Best time to visit India

January’s mild and pleasant weather makes it a popular time to travel to India; whilst the coldest month of the year, average temperatures stay above 14°C during the day. The end of winter is marked in North India with the festival of Lohri, celebrated through bonfires, folk songs and traditional dances.

Further highlights for this month include the stunning aerial displays of the International Kite Festival in Gujarat, as well as the vibrant multi-day harvest festival of Pongal in Tamil Nadu. For a crisp and clear early morning safari experience, January is a great choice.

With warm days and cool nights, February is the best month to go to India for exploring the country’s architectural splendours and majestic ruins. Book a private tour and discover the Amber and Mehrangarh Forts in Rajasthan, or the legendary lost city of Hampi in Karnataka.

Without the intense heat of later months these excursions can be enjoyed at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for photography.

March marks the coming of spring in India. Holi – the instantly recognisable Hindu festival of colours – is celebrated nationwide the day after the full moon, with giant street bonfires and festive sweet treats.

This month also offers favourable conditions for outdoor activities before the summer heat sets in. You could embark upon a guided trek through the Western Ghats, or join a private tour of the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. March and April are also the optimum window to see tigers on safari, as the lack of foliage and grasses make these big cats easier to track.

Temperatures start to rise into the 30s across the country in April, most notably accompanied by high levels of humidity in Southern India.

Regions in Northern India are more accessible, such as Assam. Here, the indigenous festival of Bohag Bihu is celebrated in April through traditional music and dance performances.

If you’re wondering when to visit India to see the tea plantations in Darjeeling and Munnar at their most vibrant, this is the month. Picturesque gardens stretch as far as the eye can see, with Munnar also home to India’s first tea museum.

Beginning in May and lasting through to September, the north and central states of India see monsoon rains daily and frequent thunderstorms. Hill stations like Mussoorie, Nainital and Shimla are popular retreats at this time, offering respite from the heat of the plains with scenic walking trails.

This month is ideal for exploring the high-altitude desert of Ladakh, which remains relatively dry due to its unique geography. For wildlife enthusiasts, a guided tour to spot snow leopards in the Ulley valley is a must.

June brings the full force of the monsoon to many parts of the country. While the rains can affect travel plans in central states, this is the best time to go to India for spectacular views over mist-covered valleys from the hill stations of Maharashtra.

Explore the rain-free region of Kashmir, admired for its houseboats, waterways, lakes and gardens. The natural beauty of this landscape often leads it to be described as ‘heaven on earth’. Temperatures sit in the late teens at this high an altitude, compared to in the late 30s and early 40s in other areas.

The monsoon season peaks in July, which is when the national parks truly come to life. Places like Periyar in Kerala and Mollem in Goa offer monsoon trekking experiences, guiding you through India’s lush forests to marvel at cascading waterfalls.

The Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand begins to bloom this month, though access can be weather-dependent thanks to its remote location. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the meadows are teeming with endemic alpine flowers and outstanding biodiversity.

As the monsoon season continues, August nevertheless plays host to many important festivals and religious observances across India.

The celebration of Onam transforms Kerala with snake boat races, elaborate flower carpets (pookkalam) and grand feasts served on banana leaves. This is the best time to go to India to experience Kerala’s cultural heritage and traditional arts, despite the rains.

September marks the transition from monsoon to autumn, a perfect window to visit the Golden Triangle in Rajasthan whilst the sites are less crowded and daytime temperatures hover around 34°C.

For the best experience, travel through the region by private car and driver, embracing the freedom to stop whenever you desire and act on those serendipitous moments that often make a trip. A first-class train journey is a worthy alternative to consider, such as on the Maharaja’s Express or the Deccan Odyssey.

The best time of year to visit India starts in October, with festivals like Navratri and Durga Puja taking place this month.

Navratri brings nine nights of traditional dancing, particularly in Gujarat where the Garba dance draws participants from around the world. Durga Puja offers an unparalleled experience with elaborate pandals, art installations and cultural performances.

As the rains retreat, October is also an ideal month in which to begin exploring the architectural heritage of cities like Mysore, Hyderabad and Kolkata. For those seeking a wilder experience, national parks such as Kanha will have lush foliage and full waterholes at this time. Head out on safari for a chance to glimpse the likes of barasingha, chital, wild boar, sloth bears, jungle cats, wild dogs, leopards and the Bengal tiger.

With daytime temperatures in the late 20s for most regions, November is a comfortable month for sightseeing. Northern India and the Himalayas, however, start to become less accessible as winter approaches.

Diwali, the festival of lights, often takes place this month. Celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists, fireworks and festive decorations illuminate towns and homes across the country. Guru Nanak Jayanti, a religious holiday observed by Sikhs, sees special celebrations in Gurudwaras throughout India, particularly in Punjab.

The Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan is also held in November, a multi-day extravaganza attracting visitors from all over the world. Historically a livestock market, the fair has expanded to encompass camel dancing, folk music, acrobatics, puppet performances and more.

The northern regions experience cold temperatures and occasional snow in December, making it the best month to go to India for winter sports and mountain photography. This cooler weather is ideal for exploring the architectural heritage of cities like Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.

December is the perfect time for a trip to the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands, made up of over 325 volcanic islands and islets. Havelock Island is particularly picturesque, with its lush rainforest interior and reef-fringed beaches. From here you can take a boat trip around the Rani Jhansi marine nature reserve, as well as the uninhabited islands of Ritchie’s Archipelago.