When to Visit India: Best Time to Travel in 2026

India presents an incredible combination of travel, sun-kissed beaches, snow-white mountains, spiritual resorts, ancient cities, and vibrant urban centres. As the world tourism industry still recovers, India has been among the most popular destinations with more than 20 million international visitors expected in 2024, attracted by its diversity, affordability, and all-year-round destination.

The most remarkable thing about India is that its seasons make each journey unique. The weather, the local festivals, and the local cultures vary radically with the season, so that the same destination will feel completely different in one season than in another.

This guide discusses when to visit India and divides the most popular destinations of the country.

When to Visit India?

India is a year-round destination. Still, when to visit India depends on the region and your travel style. Seasons change everything.

October to March – Best Season to Visit India

This is the best season to visit India. The weather stays pleasant, the humidity remains low, and the travel feels easy. So, it’s perfect for Goa, Rajasthan, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kerala.

April to June – Escape to the Hills

Then comes summer, making the plains hot. That’s when hill stations shine. Visit Kashmir, Ooty, or Rishikesh for cooler days and scenic views.

July to September – Monsoon Magic

Next is the monsoon, the season where the crowds reduce, nature blooms, making Kerala turn green, and Pondicherry feels calm. Travel is slower and often cheaper.

Timing It Right: When to Visit India’s Most Sought-After Destinations?

The list brings together some of India’s most popular travel destinations, covering everything from coastal getaways and hill retreats to desert landscapes and spiritual centres. Each destination is paired with its most suitable travel window to help travellers plan their trips around favourable weather, local experiences, and seasonal highlights.

Sun, & Sea: Coastal Escapes Worth Every Season

Want to enjoy the sunny beaches and sea breezes all year round? Think about Coastal India.

• Goa

Best time to visit: November to February

The best time to visit Goa Fortune India is when the days are sunny, the humidity is low, and the sea remains calm. Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, and Palolem are all well-known beaches that are great for water sports, visiting multiple beaches, and nightlife. The season is best for people who are coming for the first time, since there are a lot of fun things to do around Christmas and New Year.

• Pondicherry

Best time to visit: October to March

The best time to visit Pondicherry is when the weather turns pleasant and evenings become breezy. Travellers can comfortably explore White Town, Promenade Beach, and Auroville, making it ideal for slow travel, couples, and culture-focused visitors.

Backwaters & Tropics: Lush Retreats for All Travellers

Rivers, forests, and tropical landscapes shape these destinations. Choosing the right season enhances comfort and access to outdoor experiences.

• Kerala

Best time to visit: October to March

The scenery of Kerala is the freshest in winter when the rains are cleared, and the vegetation is at its best. This is the best time to visit Kerala and to sail through the backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, visit the misty tea gardens of Munnar, and relax on palm-fringed and hidden beaches in Kerala.

• Rishikesh

Best time to visit: September to November & March to June

The best time to visit Rishikesh brings in many outdoor-friendly adventures. Rafting is best enjoyed when the river is clear, while the moderate temperatures favour yoga retreats and spiritual stays along Tapovan and Laxman Jhula.

Desert Dreams: Golden Sands & Royal Forts

Planning to travel to Rajasthan? The desert of Rajasthan boasts the hottest climate of India, which brings in the importance of seasonal planning. The winter in Rajasthan opens not only the cultural but also the architectural richness of India.

• Rajasthan

Best time to visit: October to February

Do you know what the best time to visit Rajasthan is? It is when the cities of Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur are explored comfortably. When the weather is not too warm, nor are the winds too breezy. This is when the forts, bazaars, and cultural festivals like the Pushkar festival glitter in the bright sunlight.

• Jaisalmer & Thar Safari

Best time to visit: November to February

The best time to enjoy the magic of the Thar Desert is during winter. The day is still good to go on camel safaris, dune bashing, and visit the forts, and cooler nights make desert camps a cosy environment. Stargazing, folk music, and traditional Rajasthani dinners under open skies at Chowki Dhani add to the experience.

Mountain Marvels: Snowcaps & Serenity

Hill stations are an escape from the busy city schedule; however, timing is everything when planning to visit a hill station.

• Kashmir

Best time to visit: March to October

The best time to visit Kashmir is when the gardens are blooming, the roads are open, and the alpine sceneries are visible all over Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. Spring and summer are good seasons to visit sightseeing, whereas autumn is the best season for photography.

• Ooty (Hill Station)

Best time to visit Ooty: October to June

The best time to visit Ooty (hill station) spans winter to early summer, when misty mornings and mild afternoons enhance visits to tea estates, botanical gardens, and the Nilgiri Mountain Railway.

Urban Gems: Cities That Never Sleep

From heritage sites in Delhi to coastal spots in Mumbai, the best time to visit Mumbai/Delhi often depends on climate and travel preferences.

• Mumbai

Best time to visit: November to February

Mumbai brings pleasant weather for exploring its diverse neighbourhoods, seafront promenades, and historic landmarks. From sunsets at Marine Drive to heritage walks in South Mumbai, cooler temperatures enhance outdoor experiences.

• Delhi

Best time to visit: October to March

The best time to visit Delhi is in winter, when mild days and crisp evenings are well suited to sightseeing across monuments, markets, and museums. Delhi has a rich heritage that is layered and can be well-explored by the traveller in winter, starting with the Red Fort and extending to Chandni Chowk.

When to Visit India: Key Takeaways for Travellers

Planning on when to visit India is about the right season and the right destination. As we mentioned, the best months to visit India are from October to March. This is the season when the weather is pleasant in most places, including the hill stations, spiritual places, and more, not only provides a rewarding travel experience but also a weather to explore the region.

Once your dates are clear, booking matters. EaseMyTrip offers flights, hotels, and holiday packages with no convenience fee, flexible booking options, and seasonal deals. From the best time to visit Goa Fortune India to winter escapes and city breaks, travellers can plan confidently and save more.

FAQs

1. Is India a suitable year-round travel destination?

Yes. India is a place that you can visit at any time of the year; however, the experiences differ in different regions. Most destinations are a winter favorite, but the hill stations are mostly suitable during the summer, and the monsoon is the best season to have a beautiful landscape and wellness tour.

1. How far in advance should I plan a trip to India?

It is advisable to book flights and hotels 2-3 months beforehand to secure a better place and price during high-tourist times of the year, from October to March.

1. Is monsoon travel in India worth considering?

Monsoon travel is ideal for travellers who prefer fewer crowds and greener landscapes. Kerala, the Western Ghats, and parts of South India are particularly picturesque during this time.