India Travel Weather

April - June

Note: until the first half of June

The summer months bring rising temperatures across the country. Day after day it gets hotter and drier. Since April, in many regions the temperature exceeds 40°C, the sun heats relentlessly, which can be very tiring. However, summer is one of the best times to see wild animals in national parks, as they flock to watering holes. By contrast, in late May the first signs of the coming monsoon appear. Humidity levels rise, short-lived downpours and thunderstorms appear, and strong winds blow, raising clouds of dust.

Leh, Ladakh and the north of India are ideal areas for a visit during this period. From April onward, the snows melt, the passes become passable after several months of winter isolation, and trekking routes become accessible again. Temperatures gradually rise to 15°C - 25°C. More and more sunshine and clear skies provide a magnificent panorama of the mountain peaks, and nature takes on spring colors. Everything is turning green and blooming. You can easily hike, organize jeep or bicycle tours. The tourist season begins to gather momentum, open restaurants, hotels and guesthouses begin to welcome guests. Usually from mid-May to late October or mid-November, the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH 1D) is open, leading to an influx of tourists to Ladakh. Note that some areas may still be under snow (Khardung La, Chang La).

From March to May, Assam and northeastern India have quite favorable weather. Temperatures reach 30°C - 35°C. When it gets too hot, rain comes to the rescue. The days are sunny but also humid. One can explore Kaziranga National Park and participate in the "Bohag Bihu" festival, which heralds the beginning of the Assamese New Year.

Wanting a break from the heat, you can go to the regions of Sikkim, where temperatures fluctuate between 5°C and 25°C and there is no shortage of crisp, cool air, especially in the evenings and mornings.

In the area of the "Golden Triangle" (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) and the vicinity of Varanasi, it gradually gets hotter from April and already in May the bar of the mercury rises to over 40°C. For those who are uncomfortable with the heat and heat pouring from the sky, these months can be really difficult to travel. Dry air and the occurrence of sandstorms and strong winds also do not make a visit easy. In March (sometimes February), take part in the colorful Holi celebrations, a festival celebrating the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

Traveling in the semi-arid and desert areas of Rajasthan during the summer months is particularly difficult. Daytime temperatures can soar to 45 degrees Celsius, and the scorching sun makes it impossible to function normally. Under these conditions, sightseeing and walking are basically only possible in the early morning or late evening. For that, without much concern about the heat, you can go to places such as Mount Abu, Kumbhalgarh or Ranakpur, located in the Aravalli Hills, where temperatures are much lower and the views are magnificent.

Goa during the summer months is characterized by both very high temperatures reaching above 35°C and high humidity. The sea becomes more rough. Due to the prevailing heat, the scorching sun and the stifling, humid air, not everyone chooses to go beachcombing and sea bathing during this period, so the prices of accommodation in coastal hotels drop.

Kerala and the south of India still boast warm and reasonably dry weather in March, but starting in April, temperatures rise to nearly 40°C and fleeting rainfall becomes more frequent. Days become hot and steamy, which can make it difficult for many tourists to relax. The prevailing heat and humid air can complicate beachcombing and cause problems during sightseeing. A respite from the heat and crisp air will be provided by hill stations worth visiting during this period, such as Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, Vagamon. Slightly cooler temperatures and friendlier air will be found hiking in the Western Ghats and along the trails of nature reserves and spice plantations. You can take part in the annual elephant festival "Thrissur Pooram" in Thrissur (April/May).

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands between April and May are characterized by downright ideal weather for relaxation. The days are sunny and the skies are clear, with temperatures settling within 24°C - 37°C. A cool breeze blowing off the sea cools the air, creating comfortable conditions for beachcombing, sea bathing and all activities. By mid-May, underwater visibility is at its best, making diving and snorkeling more enjoyable.

June - September

Note: from the second half of June

The warm and very rainy monsoon months are outside the tourist season. In most areas of India, heavy rainfall of varying intensity occurs almost daily. Despite the high temperatures, the sun is not seen very often, with cloudy and foggy skies. Heavy downpours can hamper communication, flooded streets, inaccessible areas and local flooding are common. Some of the tourist infrastructure (guesthouses, restaurants), especially those along the waterfront and beach, are closed. The monsoon months, despite the hindrances, are also a wonderful time for nature, which comes alive, turns green and takes on color. Rivers, lakes and waterfalls fill with water, bringing relief to animals after several dry and hot months. From October onward, the monsoon becomes milder, rainfall decreases, and there is no lack of sunshine to complain about either.

The best weather during this period is in Leh, Ladakh and northern India. Unlike the rest of the regions in the country, the monsoon does not reach the mountainous areas with great intensity. Days are warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C in July and August, and 3°C to 15°C in September and October. Rainfall may also occur, but it is neither very frequent nor very intense. The tourist season in the region is gaining momentum. The Manali-Leh Highway, which passes through several high mountain passes, is open from mid-June to early October. The Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH 1D) also operates, depending on the weather, from mid-May or early June to late October, or mid-November. From August to mid-September, it can be a bit more rainy, rivers fill with water, and landslides can also occur. From October onward, winter gradually sets in, temperatures drop, and frosts occur in the higher parts of the mountains.

Assam and northeastern India are not the best regions for travel during the monsoon season. Expect high temperatures, around 26°C - 32°C, frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Downpours cause local flooding, traffic difficulties and impassable roads. At this time of year, the Brahmaputra River often floods, making it difficult or even impossible to visit the surrounding areas, including Kaziranga National Park.

In contrast, the state of Sikkim is much cooler (4°C - 15°C), but the rains are also very intense and the terrain is prone to landslides.

In the "Golden Triangle" areas (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur) and around Varanasi, the weather is still hot and relatively dry in June. The monsoon lasts from July to September, bringing moderate rainfall. Temperatures drop slightly, fluctuating between 30°C and 35°C, and rains appear. As a result of the weather changes, humidity increases, and it becomes very muggy and steamy. Traffic disruptions, such as flooded streets, can be expected. Increased rains and higher water levels create very good conditions for cruising along the Ganges, between the cities of Varanasi and Patna.

The semi-desert and desert areas of Rajasthan can still be hot and dry in June. It is only from July that the monsoon comes over the area, causing the sandy landscapes to turn colorful. Temperatures drop to 20°C - 35°C and rains appear, which become more of a salvation than a nuisance on such a dry land. Nature takes on luscious colors, even in the desert clumps of grasses are revived. Animals living in national parks flock to watering holes after a hot summer. During the monsoon months, Bundi, Udaypur and Keoladeo National Park, surrounded by lakes, are worth a visit. Unfortunately, Ranthambore National Park is closed from July to September.