A country as vast in size and scale as India experiences huge variations in climate, with weather conditions in the northern areas contrasting hugely to those in the south.
Broadly speaking, India is governed by the classic monsoon cycle and the rains fall between May to October, which is wet and very humid. The months between November and February are considered the best times to travel, as this is after the monsoon rains but before the increase in heat, which builds steadily from March onwards. However, this is also India’s peak tourist season
Regional differences should be considered when planning your trip, as the months between January and September are on the whole the more comfortable months to visit the south, whilst the North is better between March and August. Delhi can be stiflingly hot and best visited in spring and autumn, whilst the best months to visit Bombay are between November and February. If you are visiting the Himalayas in the far north of India, then the summer months can be a wonderful time to travel, before the snows come and summer brings a warm, bright climate which is much more pleasant than the stifling heat of the plains.
January in India is a peak month for exploring, however busy it gets. Therefore, planning in advance is a must! Lower temperatures mark great tiger tracking opportunities, with the expectancy of sunny beach expeditions in Kerala down south.
The culture and the beach exploration with such pleasant weather in January is a great alternative in case tiger tracking is not possible.
The weather is colder in the Himalayas with stunning clear skies, a great substitute for snow leopard sightings; as they will be hidden high up in the mountains. While Rajasthan provides a great wildlife opportunity, with clear days and nights that are milder in temperature. Goa is nice and warm this time of year, with a whopping 25°C on average. January brings the probability of foggy mornings, with warmer days paired with low humidity the further you travel south. Expect Kerala to be bustling with fellow travellers and new adventures.
The best time to visit India is February to April, but it gets much hotter by April.
January through March is the best time. As the snow begins to melt, the bharal comes down from the higher altitude to the warmer valleys, followed by the hungry hunting leopards.
Join National Geographic photographer and big cat guru Steve Winter on this immersive safari into the Indian heartland, where your lenses will be trained on the denizens of forests, grasslands and rolling hills – including the famous Bengal tiger.
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Journey through the heart of tiger country in search of this majestic big cat, travelling to some of the best regions in India for wildlife encounters, including Tadoba, Pench and Kanha National Parks.
From 4000 per person
Journey into the Himalayas and immerse yourself in the mystical region of Ladakh, visiting Buddhist monasteries and spending six days tracking the elusive snow leopard.
From 7995 per person
A stunning safari ensuring that you venture through a number of different areas within India. Track leopards whilst staying in luxurious African-style tents, stand in awe at the splendour of the Taj Mahal as well as exploring the bustling streets of Delhi.
From 10000 per personPlan your trip between November and February for the best Himalayan adventure. Although higher altitudes may be rather chilly during this season, particularly in January and February, this time of year gives dry weather. The monsoon season brings substantial rainfall to the eastern Himalaya from June to August, with some precipitation during the shoulder seasons, including places like Gangtok and Darjeeling. It is advised to stay away from these areas during the humid summer months if you want to truly experience the Himalayan grandeur.
The post-monsoon months of October and November are the greatest times to visit Delhi, India's vibrant capital, as the weather is comfortably cool and perfect for outdoor activities and cultural discovery. The months of February and March are also favourable since they bring pleasant weather and colourful floral displays to the city. December and January are fantastic times to take in local festivities and street fare. It is advisable to avoid the sweltering summer months of April to June and the monsoon season of July to September because of the potential for disruptions to outdoor planning and sightseeing caused by high temperatures and torrential rain.
In Meghalaya, the dry season, which normally lasts from November to April, is the ideal time to go caving. It is safer and more comfortable to explore the caverns during this time because the weather is more steady and there is less chance of flooding. In Meghalaya, the months of November through April are also good for outdoor activities because of the area's generally moderate and dry climate. But it's important to remember that weather conditions might change, so it's wise to get the most recent information from local authorities or our knowledgeable guides and plan your caving excursion appropriately.
