Quick Answer by Region
- North India / Rajasthan / Golden Triangle — October to March
- Kerala / South India — October to March
- Goa — November to February
- Ladakh — June to September
- Kashmir — April to October
- Wildlife (tigers) — October to June (April–June best for sightings)
Month-by-Month Guide
October
The post-monsoon air clears and the season officially opens. Pleasant weather everywhere except the high Himalayas. Hotel availability still good in early October; Diwali (late October/early November) is festive but busy.
November
Arguably the most perfect month. Cool mornings, warm afternoons, clear skies across North India and Rajasthan. Pushkar Camel Fair (mid-November) is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
December
Cold mornings in Delhi and Rajasthan (5–10°C), warm days. Christmas/New Year is the most expensive period — Goa beach hotels and Rajasthan palaces sell out 6 months ahead.
January
Cold but dry. Some morning fog in Delhi/Agra can affect Taj Mahal sunrise visits — your guide will reschedule if needed. Republic Day (26 Jan) parade in Delhi.
February
Probably the best single month — warm days, cool nights, perfect light for photography, lower prices than December/January. Holi falls in late February or March.
March
Warming up but still excellent for Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle. Holi festival is a unique experience but bookings need to be timed carefully. Late March can hit 35°C in Rajasthan.
April – May
Hot and dry across the plains (35–42°C). However, this is peak time for tiger sightings (animals come to waterholes), and the Himalayas (Ladakh, Kashmir) become accessible.
June – September (Monsoon)
Heavy rain across most of India. Avoid for traditional sightseeing tours. Excellent for Kerala Ayurveda (the body absorbs treatments better in humidity) and for Ladakh trekking.
European School Holiday Considerations
If you must travel during European peak (Easter, Toussaint, Christmas, summer), book 4–6 months ahead. Easter and October half-term are excellent windows. July–August is feasible only in Ladakh, Kashmir or Bhutan.
How to Choose Your Dates
Tell us your flexibility, must-visit regions and any festival interest. We'll suggest the optimal 10–14 day window based on weather, prices and crowds. For most first-time European travellers we recommend a 12-night Golden Triangle + Udaipur + Kerala trip in November or February.