India is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on where you're going and what you want to experience. Here's a practical breakdown.

October – March: Peak Season

This is when most tourists visit India, and for good reason.

October – November

• Weather: Post-monsoon. Lush green landscapes, comfortable temperatures.
• Best for: Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Delhi
• Festivals: Dussehra, Diwali — experience India at its most festive
• Tip: Book hotels and cars early. Diwali week sees high demand.

December – January

• Weather: Cool to cold in the north (5-15°C in Delhi), pleasant in the south.
• Best for: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Goa, wildlife safaris
• Peak tourist season — prices are highest, but the weather is perfect
• New Year in Goa is legendary

February – March

• Weather: Warming up but still comfortable.
• Best for: Agra (before the heat), Varanasi, South India
• Festival: Holi (March) — the festival of colours. Incredible to witness.

April – June: Summer

April – May

• Weather: Hot. Very hot. 40-45°C in North India.
• Best for: Hill stations (Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Darjeeling), Ladakh opens in May
• Avoid: Rajasthan, central India plains

June

• Weather: Pre-monsoon heat and humidity.
• Best for: Ladakh (June-September is the only window), Himachal Pradesh
• Monsoon arrives: Usually hits Kerala by June 1st, reaches Delhi by late June

July – September: Monsoon

July – August

• Weather: Heavy rainfall across most of India.
• Best for: Kerala (monsoon tourism is a thing — lush, green, Ayurveda season), Meghalaya, Coorg
• Avoid: Himalayan roads (landslide risk), beach destinations
• Cheapest time to travel — hotel rates drop 30-50%

September

• Weather: Monsoon withdraws. Rain reduces.
• Best for: Transitioning to pleasant weather. Good deals still available.

Festival Calendar Highlights

| Month | Festival | Where | |-------|----------|-------| | October | Dussehra | Nationwide | | October/November | Diwali | Nationwide | | November | Pushkar Fair | Rajasthan | | December | Christmas | Goa, Kerala | | March | Holi | Nationwide | | April | Baisakhi | Punjab |

Plan Your Trip

Royal Fleet operates year-round. Tell us your travel dates and preferred destinations — we'll recommend the best itinerary for that season.