Best time to visit India

Best for: wintry magic in the Himalaya, hitting the beach in Goa, cruising through Kerala.

January is one of the driest months in India. It’s cold up north, but it’s a magical time to travel through the foothills of the snow-topped Himalaya, learn about Tibetan spirituality in Dharmsala or sip hot chai in Rishikesh’s cafes. For warmer weather, head to Goa’s golden beaches or to Kerala to cruise the palm-fringed backwaters on a houseboat.

Best for: exploring Rajasthan’s regal sites, Jaisalmer Desert Festival.

Winter nears its end in February and temperatures start rising across the country. It’s a fantastic time to explore Rajasthan’s majestic Maharajah forts and palaces or journey into the Thar Desert without melting in the heat. You could even align your trip with the Jaisalmer Desert Festival to witness the color and opulence of Rajasthani culture. Expect elaborate camel processions, folk dancing, turban-tying competitions and traditional food.

Best for: Holi Festival, the Golden Triangle.

March is the last month before scorching temps take hold, which makes it a great time to tick off the Taj Mahal and Amber Fort in the Golden Triangle. But the biggest reason to travel to India in March is, of course, Holi! It’s not every day you can take to the streets with hundreds if not thousands of people and throw colorful powders over each other in the name of love. The date changes based on the Hindu calendar, but usually occurs on the last full moon in March.

Best for: hiking in the Himalaya, spotting wildlife in Ranthambhore.

The hot, sticky weather begins in April, with temperatures in Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai often hitting 99°F. April’s a great month to spot wildlife in Ranthambhore National Park; the increasingly dry conditions mean vegetation is thin, and animals tend to congregate around waterholes. If you’re lucky, you may spot a Bengal tiger. It’s also a pretty time to hike in the Himalaya which are blooming with wildflowers.

Best for: retreating to the mountains and hill stations.

May is one of the muggiest months in India, so unless you can handle the heat, you might find it too hot. Beat the heat in the mountains where a cooler climate and colorful blooms await, or go to Darjeeling for cool breezes and delicious tea. Monsoon rains arrive in southern states in late May, which is a welcome relief from the humidity. While it doesn’t rain all day, downpours tend to be very intense. Don’t forget a waterproof poncho!

Best for: exploring northern India, off-season crowds.

The wet season is underway by June and the humidity can be oppressive. Travel in south India is off the cards (unless you fancy getting drenched), so go north to swap beaches and backwaters for mountains, rivers and yoga classes. If you can cope with the heat, it can be a good time to take advantage of off-season crowds and prices.

Best for: uncovering the magic of Rajasthan sans the crowds.

The south is saturated in July, causing many national parks to close. There’s also a risk of landslides and flooding in lowland areas. Take advantage of off-season crowds and visit the stunning forts and palaces in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Jaisalmer without the crowds. To escape the rain completely, head to the Thar Desert (just bear in mind it’ll be hot).

Best for: Ganesh Chaturthi Festival, Independence Day, Kerala snake boat races.

August is the wettest month, but if you don’t mind ducking inside during downpours, you’ll enjoy fewer tourists and maybe cheaper accommodation. Plus, tropical landscapes in the south look extra lush thanks to the rain. If you’re in Kerala on the second Sunday in August, don’t miss the annual snake boat races on the backwaters. It’s also a great time to do the Golden Triangle or Varanasi with vibrant festivities for Independence Day and Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Ganesha.

Best for: Krishna Janmashtami, touring the Golden Triangle, foodie adventures.

The rain eases in September. As a shoulder month, it’s a great time to see big ticket sites in the Golden Triangle as they’re not too crowded. Rajasthan is gorgeous at this time of year, with lush countryside and full lakes thanks to the monsoon rains. September also marks one of India’s significant harvest seasons, so why not jump on a Real Food Adventure to uncover the best of Indian cuisine.

Best for: cycling adventures, Diwali festivities.

October sees pleasant weather across most of the country, so it’s an excellent time to hop on a bike to experience India at a slower pace. A highlight of October is Diwali (though some years it may fall in November). Often called the festival of light, Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Expect to see homes and streets decorated with lights, candlelit ceremonies and firework shows.

Best for: pleasant weather, the Pushkar Camel Fair.

The weather in many parts of India is cool and dry in November, and most activities are back on again. But the biggest drawcard is the Pushkar Camel Fair. Every year, thousands of camels (and their owners dressed in their finest garb), villagers and entertainers from all over Rajasthan travel to the holy city of Pushkar to trade and entertain crowds with eyebrow-raising exhibitions – including a much-anticipated mustache competition.

Best for: hitting Goa’s beaches, dodging the crowds in northern India.

The weather is a mixed bag in December, from cold conditions in the north to clear skies and plentiful sunshine down south. It’s one of the busiest months with international travelers arriving in the masses for the festive season break, particularly in Goa, so booking accommodation and activities in advance is recommended. If you’d rather dodge the crowds, head north to watch morning prayers along the misty Ganges in Varanasi, or eat your way around Jaipur on a Pink City Rickshaw tour.