather | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | October – March | Sunny days of 20–30°C, cool nights in the north | Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu |
| Summer | April – June | Hot (35–45°C) on the plains, pleasant in the hills | Ladakh, Himalayan hill stations, tiger safaris |
| Monsoon | June – September | Heavy showers, lush landscapes, lower prices | Ladakh (rain shadow), Ayurveda retreats in Kerala |
Winter (October to March): peak season
This is the classic time to visit and when most of our tours run. Delhi, Agra and Jaipur enjoy clear skies and 20–25°C days, although December and January mornings can be foggy and cold (5–10°C), so pack a fleece. Rajasthan's desert nights drop close to freezing. Kerala, Goa and Tamil Nadu are warm (28–32°C) and dry. Book hotels early for Christmas, New Year and the Pushkar Camel Fair (November).
Summer (April to June): heat and hill stations
Temperatures on the northern plains climb above 40°C, so sightseeing is best done at dawn and dusk. The upside: hotel prices drop by 30 to 50%, monuments are quiet and this is the best season for tiger sightings in Ranthambore, as animals gather at waterholes. Head to the hills: Ladakh opens in June, and Shimla, Manali, Darjeeling and Munnar offer cool relief.
Monsoon (June to September): green India
The south-west monsoon reaches Kerala in early June and covers the country by mid-July. Rain usually falls in intense afternoon bursts rather than all day. Kerala turns impossibly green and Ayurvedic treatments are considered most effective in this season. Ladakh lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and is at its best from July to September. Avoid Goa's beaches (many shacks close) and treks in Uttarakhand (landslides).
Best months by tour
- Golden Triangle, Varanasi, Rajasthan: October to March (November and February are ideal).
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu: September to March.
- Goa: November to March.
- Ladakh: June to September only.
- Ranthambore tigers: October to June; April to June for the highest sighting rate.
- Grand Odyssey: October to March.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Diwali (October or November) is spectacular, but book 4 to 6 months ahead as hotels and trains fill up and prices rise.
Days in Leh reach 20–25°C in July, but nights at Pangong Tso can drop to 5°C even in August. Bring a warm jacket.
Still have questions? Our team answers within one working day. Call +44 7915 382603, write to contact@visit-to-india.com or see the FAQ.