India has a very distinct climate and the concept of seasons differ within its states as the terrain and the distance from the tropics vary. While the winters are mostly pleasant all around the Country with moderate temperatures and low precipitation, it may get very chilly in some of the hill stations in the Himalayas and other prominent mountain ranges.

The summer months of April to May is the height of the summer season in the country, making it sweltering in most Indian cities, however offering some relative respite in the hill stations with milder temperature. The months of monsoon that is roughly June to September for most Indian states offers heavy rains in the entire country, making sightseeing an ordeal with traffic nightmares, water logging and landslides in the hills.

While the seasons each have their own lists of advantages and disadvantages the periods around the year that largely define holidaying season in the country are the great Indian festivals. Festivals in India are nothing shy of a carnival extravaganza with colorful decorations, lighting, interesting food around the streets, fireworks, and happy people thronging the places if interest in new vibrant clothing.

How are Indian summers?

While in the northern hemisphere summers are the best times or outdoor activities, you fire up the grill for barbeque and dress in shorts to enjoy the sun. Indian summers are not so gentle in most places in the country. Thus, this makes it the low season for tourism in India and all the hotels, resorts and restaurants offer summer special discounted prices in the country. You can get star rated rooms that are climate controlled at budget prices and sightseeing can be done in air conditioned vehicles that are aplenty everywhere in the country available for hire.

However, once you step out during the day times, bear in mind that the temperatures can rise up to 45 to 47 degrees in Celsius in the plains. But a good place to tour in the burning summers of India is the hill stations where the weather is pleasant and you can sightseeing in comfort as temperatures do not touch above 35 degrees in Celsius at most.

Indian monsoons and its beauty

While many complain about Indian monsoons with often heavy rainfalls that get along the way of having fun time outdoors, the monsoons in India can also be really beautiful. The rains are what makes India such a fertile country and if you are a nature lover who loves to witness the fresh greens around everywhere you look then this is the season to visit.

Hill stations are covered with thick clouds and mist and frequent showers, but the greenery around the hills turns into the freshest lime green color and the smell of the rains mixed with that of the water-fed greenery is food for the soul of every nature loving romantic.

Monsoons in India is the season that has forever inspired artists, poets and musicians to create their masterpieces with the beauty of the cloudy skies in grey contrasting with bright green of the trees. It is a unique experience that cannot be described if not witnessed firsthand. So, if you some hunger for adventure and don’t mind stepping on some puddles or getting wet then a visit to the country is most recommended during the monsoons. However, it is noteworthy that Indian monsoons can get very humid especially in between spells of showers, so light clothing and humidity controlled rooms are recommended. Overall, the temperatures remain moderate and pleasant with rainy breezes around the country.

The king of all seasons in India – Winters

In India, winter months start from late October to early March and it may vary from place to place. The temperatures range from 25 degrees to lower and get really cold in the mountain summits during the coldest months. Overall the temperatures remain pleasant around the country with some places needing light woolens and sweatshirts and the ocean sides not needing much winter preparations at all but offering cool and pleasant weather.

The northern states in the country get really cold while the southern states remain pleasant during the winter months. Thus, offering the best times to tour the country. Since, this is the peak tourist season places are mostly crowded during this time and accommodation and transport hike prices due to high demands. Advance bookings for most places are strongly recommended as most good places get booked 2-3 months prior to the arrival of people. Same is the case of flight and railway tickets or any other transport of choice.

Preparing for tourism season

As mentioned above, winter is the peak season for tourism in the country. Thus, evidently most tourist spots along with accommodation are over booked and get really crowded. However, there are ways you can still enjoy a relaxing holiday in India in the best tourist season. India is home to 4 grand luxury trains that offer 5 Star accommodations, with planned itineraries, guided sightseeing tours in private vehicles, and royal treatment to the guests on board.

Simply hop on to one of the 4 luxury trains and let them take you to all the best sights in the country while you relax at your palatial cabin, with a butler and concierge ready to comfort you. The trains offer delectable cuisines prepared freshly on board by specially appointed award winning chefs and serve India, continental, and Chinese specialties.

Major Luxury trains in India are: 

• Maharajas’ Express – Luxury Train Travel in India
• India’s Palace on Wheels
• Deccan Odyssey Luxury Train 

A glimpse of Indian weather by the months

January

The New Year in India begins with a beautiful season. The weather throughout the nation is cool and pleasant. Temperatures drop to a comfortable point, the smell of the dried leaves will surround the air. This is the driest month for most places in India as it hardly rains.

The northern states will have the lowest temperatures, while the Himalayas will have really cold nights. Delhi, Agra, Central Rajasthan, Southern states, Beaches and Coastal areas are the most popular places to be during this season. The temperatures range between 10 to 35 degrees, best for exploring the outdoors in comfort.

Plan your luxury trip in January via Maharajas’ Express:

• Maharajas Express: 7N / 8D Mumbai to Delhi Departure
• Maharajas Express Train: 7N / 8D Delhi to Mumbai Route
• Maharajas Express: 4 Days Golden Triangle Luxury Trip

February

The excitement of the New Year’s may simmer down but the sense of adventure still continues to this month. With various cultural and religious festivals taking place during this month, this can be an exciting time to visit India. While the temperatures start to rise slowly, they still remain at the comfortable range of 17 to 40 degrees in most places during the daytime and cooler at night.

It may get rainy in some Indian cities during February, like in Goa and Delhi among others. The weather remains warm in the plains but chilly atop the hill stations.

More details about Maharajas’ Epress:

• Maharajas Express Departure Dates
• Maharajas Express Fare
• Maharajas Express train route
• Maharajas Express general information

Have FAQ’s in Mind: CLICK HERE

March

The Indian summer months arrive late March and can drag up to early June depending on the place of visit. Cities during this time begin to get hot, while hills remain pleasant. The spring is accompanied by the light southern breeze, which makes this weather unique and pleasant. The southern parts of the country are usually less crowded during this time of the year as they get hot during the day. Northern states are ideal for visit during Indian summers.

The best places to tour during this season are Kashmir, Ladakh, Ooty, Manali, Spiti Valley, Rishikesh, Darjeeling, Munnar, Goa, Auli, Uttarakhand, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These are mostly hill stations and seaside holiday spots where the weathers remain bearable.

April

By April the Indian summers begin. But the temperatures will begin to rise, precipitation will start to lower while humidity rises at its peak. However, in most places April marks the beginning of school so, the tourist spots are usually less crowded. It is best to travel to places of high altitude during this month. So, hill stations and the Himalayas will be at the top of the list. Some hill stations begin to receive a few spells of rain which can add to the beauty of the surroundings even more.

Plan your trip in April (Lean Season) via Palace on Wheels:

• Palace on Wheels itinerary
• Palace on Wheels tariff
• Palace on Wheels Schedule
• Palace on Wheels Route

Have FAQ’s in Mind: CLICK HERE

May

The height of the Indian summer season! Cities will start to get very hot with temperatures soaring up to 45 degrees. Humidity will make things further uncomfortable. The southern states and central India are best avoided during this time. Hill stations around the country are at their peak popularity during this season. Some other popular destinations include, Varanasi, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Darjeeling and more.

June

By the mid of June, monsoons arrive in the southern states of the country and spreads across to cover the entirety by the end of July. Rains cool off the sweltering high temperatures and are coupled with moist monsoon breeze and thick grey clouds overcasting the days. Lush greenery wrap around the country and offer unique views of breath taking flora.

The monsoons are great for some Ayurvedic retreats in the southern parts of the country like, Kerala. Some other places of interest during the monsoons are Cherrapunji (the rainiest place on Earth), Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Lonavala, Darjeeling, Goa, Kodaikanal, Coorg, Kutch, and Orchha. The Periyar National Park in Thekkady, Kerala is yet another interesting place to visit during the monsoons famous for its boat rides. However, road travel in the hills is best avoided due to the risk of landslides.

Also Read: 10 Places to Visit in India in June

July

This is the wettest month of the year in most Indian places. Thick grey clouds wrap around cities and towns and he moist monsoon breeze accompanied with frequent unprecedented showers are the mark of this month. Sometimes incessant rains may cause disruption to travel plans and transport.

The greenery around hill stations and suburban areas are lush with the monsoon fed water and look vibrant against the grey background of dark clouds. Places like Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal and the hilly areas of the Himalayas and the north eastern cities receive very heavy rainfalls during this season. Honeymooning can be bliss during this month.

August

Heavy rains continue to riddle the transport and communication systems throughout the nation during this month. Outdoor explorations and day trips may get difficult especially in the higher altitude and coastal areas due to heavy showers. The risk of landslides in the hills due to rains makes road travel questionable to the hills during this time.

The best places to stick to travelling during this season are places like Rajasthan, Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow, Gujarat, Hyderabad, and more. Temperatures will remain between 26 to 36 degrees in Celsius.

September

By this time the rains begin to recede and the autumn sunshine shows in most places in India. While the temperatures can still remain on the high side, nights get more pleasant. Few spells of rain here and there cool off the cities time to time as people around begin to prepare for festivities during this time of the year. Most of India celebrates various festivals late September to October which makes it an ideal month to visit the country.

October

This month has pleasant weathers with moderate temperatures, almost no rains except a few spells here and there. The blooming autumn flora around the cities and fresh flowers, colorful butterflies would begin to roam with blossom, as the rest of the country prepares for their biggest celebrations of the year.

Most places will celebrate Dussehra and Diwali during this month. This month has warm afternoons and cool evenings. The eastern states will be in preparation for Durga Puja, while the northern parts celebrate Navratra. The festival of lights – Diwali will light up homes and cities everywhere in India, by the end of October. This is one of the best months to visit India to witness some of its glorious holidays.

November

The winter months are the peak season for travel and tourism in India. City breaks, outdoor exploration and sightseeing become pleasant with favorable temperatures around the country. This is the best season to explore places like Rajasthan, Agra, Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, West Bengal, Lakshadweep, Maharashtra, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Odisha.

For those fond of snow and chilly winter fun a visit to the hills like Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Ladakh and the North Eastern states is recommended. Ladakh is ideal for trekking during this time, however, the routes close before the peak winter months for the safety of the travelers.

Plan your trip in November via Deccan Odyssey:

• Deccan Odyssey Train – 7N / 8D Delhi to Mumbai Departure
• Deccan Odyssey Mumbai to Mumbai Route – 7N / 8D Maharashtra Splendor
• Deccan Odyssey Mumbai to Delhi Route – 7N / 8D Indian Sojourn

December

Christmas joy and the peak of the winter season make December a busy month for tourism and travel around the country. Accommodation and travel tickets will be in high demand as most people choose to vacation during the chilly December holidays around Christmas, so pre-booking is highly recommended. High altitudes receive snow during this month, while most other places host fairs and festivals throughout this month. This is one of the best times to visit India, with all the fairs and happenings and the great weather.

More details about Deccan Odyssey:

• Deccan Odyssey train departure dates
• Deccan Odyssey train fare
• Deccan Odyssey train route
• Deccan Odyssey general Information

Apart from the monthly basis, if you would like to explore the country during its most popular festivals then we recommend planning holidays during Holi, Diwali, Dusshera, Navaratri, Christmas, Onam, and Ganesh Chaturthi to witness the eclectic side of the country during its largest festivals.

How to Book Luxury trains in India?

• Maharajas Express train online booking
• Palace on Wheels booking
• Deccan Odyssey booking

Further Read: 10 Interesting Tips for Booking Luxury Trains in India
Top 20 Majestic Palaces and Forts in India
Five Best Luxurious Tour Options in India
A Guide to Luxury Train Tours in India

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