Discover the best time to visit India

The best time to visit India is between November and March when the weather is likely to be dry and warm, but not too hot. But as you might expect from the world’s seventh largest country, you’ll find diverse climates and big differences between north and south, so you’ll need to know where you’re planning to visit before deciding when to go to India.

The shoulder months of October and April are also good for large parts of the country if you’d prefer to brave some rain and higher heat and humidity rather than the crowds of peak season, while the far north is best visited in the summer when monsoons are lashing much of the rest of the country.

From the snowy peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched beaches of Kerala and Goa, via cool tea hills, temples, tigers, peaceful emerald backwaters and the sensory overload of the cities, there’s always something to tempt you to visit – and always somewhere where it’s a good time for a holiday in India

January is a great time to visit India, with glorious sunshine across most of the country and little rain. In the southern states, it can easily reach 30C in Goa and Kerala if you’re looking for winter sun, with few clouds in the sky. Perfect weather for kicking back on the beach at Kovalam or Marari, cruising through the backwaters after exploring Cochin. Or for a different way to experience Kerala, how about a homestay in the backwaters? If you are heading to the tea plantations around Munnar and the hill stations of the Western Ghats, bear in mind that it does get chilly at night. It’s also ideal for visiting Thattekad Bird Sanctuary where migrating species join some of the native birds this month.

South India

Or discover a different slice of south India in Tamil Nadu. One of the hottest areas of the country, temperatures are usually in the high 20Cs this month, making it one of the best times to see the state’s temples. There are more fascinating temples at UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi, which is easy to combine with a taste of modern India in the ‘Garden City’ of Bangalore. Want to escape the crowds? Head to the idyllic Andaman Islands off the east coast of India for unspoiled white sand beaches, plus some wonderful diving and snorkelling.

It’s hot and dry in Mumbai & central India too, although again it can be chilly at night and in the mornings if you’re visiting the national parks for some wildlife spotting or if you’re heading inland to the cave temples near Aurangabad.

North India

It can also be cool at night and in the early mornings in the north around Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, but the warm, dry days are just right for sightseeing at unmissable hotspots such as the Taj Mahal or for heading into rural Rajasthan – seize the opportunity to board a train through the countryside, explore traditional havelis, stay in a fairytale Rajasthani Palace or a fort at Barli or Chandelao, and visit less-visited corners such as Bundi. Expect pleasantly warm temperatures around Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, and the forts at Jodhpur, Chittorgarh and Bikaner, as well as one of the best chances of seeing wild tigers at Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park this month. If you’re heading to the Thar Desert and Jaisalmer, it’s pleasantly warm during the day, but temperatures can drop to a few degrees above freezing at night. It’s less chilly if you’re venturing east to Varanasi or further to Kolkata.

Be prepared to wrap up very warm if you’re heading to the north-east and the Himalayas, which can be magical at this time of year although there’s also a chance of fog and mist. You may find snow on the ground at places like Shimla, Dharamsala, Darjeeling, and Srinagar, where temperatures hover around freezing. It’s really too cold to visit Sikkim this month though, unless you thrive in sub-zero climates, while the road to Leh from Manali is normally closed by snow.

Festivals: The Bikaner camel festival takes place on the second weekend in January, celebrating the ships of the desert, with dancing and music, plus camel racing.

Republic Day is celebrated on January 26 in New Delhi, with parades and dancing, alongside a flyover of helicopters.

Best for: Exploring most of India, beaches in Kerala and Goa, wildlife spotting in Mumbai, temples, Rajasthan

February is one of the best months for a holiday in India, with temperatures rising even in the far north and warm, sunny weather across the rest of the country. Unsurprisingly, it’s also one of the peak months to travel, so you can expect bigger crowds at popular tourist spots and major landmarks though.

North India

There’s still likely to be snow on the ground in Sikkim and the far north, including the Himalayas, although if you’re wrapped up warm, there are some wonderful views thanks to the clear days in the mountains and trekking around Shimla, Dharamsala, Darjeeling, Manali and Srinagar. At slightly lower altitude, it’s also a quieter month to visit Rishikesh.

Further south, it’s dry with plenty of clear blue skies and sunshine, whether you’re planning a stay on the Ganges in Varanasi or Kolkata right down to the tropical tip. Now is when to go to India’s Maharajah forts in Rajasthan where the warm, dry days make sightseeing a pleasure – Jodhpur, Chittorgarh and Bikaner are just a few of the stand-out destinations. There’s plenty more to find around the Golden Triangle too, once you’ve visited Agra and the Taj Mahal, Delhi and Jaipur. Take a train through the countryside, discover Bundi or save time for a stay in rural Rajasthan – you can even imagine yourself a Maharajah at a fairytale Rajasthani Palace or check into a fort in Barli or Chandelao, before visiting ornate havelis, former merchants’ houses. It’s less chilly at night in Jaisalmer but without the searing temperatures that you’ll find later in the year in the Thar Desert. The dry weather makes it another perfect month to spot wild tigers at Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park too.

Central India

It’s hotter as you continue south to Mumbai and central India, but still not too uncomfortable if you’re planning to sightsee and with no rain. It’s also a little cooler in the mornings if you’re heading out on early game drives at the national parks, and in the cave temples near Aurangabad. For blissfully hot weather to lounge on the sand, venture to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Islands for fantastic diving and snorkelling, or back on the mainland, it’s hard to beat Goa and Kerala’s beaches at Kovalam or Marari.

South India

Save some energy to sightsee in Cochin, then relax back on a backwaters cruise or get a taste of everyday life at a homestay in the backwaters. If you need a break from the heat, head up to the tea plantations around Munnar and the hill stations of the Western Ghats, where it’s cooler or make the most of being able to see the migrating birdlife at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary.

It’s hot, hot, hot in Tamil Nadu too, but with temperatures soaring towards 40C over the next few months, now is when to go to India’s most southerly state to avoid the worst of the heat. It’s also a good time to explore the intriguing ruins at Hampi or see a more modern side of India with a stay in Bangalore.

Festivals: The three-day Jaisalmer Desert Festival takes place in February, showcasing Rajasthani culture, with everything from dancing and camel processions to traditional food and turban-tying competitions.

The Rann Utsav (or Kutch) festival runs for several months in Gujarat but comes to its celebratory conclusion in February, designed to showcase the area’s culture, from art and crafts to music and dance, with a chance to experience the salt desert in this part of the Thar Desert.

Ramadan takes place this month (dates vary) with the majority of India’s Muslims observing the festival. You’ll find many restaurants and shops close in Muslim majority areas, while some major attractions can also be affected.

Best for: Exploring most of India, beaches in Kerala and Goa, wildlife spotting in Mumbai, temples, Rajasthan

Temperatures are continuing to rise across the country, but the weather stays dry and the scorching heat of summer hasn’t yet arrived, making it another great time to visit India. It’s busy again this month, thanks to the lovely weather, while the festival of Holi gives another reason to visit India in March.

North India

It’s the perfect month to enjoy the highlights of Rajasthan & the Golden Triangle before it’s too hot for sightseeing. Temperatures are already around 30C or above, but you can make the most of cooler mornings – don’t expect to be able to dodge the crowds at the Taj Mahal and the Amber Fort or other big name sights in the Golden Triangle like Delhi’s Red Fort, but less well-known spots should be quieter, including Bundi and Bikaner. You can also head out and travel the countryside by train, discover more of rural Rajasthan including ornate havelis, or stay in a fort in Barli or Chandelao, and a fairytale Rajasthani Palace.

The other highlights are still as tempting as ever, crowds or not, so don’t miss the chance to see Rajasthan’s deservedly popular destinations, including Jodhpur, Chittorgarh, Agra and Jaipur. It’s slightly wetter in the previously bone-dry Thar Desert, but still a good month to see Jaisalmer as well as spotting wild tigers at Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park.

You can see rhino this month in Assam at Kaziranga National Park too, one of the best times to spot them along with elephants and tigers. It’s hot in the daytime, even this far north-east, but is still cooler in the evenings. Make the most of the gentler temperatures in the hill stations; spot monkeys and timber-beamed houses at Shimla or take the ‘toy train’ to the tea plantations of Darjeeling, while Rishikesh is at a lower altitude if you prefer not to venture too high.

Himalayas

If your eye is on the world’s highest peaks, March is a fantastic time to visit the states around the Himalayas, with spring flowers blooming, very little rain and sunny days where temperatures hover around 15-20C – ideal for trekking. It still feels cool in the early mornings and at night, and it’s better to leave Ladakh until later in the year. Wander past stupas and prayer flags in Dharamsala after visiting the Golden Temple of Amritsar, or gaze up at the peaks as you wander past icy lakes in Sikkim where you can learn more about Tibetan culture.

Away from the mountains, it’s tempting to city-hop this month, soaking up the sights, sounds and history of Kolkata, Varanasi and Mumbai before the humidity rises further here next month. It can already feel too hot to visit the cave temples near Aurangabad though, so plan trips for early in the day.

South India

Southern India is making the most of its dry, sunny days too. It’s the hottest month of the year in Cochin, so team your time in the city with a backwaters cruise or homestay in the backwaters, or escape to the beach at Kovalam or Marari. It’s also cooler up in the hills at the tea plantations around Munnar and the hill stations of the Western Ghats. It’s hotter at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary though, with more rain this month, although fewer visitors to share the sights of the sanctuary’s bird and animal life.

There are more beaches to be found in Goa, and in the unspoiled Andaman Islands – these remote isles aren’t always easy to get to, but for both the diving and the chance to escape the crowds, it’s a tempting escape. Tamil Nadu is becoming too hot to explore comfortably, while it’s also hard work exploring the ruins of Hampi in the scorching heat, although the Garden City of Bangalore is slightly cooler.

Festivals: One of India’s most popular – and fun – festivals takes place this month, usually on the last full moon in March. Make sure you have clothes which you don’t mind being covered in paint, as thousands of people take to the streets to throw colourful powders at each other in the name of love.

Best for: Wildlife spotting, hill stations, trekking in the Himalayas, Rajasthan, beaches in Kerala and Goa, festivals

It’s getting hotter and more humid across most of India this month ahead of the monsoon rains, making it both an unpleasantly sticky time for a trip and a busy one over the Easter holidays. April is one of the best months for seeing wildlife in the national parks though, as water is becoming more limited, so animals congregate around the water holes. Head to Ranthambore National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park for a chance of seeing wild tigers, and Kaziranga National Park for more tigers, plus elephants and rhino – early morning game drives are best though.

Elsewhere, you’ll find meltingly hot temperatures in the high 30Cs across Rajasthan, along with Varanasi and Kolkata, although it’s slightly cooler on the coast at Mumbai thanks to the coastal breezes. Inland is hotter, so it’s not the best time of year to explore this part of central India, although if you can cope with the heat, it’s a good time to see wildlife here.

North India

To escape to somewhere cooler, the hill stations in the north or into the Himalayas are sunny and carpeted with wildflowers this month. Temperatures in Rishikesh are already in the mid 30Cs, but it’s far more pleasant at higher altitude, around 25C in the tea plantations of Darjeeling, or in Shimla, where monkeys meander among the Tudor-style beamed houses.

Heading right into the Himalayas, you can enjoy some spectacular views in the mountains and get a taste of Tibetan culture; combine Dharamsala with a visit to the Golden Temple of Amritsar, spin prayer wheels or hike past mountain lakes in Sikkim. It’s also one of the best times to visit Lumbini just over the border in Nepal, easily combined with a visit to Varanasi, where the birth of the Buddha is celebrated by Buddhists from across the world.

Or embrace the sun on the beaches of Goa and Kerala, including the palm-fringed stretches at Kovalam or Marari. There’s little rain this month still although you’re unlikely to want to do anything more energetic than relaxing on a backwaters cruise, unless you head up in the hills at the tea plantations around Munnar and the hill stations of the Western Ghats where it’s cooler to get outdoors.

Festivals: Mahavir Jayanti is one of the main festivals of the Jain community, celebrated mostly in Uttar Pradesh during April (or late March), with acts of charity and ceremonies celebrating the birth of Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.

In Tamil Nadu, the Tamil New Year is celebrated on April 14 with special decorations, rituals and foods, including looking at a tray filled with auspicious objects, plants and foods through a mirror.

Best for: Wildlife spotting, hill stations, trekking in the Himalayas, beaches in Goa and Kerala

The heat and the humidity are building even further across India this month, and there’s also more chance of rain – which can come as a welcome relief. Although the dry weather can make for good wildlife spotting in the national parks, some camps and accommodation will close, and the weather makes it far less pleasant this month except for early mornings.

Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are punishingly hot, with temperatures climbing to 40C in many places, while central India is only a little cooler. Even in Mumbai, where the sea breezes usually help, it’s not the best time to visit. In the south, there’s more 40C weather in Tamil Nadu although this corner of the country usually stays relatively dry. Rain is already starting to herald the start of monsoon season by the end of the month in Kerala, and while Goa usually avoids wet weather until June, beaches often begin to close ahead of the rains.

North India

The best place to avoid melting this month is in the country’s far north, where temperatures rarely rise above the high 20Cs and humidity is much lower. You can expect hill stations like Darjeeling and Shimla to be popular, but the cooler weather, lush tea plantations and great trekking make it a very tempting option.

Himalayas

The clear air of the Himalayas means some truly spectacular mountain views this month, as well as a chance to get a taste of Tibetan culture. Head to Dharamsala, aka India’s Little Tibet, or to Sikkim where you can spin prayer wheels or hike past mountain lakes. Depending on the snow, this month the roads may open so you can venture even higher to Jispa and Leh in the peaks above Manali, where prayer flags fly over views of stupas. May is another good month if you’re wondering when to go to Lumbini across the border in Nepal, easily combined with a visit to this corner of northern India, where the birth of the Buddha is celebrated by Buddhists from across the world.

Best for: Hill stations, trekking in the Himalayas

Monsoon season has arrived across much of southern and central India, with the rains helping cut through the humidity and soaring heat of May. The beaches of the south are often closed this month, and not nearly as tempting in torrential downpours, and while Tamil Nadu tends to be drier, it’s still scorchingly hot here. There’s a chance of flash flooding across central and north-east India throughout the monsoon season too, so expect national parks around Mumbai to be closed, while it’s one of the rainiest months in the city itself.

Rajasthan is also drier but still hot and humid, with more frequent thunderstorms. Temperatures in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are still around 40C, while it’s not unheard of for it to reach 45C in the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, so while the attractions in the Golden Triangle and the forts tend to be quieter, it’s not the best month for sightseeing.

The cool of Darjeeling and Shimla has been replaced by cloud and rain too, so now is not when to go to India’s hill stations either. But it’s the best time of year to explore Ladakh. Head into the isolated Nubra Valley which sits over 3,000m above sea level for astonishing views of the Himalayas, a white sand desert and green valley scattered with fruit trees, as well as a chance to visit remote villages and Buddhist monasteries. The roads to Leh from Manali is open for the season, after the snows earlier in the year, so you can discover some of the astonishing mountain scenery with prayer flags fluttering in front of white-capped peaks.

Best for: Exploring Ladakh

Monsoon season is in full torrential swing, with the wettest month of the year in many areas. Forget any thoughts of beach time in Goa and Kerala, with regular heavy downpours this month. While Tamil Nadu is drier, it’s still rainy, humid and hot this month, so not the best time to explore temples or sightsee. Central India, including Mumbai, is thoroughly wet too with a chance of flooding, and with national parks closing.

Rajasthan is still slightly drier, although it’s the rainiest month of the year in Delhi and Jaipur, while national parks like Ranthambore close because of the weather. Even when it’s not pouring, you can expect high temperatures, although not as hot as May or June and it will be quieter at the forts, palaces and sights of the Golden Triangle as a result.

It’s wet in the hill country and Himalayas too, with fog and cloud hiding the mountain views and muddy trails making it less than tempting. The best option this month is to head to Ladakh, where it’s drier and you can venture to isolated spots such as the Nubra Valley with its fruit trees and lush scenery, as well as the white sand desert and monasteries tucked away high in the mountains. Manali and Srinagar both tend to be drier, although you may need to dodge a few showers, and the road to Leh is open for the summer months.

Best for: Exploring Ladakh

The rains aren’t over yet, but it’s not quite as wet as July. Goa and Kerala see around half as much rainfall this month as last month, although you won’t escape the downpours if you visit the south of India in August. Although Tamil Nadu is slightly rainier this month, it’s still drier than its neighbours, and temperatures have dropped to a comparatively cool 35C in this hot corner of the country.

Central India

August is still a bad time to visit central India and Mumbai, with high humidity, monsoon storms and the national parks closed for the time being. In Rajasthan, Ranthambore is still closed too, but while you won’t be doing any tiger-spotting, it’s still much drier here and temperatures have started to drop from the summer peak – it can still be as high as 35-38C in Jaisalmer, Delhi and Agra, while Jaipur sees most rain this month. If you’re willing to brave the humidity and the showers, it’s much quieter this month as the weather keeps most tourists away from the Golden Triangle.

Himalayas

The trekking season is in full swing in the Himalayas still if you venture far enough north to find sunshine. Dharamsala is wet but Manali and Srinagar are drier this month, so trekking is still a possibility. The mountains around Ladakh are a great option still, with the area escaping the monsoon. Make the most of the weather to discover the remote Nubra Valley with its white sand desert and fruit trees, as well as monasteries tucked away high in the peaks, while the roads to Leh also remain open for the summer.

Festivals: On August 15, India celebrates Independence Day with a national holiday, parades and a flag-raising at Delhi’s Red Fort. Expect celebrations at all major cities and across the country as a whole.

Kerala’s snake boat races take place on the second Sunday in August, with boats up to 100 feet long competing in the backwaters. It’s one of several events in the state this month along with harvest festival Onam.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival dedicated to Ganesha, takes place in August (or September), with colourful processions and special ceremonies at temples.

Krishna Janmashtami also takes place this month (or August) celebrating the birth of Krishna, with dance, songs and depictions of scenes from Krishna’s life, plus eye-catching human pyramids.

Best for: Exploring Ladakh, Rajasthan without the crowds, festivals

The monsoon is finally beginning to come to an end across the country, although the weather is still very mixed this month – Mumbai and central India are still wet, and while the countryside is looking lushly green, the roads are still suffering after the months of rain. Kerala and Goa are finally emerging from the worst of the wet weather too, although you can expect rain around half the days this month. When the downpours clear, it’s pleasantly hot at close to 30C, so if you visit towards the end of the month, you could find drier days to hit the beach and cruise down the backwaters – if you’re willing to take the risk. In Tamil Nadu, the temperatures have dropped a little more to the low 30Cs while the monsoon which hits this coast hasn’t arrived yet – a good option if you fancy some sun and a chance to explore ancient temples.

North India

If you’re ready to embrace shoulder season, Rajasthan is tempting in September, with humidity levels dropping, temperatures around 30C and less rainfall here too. The monsoon rains have left the countryside looking lush and verdant, as well as filling the lakes so make the most of it by journeying through the countryside by train, enjoying a stay in rural Rajasthan – you can even imagine yourself a Maharajah at a fairytale Rajasthani Palace or check into a fort in Barli or Chandelao, before discovering ornate havelis, old merchant houses.

The sites of the Golden Triangle aren’t as crowded this month either, so if you’re looking for a quieter experience at the Taj Mahal, Delhi’s Red Fort and Jaipur, now could be when to go to India. There are plenty of other Maharajah forts to see at Jodhpur, Chittorgarh and Bikaner (to name a few) once you’ve visited Agra. The Thar Desert is unsurprisingly dry, although if you’re heading to Jaisalmer, it’s noticeably hotter here in September, at around 37C. National Parks like Ranthambore are still closed, so you’ll have to postpone your trip if you’re hoping to spot wild tigers.

The weather is a mixed bag further north too. Hill stations like Darjeeling are still wet, while the trekking season in Ladakh is coming to an end – you can still get out into the mountains this month, but it’s best to time your trip for earlier in September. The road from Manali into the peaks at Leh is still open this month, for a chance to enjoy a taste of Tibet. Although the rains are easing elsewhere in the Himalayas, the months of rain mean it’s still not a great time for hiking here, with the exception of Srinagar which is much drier.

Festivals: Celebrate the victory of good over evil this month (or October) with the Hindu festival of Dussehra. Expect enthusiastic re-enactments of Rama’s life story finishing with effigies filled with fireworks being set ablaze.

Krishna Janmashtami also takes place this month (or August) celebrating the birth of Krishna, with dance, songs and depictions of scenes from Krishna’s life, plus eye-catching human pyramids.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a 10-day festival dedicated to Ganesha, takes place in August (or September), with colourful processions and special ceremonies at temples.

Best for: Avoiding the crowds in Rajasthan, trekking in Ladakh, festivals, sun in Tamil Nadu

The warm sunny days are back and October signals the beginning of good weather across most of the country. You can still get occasional showers and some unsettled weather in the south, but apart from Tamil Nadu, where the monsoon begins this month, it’s generally dry and hot. Peak season doesn’t begin for another month or two, so the tourist sights are still less busy than they will be later in the year making October a strong contender for best time to visit India,

North India

The weather gets better throughout the month in north-east India, with rivers in full flow and lush green hills after the past few months of rain. Both Kolkata and Varanasi are pleasantly warm and dry, with a chance to see the Diwali celebrations by the Ganges this month. And the tea plantations in Darjeeling are getting ready for harvest, with autumn colours illuminating the hills here and in Sikkim as you wander past lakes in the shadow of the snow-capped peaks.

There’s warm weather and barely any rain in Shimla and Srinagar, as well as Rishikesh, making this a perfect month to explore the hill country. In Dharamsala, it’s similarly pleasant, with a chance to see prayer flags fluttering in the Himalayan foothills before the real chill of winter arrives. Higher in the mountains, there’s already some snowfall around Ladakh and Leh, with the road from Manali usually closing by November. You can still see the area before the worst of the winter weather rolls in, but it’s getting harder to trek, so you’ll need to plan carefully. And in Assam, Kaziranga National Park is open once again this month, although it’s better to save your visit for November onwards.

It’s hotter around Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, but with temperatures hovering around 30C, the weather is much better for exploring the palaces, forts and wildlife here before the crowds of peak season arrive next month – ideal if you’re hoping to see the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort at Delhi and some of the other well-known sites around Agra and Jaipur. Make the most of the chance to see the forts at Jodhpur, Chittorgarh and Bikaner, while you can even stay in one at Barli or Chandelao. The countryside of rural Rajasthan will be verdant green after the monsoon; why not take the opportunity for a train ride through the countryside, stay in a fairytale Rajasthani Palace or see less-visited corners such as Bundi and the ornate merchant houses known as havelis.

Ranthambore National Park reopens this month, while Bandhavgarh National Park normally opens mid-month, but with more water sources around, it’s harder to see tigers there. It’s still hot in the Thar Desert and Jaisalmer, around 37C this month, so it’s better to wait a few weeks or visit in late October if you’re hoping for cooler temperatures.

South India

Further south, temperatures are heating up in Mumbai although the breezes off the sea help the city feel a little cooler. Head out early in the day to dodge the heat and the crowds if you’re visiting the cave temples near Aurangabad or exploring elsewhere in central India. Further south, it’s lush and green around the UNESCO World Heritage site temples at Hampi, while Bangalore is a little cooler but you can expect more rain here during October.

There are still occasional showers in Goa and Kerala this month, but it leaves the air feeling fresher, and there’s still plenty of sunshine if you’re hoping to hit the beach at Kovalam or Marari, or cruise through the backwaters. If Cochin is still a bit warm, head up to the tea plantations around Munnar and the hill stations of the Western Ghats. You won’t escape the rain here entirely, but the air is cooler and fresh, and it’s a great time for hiking in the hills, although not the best time for bird-spotting at Thattekad Birds Sanctuary as they can be less visible between showers and thicker leaves. For another beach alternative, October is a fabulous time to relax on the white sand beaches of the Andaman Islands off the east coast of India.

Festivals: Diwali (or Deepavali) is India’s largest festival and usually takes place in October or November. The Hindu festival of lights sees some spectacular firework displays, plus candles and other illuminations to brighten the dark.

Celebrate the victory of good over evil this month (or September) with the Hindu festival of Dussehra. Expect enthusiastic re-enactments of Rama’s life story finishing with effigies filled with fireworks being set ablaze.

Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday is also celebrated on October 2 with a national holiday, marked with prayers and ceremonies across the country.

Best for: Exploring without the crowds, the hill resorts, trekking, Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, beaches in Goa and Kerala, festivals

With the last days of the monsoon firmly over, except in Tamil Nadu where it’s still rainy this month, November is one of the best months to travel to most places in India with dry, sunny days, low humidity and none of the searing temperatures of summer. Whether you’re planning sightseeing, beach days, trekking or learning more about India’s culture, it’s a fantastic month for a holiday in India.

South India

In the south, there’s plenty to tempt you to Goa and Kerala where temperatures hover in the low 30Cs. For cooler days, head up to the tea plantations around Munnar and the hill stations of the Western Ghats where the greenery is still lush and there are clear days for walking. Bird-watchers will find great conditions to see the different species at Thattekad Bird Sanctuary this month too.

Or revel in the glorious sunshine as you hit the beach at Kovalam or Marari, then relax some more in the backwaters – choose a cruise in one of the traditional houseboats, or see another side of life here at a backwaters homestay. Save some time to discover the colourful cultural melting pot of Cochin, or get a taste of everything with a journey through Mysore and the tea plantations to Fort Kochi. If you venture further off the beaten track to the idyllic white sand beaches of the Andaman Islands off the east coast of India, they’re hard to beat for snorkelling, diving and downtime.

North India

You’re spoiled for choice as you look north too; fascinating culture at the UNESCO World Heritage site temples of Hampi or the face of modern India in Bangalore, the intriguing cave temples near Aurangabad or the vibrant colourful bustle of Mumbai. If you’re hoping to spot tigers, Bandhavgarh National Park is open once more, as is Ranthambore National Park.

And temperatures could hardly be better for sightseeing around Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, dry, sunny and hovering around the high 20Cs. It’s busier this month but still a good time to visit highlights including the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort at Delhi and other well-known sites around Agra and Jaipur. As well as the more-visited forts at Jodhpur and Chittorgarh, you can head to quieter sites including Bikaner, or even check in at Barli or Chandelao. In the Thar Desert, temperatures have dropped to around 30C this month if you’re hoping to visit Jaisalmer.

Escape some of the crowds in the countryside too, exploring more of rural Rajasthan; watch the scenery on a train ride through the countryside, see less-visited corners such as Bundi, or get a taste of the area’s heritage with a fairytale Rajasthani Palace or trip to the ornate merchant houses known as havelis.

The weather in the north-east is similar to central India, with hot dry days and hardly a cloud in the sky, ideal for visiting Kolkata and Varanasi before heading into the hills or up to the Himalayas. It’s cooler around the tea plantations in Darjeeling, which is perfect for trekking amid the last of the autumn colours here and in Sikkim – the views of the snow-capped peaks and mountain lakes are spectacular. Shimla and Srinagar are similarly tempting this month, although all will get chillier by evening – lower altitudes such as Rishikesh are a good option if you prefer things a little warmer. There’s more wildlife spotting to be done in Assam too, at Kaziranga National Park, which has great conditions for seeing the animals this month. In the mountains, Ladakh and Leh are off the cards with snow closing roads and making trekking difficult or even impossible, although you can still explore the foothills of the Himalayas at Dharamsala.

Festivals: Diwali (or Deepavali) is India’s largest festival and usually takes place in October or November. The Hindu festival of lights sees some spectacular firework displays, plus candles and other illuminations to brighten the dark.

The eye-catching Pushkar Camel fair takes place each November in Rajasthan, with around 50,000 camels and goats arriving alongside their owners, who dress up in their finest attire. Expect plenty of entertainment and some unusual events, including a moustache competition.

Best for: Exploring from north to south, the hill resorts, trekking, Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, beaches in Goa and Kerala, festivals

Temperatures are dropping across India this month, although it’s still a great time for a holiday to India’s south (apart from Tamil Nadu, where the monsoon sticks around until mid-month). Peak season is well underway, and it can be particularly busy around Christmas, so do book ahead and be prepared for bigger crowds. You can still enjoy exploring further north where it’s quieter, although be prepared for it to be cooler and misty in the mornings and evenings if you head into the hills and mountains, and along the Ganges in Varanasi.

North India

It’s some of the year’s best weather for sightseeing around Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, dry, sunny and temperatures of around 25C. Needless to say, the key sites like the Taj Mahal, the Red Fort at Delhi, Agra, Jaipur and the forts at Jodhpur and Chittorgarh will all be busy, although as unmissable as ever. You can escape some of the crowds at less visited forts, such as Bikaner, or stay in some at Barli or Chandelao. It’s also quieter in rural Rajasthan, including less well-known areas such as Bundi, or you could travel through the countryside by train for a journey to remember. Or why not imagine yourself a Maharajah with a stay at a fairytale Rajasthani Palace or one of Rajasthan’s wealthy merchants, at their ornate houses known as havelis.

Jaisalmer is a much more pleasant temperature this month too, although expect it to feel chilly at night and in the early mornings out in the Thar Desert, as well as on early game drives to spot wild tigers at Ranthambore National Park or at Bandhavgarh National Park. There’s more wildlife to find at Kaziranga National Park in Assam too.

Winter has firmly arrived in the hill stations and mountains, where you can expect snow at higher altitudes and some roads and trekking trails are closed. You can still visit the foothills of the Himalayas year-round, including Dharamsala, Srinagar and Shimla, but go prepared for cold weather that comes with the bright sunny days as you soak in the spectacular mountain scenery. Even at lower altitudes, Rishikesh is cold in the morning.

There’s sunshine galore if you look further south with warm, sunny days in central India and cloudless skies. Mumbai will also be busy, as will sites like Aurangabad and Hampi, but it’s a lovely time of year for sightseeing. And the beaches will also be more crowded in Goa and Kerala, although Kovalam is worth braving the throng for, while Marari may be quieter. You’ll find peace out on the backwaters if you take a cruise in one of the traditional houseboats or step away from the main tourist trail with a backwaters homestay; the perfect retreat after sightseeing in Cochin. It’s also quieter and cooler in Munnar for hiking in the tea plantations, which you could combine with Mysore and Fort Kochi, or in the hill stations of the Western Ghats. Thattekad Bird Sanctuary is popular with bird-watchers this month, but ideal for spotting some migrating species.

Far fewer people venture to the remote Andaman Islands off the east coast of India too, but the white sand beaches, snorkelling and diving making the journey very tempting this month.

Festivals: While Christians are a minority in India, there are still around 26 million across the country, so you’ll find Christmas marked throughout India, especially in Goa and Kerala but also with some spectacular celebrations in cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.

Best for: Exploring from north to south, the hill resorts, trekking, Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle, beaches in Goa and Kerala, heading off the beaten track