gowhereandwhen.comGo in the cool, dry season, October to March, for the most comfortable weather. April to June brings fierce heat, and the monsoon, July to September, brings the rains. The Himalaya and the far south follow their own rhythm.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Delhi. Higher is better. Some booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
The year at a glance
India is vast and its weather dramatic. Delhi in the north anchors the ratings, where the cool, dry winter from October to March is the obvious window to travel, the pre-monsoon months are intensely hot, and the monsoon brings heavy rain.
The exceptions are worth knowing. The Himalayan north, including Ladakh and the hill stations, is best in summer when the plains bake. The far south and Kerala have their own monsoon timing and stay warm year round, with the southwest rains arriving in June.
India month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Delhi.
JanuaryMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 20°C / 68°F
- Overnight low
- 7°C / 45°F
- Rainfall
- 20 mm
Mild and dry.
FebruaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 10°C / 50°F
- Rainfall
- 18 mm
Warm and dry.
MarchHot and dry.Ideal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 15 mm
Hot and dry.
AprilVery hot and dry.Good 52
- Daytime high
- 37°C / 99°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 10 mm
Very hot and dry.
MayVery hot and dry.Fair 32
- Daytime high
- 40°C / 104°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 30 mm
Very hot and dry.
JuneVery hot with a little rain.Fair 36
- Daytime high
- 39°C / 102°F
- Overnight low
- 28°C / 82°F
- Rainfall
- 75 mm
Very hot with a little rain.
JulyVery hot and wet.Fair 41
- Daytime high
- 35°C / 95°F
- Overnight low
- 27°C / 81°F
- Rainfall
- 210 mm
Very hot and wet.
AugustVery hot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 38
- Daytime high
- 34°C / 93°F
- Overnight low
- 26°C / 79°F
- Rainfall
- 245 mm
Very hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
SeptemberVery hot and wet.Great 64
- Daytime high
- 34°C / 93°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 120 mm
Very hot and wet.
OctoberHot and dry.Ideal 80
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall
- 15 mm
Hot and dry.
NovemberWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 28°C / 82°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
Warm and dry.
DecemberMild and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 8°C / 46°F
- Rainfall
- 8 mm
Mild and dry.
Where you go changes when you go
Delhi, Rajasthan and the north
October to March is prime, cool and dry, ideal for the Golden Triangle and the desert forts. Summer is brutally hot.
The Himalaya and Ladakh
June to September, when the high passes open and the plains are too hot. Winter closes much of the region with snow.
Goa, Kerala and the south
November to March for the beaches and backwaters. The southwest monsoon brings rain from June, earlier than the north.
Best time to visit India for
The Golden Triangle
October to March for Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with comfortable days for sightseeing.
Beaches and backwaters
November to March in Goa and Kerala, the warm, dry window on the southern coasts.
The Himalaya
June to September for trekking in Ladakh, Spiti and the mountain valleys.
Tiger safaris
March to May, when the heat draws wildlife to the waterholes in the central national parks.
What is on, and when
Holi, March
The festival of colour erupts across the north at the end of winter.
Diwali, October or November
The festival of lights fills cities and homes with lamps, fireworks and feasting.
Watch out
Rainy season
Jul to Aug.
Extreme heat
Apr to Jul.
Where to stay in India
Compare places to stay around Delhi. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit India?
When is the monsoon in India?
Is summer too hot to visit India?
Where else, and when
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