The best time to visit India
The best time to visit India for warm, sunny weather is November to February, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 88/100 with daytime highs around 27°C / 81°F. October and March are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in May at about 37°C / 99°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in April at 31°C.
India by month, averaged across 39 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89 | 26° / 79°F | 12 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| February | 85 | 29° / 84°F | 16 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| March | 70 | 33° / 91°F | 24 mm | 29° | Excellent |
| April | 45 | 36° / 97°F | 42 mm | 31° | Good |
| May | 37 | 37° / 99°F | 82 mm | 31° | Mixed |
| June | 47 | 34° / 93°F | 246 mm | 30° | Good |
| July | 59 | 31° / 88°F | 344 mm | 28° | Very good |
| August | 64 | 30° / 86°F | 288 mm | 28° | Very good |
| September | 67 | 30° / 86°F | 199 mm | 29° | Very good |
| October | 77 | 30° / 86°F | 112 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| November | 86 | 28° / 82°F | 48 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| December | 90 | 26° / 79°F | 17 mm | 28° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: November to February — India's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 88/100, ~27°C / 81°F days). Shoulder season: October and March — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: May, ~37°C / 99°F. Wettest: July (344 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Ahmedabad (3,112 h/yr), Jaipur (3,104 h/yr), Jammu (3,067 h/yr). See every India destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.