## The short answer<br> For most of India — Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Rajasthan and the south — the best time to visit is October to March, when the weather is dry and comfortably cool. The Himalayas (Ladakh and Spiti) are the exception: they are best from May to September.
## October to March — peak season<br> This is the classic window for a first trip. Days are sunny and mild, evenings are cool, and every region of the plains is at its best — ideal for the Golden Triangle, Rajasthan and Kerala. December and January are the busiest, so book hotels early.
## April to June — hot, but rewarding<br> The northern plains get very hot, yet this is the best time for tiger safaris, as animals gather around shrinking waterholes. It's also when the Himalayas open up and hill stations are pleasant.
## July to September — the monsoon<br> Rain sweeps the country. Kerala, the Western Ghats and Ladakh are in their element — lush, green and dramatic — and prices drop. Heavy-rain regions are best avoided in these months.
## Region quick-guide<br> - Golden Triangle & Rajasthan: October–March<br> - Kerala & South India: October–March (or the green monsoon)<br> - Ladakh & the Himalayas: May–September<br> - Tiger safaris (Ranthambore): October–June, best April–June<br> - Varanasi & the Ganges: October–March
## Time your trip to a festival<br> If you can, plan around Diwali (October/November), the festival of lights, Holi (March), the riot of colour, or the Pushkar Camel Fair in Rajasthan (November). We can build any of these into your itinerary.
Ready to plan? Tell us your dates and we'll recommend the perfect window for your route.
