Best Time to Visit India

High Season: December • January

The high season runs from December through March, and December and January are the best months in the peak season for enjoying the great weather and top experiences in India. During these months, you can explore the national parks and view endemic wildlife, spend time on India’s stunning coastline, and visit temples steeped in history.

Shoulder Season: November • February

Falling on either side of India’s most popular times of the year, November and February offer exceptional weather in the dry season, with fewer crowds than in the peak season. February is also before the monsoon season arrives, so you can expect little rainfall that would otherwise impact your itinerary design.

Low Season: May • June

The beginning of May to the end of September is the low season in India, with May and June the best times to visit during this time of the year. Both fall in the summer, offering great weather, despite being the hottest months of the year. Traveling during this time also ensures you avoid the monsoon season from July to September.

Best Months: January • February • March

India is practically two countries in size, making January to March the best time for visiting the north.

The mountains can get chilly, but the cool days offer a refreshing perspective of the cities along the Himalayan foothills and snowcapped mountain peaks, while also offering the most comfortable experiences in the desert and plains.

With Mughal tombs and famous fortresses, as well as stunning wildlife, northern India from December to March immerses you in a different side of expansive beauty.

Learn more: Northern India Itineraries

Best Months: November • December • January

The tropical landscape of southern India makes November to January the best time to travel to the country for lush scenery and distinctive cultural activities.

By avoiding the monsoon season, you can embrace the vibrant daily life of locals, while discovering the specific customs that separate the regions alongside serene canals or the Indian Ocean.

From gorgeous ancient temples to preserved imperial architecture, southern India from November to February makes the often-overlooked wonders of the country accessible.

Best Months: December • January

Rajasthan shines brightest from December to January, when the winter weather in India helps cool the desert landscape.

Whether taking a camel ride beneath the endless sea of stars or eager to explore forts and palaces, Rajasthan in winter offers an immersive look into preserved history that informs the daily life of contemporary, colorful cities, both famous and offbeat.

Best Months: November • December • January • February • March

November through March is the best time to experience all of India, which makes sightseeing easy, fun, and accessible.

November to March offer the best weather throughout the year across the entire country, showcasing the diversity of the stunning scenery that stretches from the pristine shores of the south to the snowy peaks of the Himalayas in the north.

Temperatures are comfortable, the culture is lively, and you can experience India’s spirit, from its booming heart to unforgettable hidden corners.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in India

Best Months: March • April • May • October • November

Trekking is a distinctive adventure in India that can take you across the Himalayas in search of temples or along plains in search of secluded villages, best experienced from March to April and October to November.

The early spring and late fall generally give you the best weather in India for trekking around the country. Whether looking for snow leopards or a monastery circuit, trekking in India is remarkable.

Best Months: February • March • April

Wine in India is a fascinating and surprising delight best experienced from February to April during the harvest season.

Instead of the typical experiences, India has some of the finest wines in gorgeous regions that act like oases away from the most popular corners of the country. With grapes chosen specifically for the climate in each area, wine pairs exceptionally well with local cuisine and can reveal a completely new perspective of the local culinary and cultural scene.

Best Months: January • February • March • April • May

Witnessing wildlife in India is a memorable experience unlike few you could ever have, with January to May offering the best possibilities.

The weather is cool and inviting in the winter, while the warmer spring can help draw the wildlife closer to waterholes. No matter the season, your heart will race with excitement if you spot one of India’s Big Five - the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, snow leopard, clouded leopard, or Indian leopard - on luxury India tours with wildlife experiences.

Best Months: August • September • October • November

Canals lined with rice paddies and winding riverbanks, secluded lakes, and serene coastline offer fantastic places to kayak in India from August to November.

The adventure quickly comes to life across the country, whether you prefer a relaxing scenic excursion or an exuberant whitewater thrill ride. India brims with fantastic spots for every type of kayaking experience you could ever dream of.

Best Months: November • December

India is exhilarating and energizing for the entire family, and best experienced from November to December.

The cooler winter season makes it much easier for the family to enjoy the famous monuments, secluded temples, and stunning scenery.

With the majesty of the north and south accessible from November to December, your family can see more, do more, and embrace unique experiences.

Best Months: January • February

Find diversity, heritage, and incredible beauty from January to February, demonstrating the best time to go to India to find the perfect time for romantic exploration and more.

The scenery and historical charms will turn myth into reality, offering secluded romance and passionate atmospheres that stretch from the Himalayas to Kerala’s canals, the Rajasthan desert to the eastern one-horned rhino.

Whether on romantic anniversary tours for seniors or exploring as newlyweds, you can enjoy the best time to visit India from January through February.

Best Months: April • May • June

Spring and summer are fabulous months in which to indulge in India’s dynamic possibilities, with April to June giving you the best opportunities for most activities.

As the weather quickly warms, you can trek through the wilderness or search for pristine wildlife, embrace the spiritual traditions or lounge on the tropical coastline.

India is practically two separate countries in terms of the differences in the weather between north and south, but April to June gives you similar accessibility across the country.

Activities: Wildlife • Yoga • Trek • Meditation • Beach • Wine

Best Months: November • December • January

Fall and winter are fantastic times to travel across India, with November to January providing access to snowy mountain peaks and relaxing tropical warmth.

Ice and snow are not the first things people think of when visiting India, but the possibilities of skiing or snowboarding only enhance the more familiar images of sunbathing or trekking for a more well-rounded experience.

Activities: Ski • Snowboard • Ice Climb • Trek • Kayak • Beach

India is famous for its history, spirituality, colors, and cuisine. The cultural heritage and diverse landscapes create unique conditions that support an unforgettable experience at any time of year. Explore our India tours to find featured trips or customize your itinerary to design your dream vacation.

Whether trekking the Himalayas or boating down tropical canals, knowing what you want to experience will help you understand the best time for your visit to India, and you can learn more in our India travel guide.