Due to India's vast expanse, each region has its own climate, allowing travel for up to 10 months a year under optimal weather conditions. The country always offers destinations worth visiting depending on the season you choose, outside of May and June which precede the arrival of the monsoon.

When to Travel, by Region

Rajasthan Circuit

Best periods: mid-October to mid-December and mid-January to late March. From mid-December to mid-January, many Indian students enjoy winter holidays, and tourist sites become crowded.

From April onwards, temperatures rise considerably.

It's worth noting that with climate change, northern India experiences intense morning fog during December and January, which can lead to flight delays and road disruptions.

Western Himalayan Foothills

Himachal Pradesh (Lahaul & Spiti) – Uttarkhand (Garwhal):

Best period: Mid-April to mid-June & October.

However, the arrival and end of the summer monsoon, often delayed, make forecasts for these regions difficult.

Eastern Himalayan Foothills

West Bengal (Darjeeling), Sikkim:

Best period: October and November, January & February.

December can be very cold, and may experience heavy snowfall.

Ladakh–Zanskar:

Best period: May to October. Beautiful sunny days most of the time.

July to September: monsoon rains can cross the Himalayan range, causing sudden violent storms. In recent years, there have been more rainy and stormy episodes.

The North-East Territories

Best period: March for Kaziranga and its wildlife parks, October for mountain views, and December for the Hornbill festival, celebration of the formidable Naga warriors.

Deccan

Best period: September to April.

The tropical climate of the Deccan means it often rains in the late afternoon. The monsoon season is best avoided.

South India Circuits

Kerala: subject to the summer monsoon regime. Best period: October to late March.

Tamil Nadu & Karnataka: subject to the winter monsoon regime. Despite this, winter from October to March is the best period.