The Best Time to Visit India  

India is a land of diversity, with something to offer for every type of traveler. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene backwaters of Kerala, there is an endless array of experiences to be had in this vast country. However, there is nothing quite like taking a trip to India at the perfect time for the best experience. India, like many other countries in the world, is a large country with a wide range of climatic conditions in central India to northern and southern India. This is why we’ve put together a guide on the best time to visit India, highlighting the best things to see in the spring, summer, and monsoon seasons.

Visiting India in the Spring  

If you’re looking to escape the cold weather and enjoy some warmer temperatures, then spring is the best time of the year to plan a visit to India. Spring is the peak tourist season, as important festivals such as the Holi festival fall within this time. Falling between March and June, it is also the best time to visit Delhi. With the temperature gradually increasing as the season goes on, it won’t be too chilly like the winter, nor sweltering like the summer, making it a great time to travel. During this time, it is recommended to visit major tourist sites such as Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh in North India.

Spring is the perfect season to explore India’s national park system. The hot weather means that the animals are more active, and you’re likely to see more of them. Jim Corbett National Park is one of the best places to see tigers, and Kanha National Park is a great place to spot leopards. A great bonus for this season is that you can pack your lightest clothing and don’t need to layer up! This is the time to ditch the bulky clothing and break out the shorts, skirts, and tank tops. Here are our top springtime recommendations for tourists:

Jaipur  

During the spring, Jaipur, the state capital and pink metropolis of Rajasthan, is spectacular. Holi is observed here during the season – a fun and lighthearted festival where people throw powdered dye into the air and cover each other in vibrant colors. The Pushkar Camel fair in Ajmer is another Indian holiday you can participate in. Jaipur is also home to some of India’s most beautiful architecture, such as the Hawa Mahal, or “Palace of the Winds.” Overall, spring is a great season to visit Northern India, and you should certainly add this city to your itinerary!

Amritsar, Punjab  

The city of Amritsar is located in the state of Punjab and is home to the famous Golden Temple. This holy site is a must-see, especially during the spring when it is surrounded by beautiful flowers in full bloom. In addition to the Golden Temple, Amritsar also offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Punjabi culture and cuisine. Pleasant weather throughout the season provides tourists with a wonderful opportunity to see the sites and participate in Vaisakhi celebrations.

Kerala  

The state of Kerala is located in southern India and is known for its beautiful backwaters. This network of canals, lagoons, and lakes is best explored by taking a ride in a traditional houseboat. Spring is the perfect time to visit Kerala as the weather is not too hot and the rains have not begun yet. In addition to the backwaters, Kerala is also home to tea plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls – making it a true paradise for nature lovers.

Visiting India in the Summer  

Although summer is not the ideal time to visit most of India, as the temperatures can be quite extreme, there are still some places that are worth visiting during the season. If you’re looking to escape the heat, then head north to the Himalayan region where you can find cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also a good time to visit coastal areas such as Goa and Kerala, where you can enjoy the beach while avoiding crowds, as well as the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO world heritage site. Here are our top summertime recommendations for tourists:

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh  

Shimla, the capital of Himachal Pradesh, is a beautiful hill station located in the Himalayan Mountains. Due to its high altitude, Shimla enjoys cooler temperatures during the summer months, making it a great escape from the heat. This city is also home to several British-era colonial buildings, such as the Viceregal Lodge, which are worth seeing. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the Shimla Ridge.

Leh, Jammu and Kashmir  

Leh is a high-altitude desert city in the state of Jammu And Kashmir. Although there can be higher daytime temperatures, Leh experiences cooler temperatures in the evening and early morning. This city is also home to several Buddhist monasteries, or gompas, which are worth visiting. In addition, Leh offers stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains and the surrounding valleys.

Goa  

Goa is a state located on the southwestern coast of India. Although it can be quite hot during the summer, Goa offers several beautiful beaches where you can relax and escape the heat. In addition, Goa is also home to many Portuguese colonial buildings, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which are worth seeing. Summer is the best time to travel in India if you are heading to any of these locations.

Visiting India in the Monsoon Season  

The monsoon season in India typically lasts from June to September. Although the monsoon rains can make travel difficult, it is still a good time to visit certain parts of the country as the weather is cooler and there are fewer crowds. The monsoon season is the best time of the year to visit India if you’re looking to experience traditional Indian festivals such as Onam and Ganesh Chaturthi. Here are our top recommendations for tourists visiting India during the rainy season:

Munnar, Kerala  

Munnar is a hill station located in the state of Kerala, South India. This city experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the weather is still cooler than in other parts of India. The state of Kerala is located in southern India and is known for its beautiful backwaters. This network of canals, lagoons, and lakes is best explored by taking a traditional houseboat ride. Spring is the perfect time to visit Kerala as the weather is not too hot, and the rains have not begun yet. In addition to the backwaters, Kerala is also home to tea plantations, spice gardens, and waterfalls – making it a true paradise for nature lovers.

Coorg, Karnataka  

Coorg is a hill station located in the state of Karnataka. This city experiences heavy rains during the monsoon season, but the weather is still cooler than in other parts of India. Coorg is also home to some coffee plantations, and the city is known for its coffee and tea production. There are many other tourist attractions in Coorg, such as temples, waterfalls, and hiking trails. In addition, this city offers stunning views of the Western Ghats mountain range. The monsoon is therefore the best time to travel in India if you intend to tour any of these locations.