What’s the ideal time to explore India?

India resembles a continent more than a country, showcasing everything from the towering Himalayas to the lush jungles of Kerala and the arid deserts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This immense nation boasts an incredible range of landscapes. No matter when you choose to visit India, you'll discover that its climate changes across regions, ensuring there's always a destination worth exploring, regardless of the weather.

The winter months in the northern hemisphere, from December to March, present the best opportunity to experience the lively cities and ancient temples and forts of north India. Conversely, the monsoon season from June to September is ideal for the arid heights of Ladakh. While South India remains warm throughout the year, its winter months offer a drier and cooler climate compared to the humid summer.

Even if your visit coincides with the peak of the rainy season, there are still numerous compelling reasons to explore this extraordinary nation, especially with its vibrant festival calendar bustling throughout the year. Here’s your guide to the most favorable times to visit India.

From December to March, enjoy beach outings, tiger safaris, and temple visits

Tourism peaks in India during this season when dry skies and pleasantly warm temperatures prevail in the plains—ideal travel conditions. The sunny, mild days are great for exploring the bustling cities, although it can get quite chilly in the Himalayan foothills.

Even in the humid southern regions, the moisture remains manageable, and temperatures cool down at night, making it comfortable for sleeping. However, this season also brings peak pricing across many areas. Morning fog may cause delays in air and other transport services in the northern plains. Nevertheless, it's the perfect time to visit the deserts of Rajasthan, offering pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights.

December to March also represents the prime period for lowland adventures. National parks are drier, with less vegetation for wildlife to conceal themselves, and animals are more active longer due to the cooler temperatures. For the best chance of spotting tigers, visit Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Ranthambhore, and other national parks in the central plains.

In the hill regions, the scene is a bit different. While Shimla's snow-covered landscape is enchanting, many hotels close for winter, and mountain trails and high passes often become impassable due to snow, including the primary routes to Ladakh (though some adventurous travelers still fly in for winter trekking). A few hill towns in Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand remain open for skiing and winter sports, but many businesses in Ladakh close up and migrate south to Goa for the season.

December marks a significant time for Hindu weddings—look out for the baraat (bridegroom’s procession) featuring a white horse, a nervous groom, and a lively marching band, often accompanied by dazzling fireworks. In Goa and parts of Kerala and the Northeast, Christian communities decorate in anticipation of Christmas, celebrated with feasting and fireworks on the day itself.

The period from January to March showcases some of India's most celebrated festivals.

In January, all attention turns to Delhi for the grand Republic Day celebrations on January 26 (be sure to catch the impressive army and police motorcycle stunts). The Hindu festival of Sankranti is observed in various ways across the country, from honoring cows in South India to mass kite-flying events in Gujarat.

If you visit in February, make your way to Jaipur for the esteemed Jaipur Literature Festival or head to Agra for the Taj Mahotsav, a 10-day cultural extravaganza featuring 400 artisans from all over India and a feast of regional cuisines. Alternatively, venture to the hills to celebrate Losar, the Tibetan New Year, with Buddhist communities, or join the lively Desert Festival in Jaisalmer, known for its mustache competitions and camel races.

Notable events in January or February include the Hindu festival of Vasant Panchami, which heralds the arrival of spring, and the Sufi festival of Urs in Ajmer (taking place in January in 2025). In February or March, you can partake in Goa’s festive carnival or join the celebrations for Maha Shivaratri dedicated to Lord Shiva, with Haridwar, Ujjain, and Varanasi being ideal spots to immerse yourself in the festivities.

As the festival of Holi approaches in late February or March, crowds across the country partake in the exuberant chaos of throwing vibrant, rainbow-colored powders. If you plan to join, wear clothes that you’re okay with discarding if they get too stained, and consider protecting your eyes with sunglasses or goggles.

From June to November, the Himalayas beckon adventurous travelers.

In India, the shoulder season varies significantly by region. The plains experience heavy monsoon rains from June to September, leaving Goa’s beaches nearly deserted, while backpackers and trekkers flock to the mountains, filling the lodges, tented camps, and yoga retreats in Ladakh.

This period is ideal for trekking along India’s high-altitude paths, but be aware that roads and trails in the foothills can turn into rivers, national park routes may close, and views can be obscured by clouds. While it might seem like the country is engulfed in rain, it doesn’t rain constantly; there are still plenty of activities available, often at discounted rates for accommodations and tours.

As the rains subside in September, tourism begins to revive in the plains and foothills, but in Ladakh, the tourist season starts to taper off, and public bus services between Leh and Manali come to a halt. October and November present excellent opportunities for exploring much of India, with prices still lower than peak season, clear skies, and the start of trekking season in the foothills. This is also an excellent time to explore desert regions like Rajasthan, which can surprisingly be lush and green.

From June to November, it's also a vibrant time for festivals throughout the country.

In June or July, the Rath Yatra festival showcases effigies of Lord Jagannath – Vishnu as the Lord of the Universe – paraded through the streets on massive, vibrant chariots, particularly in Puri, Odisha. Meanwhile, Ladakh's gompas come alive with Buddhist festivals, with Hemis Tsechu offering a stunning display of costumed dances and the revealing of a giant thangka (Buddhist painting) at Hemis Gompa.

August is brimming with festivities. Kerala hosts thrilling boat races on the second Sunday of the month, while Delhi celebrates India’s independence with flag-hoisting ceremonies and parades on August 15. The ritual immersion of colorful idols of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh Chaturthi, takes place in Mumbai around this time.

October and November see an uptick in celebrations as Hindus pay tribute to Durga, particularly during the vibrant festivals of Navratri and Durga Puja, with Kolkata and West Bengal being notable hotspots. The festival of Dussehra also features grand celebrations, commemorating the triumph of the Hindu god Rama over the demon-king Ravana, especially lively in Kullu and Mysuru.

This period also marks the arrival of Diwali (Deepavali), lighting up towns and villages across India with fireworks and illuminations. The Camel Fair in Pushkar draws 200,000 attendees along with 50,000 camels, horses, and cattle. Additionally, Sikhs observe Nanak Jayanti, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, with prayers, kirtan (devotional singing), and processions, particularly in Punjab and Haryana.

April to June is the ideal period for avoiding crowds

During India's low season, temperatures can reach extreme levels. By May, the lowlands can feel like a furnace, and locals eagerly anticipate the relief of the monsoon. Cities can become uncomfortably warm, prompting wise travelers to seek refuge in hill stations or coastal areas. While the Northeast experiences heavy rainfall, it's prime time for exploring Sikkim and the highlands of West Bengal, including Darjeeling.

If you can tolerate the heat, you'll find fewer tourists, making visits to major attractions like Delhi's Red Fort more manageable. This is also a great time for treks in the cooler foothills of the Himalayas. Accommodation prices drop, although many beach hotels in Goa shut down from May to September. If you're in Maharashtra, enjoy the delicious arrival of Alphonso mangoes.

Rain won't stop the festival celebrations. Mahavir Jayanti honors the birth of Jainism’s 24th and most significant tirthankar (teacher and enlightened being), while Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi (the solar new year) in mid-April. Rama Navami is another key occasion, where Hindus commemorate Rama's birth with processions and reenactments from the Ramayana (one of Hinduism’s sacred texts).

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan shifts dates annually, occurring from February to March in 2025 and 2026. Some Muslim-owned establishments may close during the day, and fasting takes place from dawn until dusk. The fast is broken at Eid al-Fitr with celebratory feasting, and women often embellish their arms with mehndi (henna designs). Hyderabad is a particularly vibrant city to experience the Eid al-Fitr festivities. Additionally, Buddha Jayanti, which celebrates the birth of Buddha, is joyously observed in Bodhgaya and Tibetan Buddhist regions, typically in May.

Navigating India’s festival calendar

While secular festivals in India adhere to the Gregorian calendar, most religious celebrations are based on various lunar calendars, resulting in shifting dates each year. Muslim festivities advance by 11 days annually compared to the Gregorian calendar, while Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain festivals may vary significantly from one year to the next. Always verify festival dates before planning your visit; the Indian government provides a calendar of the year's official holidays.