Ania Blazejewska
There’s no one easy answer to the question that is “When is the best time to visit India?” The good news is that, honestly, there’s no bad time to visit India. Given its huge size and varied landscapes, India has something to offer every traveler no matter the time of year: exciting festivals, diverse food and flavor profiles, ancient traditions woven seamlessly with modern technology, wildlife experiences, unique and luxurious hotels, cutting-edge fashion and style to inspire your shopping mood boards on Pinterest—the works. The biggest challenge is narrowing down where to go.
To get top-notch advice on the best time to visit India, I tapped two of Condé Nast Traveler‘s Top Travel Specialists: James Jayasundera of Ampersand Travel, and Sanjay Saxena of Nomadic Expeditions, both of whom count the Indian subcontinent as their region of travel expertise. Below, they share intel on reasons to visit around the year, how to plan achievable itineraries, and why monsoon season may actually be the best time to visit India.
Jump to the topic:
When is the best time to visit India?
As Jayasundera of Ampersand Travel puts it, “The best time to visit India is, quite simply, when you have the time.” Plus, given the country’s size—clocking in at a massive 1.2 million square miles—there’s always a part of India that’s ripe for visiting, with good weather or cultural events to experience, no matter your travel schedule. “It’s better to first identify the type of activity you enjoy or the region you want to visit,” says Saxena of Nomadic Expeditions. Determining what you want to get out of your trip will then tell you when you should plan to visit India.
Here’s an overview, according to our experts: November through February, after the monsoon season, offers fine weather for much of the country, save for the Himalayan mountain states. “March through June are some of the hotter months in the central plains, but it’s the best time for visiting the wildlife parks, especially the tiger reserves,” says Saxena.
That said, the monsoons do peak in June, July, and August—expect rainy weather at this time. For Jayasundera, mid-August through October is a prime window to visit northern India, particularly Rajasthan, which is home to the great cities of Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur: “During this period, everyone is refreshed, the hotels are quiet, the sites are crowd-free, and the landscape is lush and green, with blue skies and wonderfully clear air.”
When is the cheapest time to visit India?
According to both Saxena and Jayasundera, the Monsoon season that lasts from June to August—and in some areas, to September—would technically be the cheapest time for travel in India. But tourists shouldn’t be put off by the monsoons: They bring down the temperatures; the rains are not continuous—and can even be calming or romantic; and the rain-quenched landscapes look all the more lush after the rain.
Jayasundera adds, “If you’re interested in Ayurveda, this is the most recommended time to visit, as it’s considered particularly healing.” Additionally, Saxena says that certain parts of India like Rajasthan do not see the full brunt of the monsoon: “In recent years Jaipur, Kalakho, and Agra have not seen heavy rains.” All these factors—plus the added benefit of low-season rates—make the so-called “season to avoid” all the more attractive for a certain kind of traveler willing to face a little rain.
When is peak season in India?
Peak season in India typically runs from November to February, when the weather is at its coolest. Additionally, this is the time for many Indians abroad coming home to celebrate Diwali or attend the peak-wedding seasons, which hits around late October to December and in late January to March, Saxena says. On top of that, many travelers are taking advantage of Christmas vacation time-off around the world to visit India. All of this leads to higher prices during this time.
Additionally, Jayasundera says, “It’s worth noting that during the cooler months, air pollution can be particularly bad in major cities like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Reduced visibility and potentially unhealthy air quality are common, especially in November, when post-harvest crop burning in nearby states often exacerbates the problem.” If you’re sensitive to pollution, consider skipping the big cities or preparing adequately for the air quality conditions.
For an introductory visit to India, James Jayasundera of Ampersand Travel recommends visiting quieter countryside locations like the scenic backwaters of Kerala (pictured).
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How many days do I need to spend in India as a first-timer?
Both Saxena and Jayasundera suggest up to two weeks for a first time visit to India; a long stay would allow you to see a handful of destinations comfortably, without feeling rushed on cramped for travel days. However, as Jayasundera says, any amount of time spent in the country is sure to be an enriching and enlightening experience: “Keep it short and manageable. I recommend spending anywhere from 6 to 16 days on your first visit. This will give you enough time to gain an insight into what India is: a world unto itself.” If you enjoy your time there, you’ll have a better idea of how to tailor your itinerary toward the type of trip you want to have.
When visiting India for the first time, where should I go?
For Saxena, a first-timer will get a lot of mileage out of a visit to northern India and hitting three destinations that are all near each other: Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, where the Taj Mahal is located. “It will give the biggest back for your buck and check off all the typical boxes—forts and palaces, snake charmers, elephants, vibrant colors, intricately carved temples, bazaars galore,” he says, especially if you’re cramped for time.
On the other hand, Jayasundera suggests reserving the Taj Mahal until a second visit to India, saying, “Not only does it requires a lot of extra travel, it represents India at its most commercial and crowded.” He instead suggests focusing on a mix of countryside locations like the backwaters of Kerala and calmer small cities such as Udaipur in Rajasthan: “It’s better to start with a calm location rather than one of the big cities like Delhi or Mumbai, as their charms are often lost on the travel-weary and jet-lagged. You can always return to them at the end of the trip. If possible, take an extra flight on arrival and make sure you have a soft landing in a tranquil spot like Udaipur.”
It does bear repeating: India is huge and there is an infinite listof things to see, do, and experience in this geographically and culturally diverse country. “Don’t try to see it all—it’s simply not possible, and attempting to do so would be exhausting,” Jayasundera says.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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