Travel to India

Travel to India can be very dependent on the weather, so be sure to research specifically the weather in the specific region you plan to visit before your trip to India, as it can vary greatly over the vast country. Don’t depend on average temperatures either, as there can be a large fluctuation in temperatures from day to night, especially in the desert regions. India trips are most pleasant when weather is warm during the day and cool in the evenings, and the months where travelers are most guaranteed to experience this weather is during the high-season winter months of November through March.

Seasons in India can be broken down into three categories: summer, winter, and monsoon. A trip to India can be planned even more specifically according to the Indian year of six seasons: spring, summer, the rainy season, early and late fall, and winter. Choosing the right time to travel to India also depends on traveler’s independent opinions towards crowds. As with any popular destination, the high season can see a massive swelling of foreign visitors. For example, a trip to India in December or January will see the state of Goa and its many beaches completely overrun with foreigners.

An alternative to consider when planning India trips is the shoulder season, If you're looking to save money, this is the best time to go. During this time, which occurs both prior to and after the peak travel season, rates will be more reasonable and often negotiable for accommodations. Visitors will also notice better prices at restaurants and when shopping. Travel to India during September and October, or March and April, will see still mostly pleasant weather and better prices on lodging. You may have to pack more for variations in weather, but the better prices and more availability in accommodation can also help your trip to India to be more spontaneous.

As the summer approaches, the region of India you plan to visit becomes even more important, as the heat of an Indian summer is oppressive even to the locals. If you are determined to travel to India during the summer, consider planning a trip to the cooler Himalayas and consider spending some time in Shimla or at Dal Lake in Kashmir.

Some regions in the far north of the country remain impossible to visit during most of the year because they are blanketed with snow. During the summer, it is possible to reach these destinations, such as Ladakh. India trips can be unpleasant during the monsoon season, from June to September. Again, researching the weather in individual regions can provide some breathing room for a visit, as some areas, such as Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, are hit by a later monsoon period that begins toward mid-October.

While some regions of India can be spectacularly beautiful during monsoon season, it is important to keep in mind the higher possibility of natural disasters that occur as a result of the rain. It especially complicates transportation throughout India, as flooding and power failures can be common. During this time, malaria is a problem as well, so as always, be sure to have your shots before any India trip.