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 86/100 with daytime highs around 27°C / 81°F. October and March are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in April at about 36°C / 97°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 | 87 | 25° / 77°F | 12 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| February | 84 | 29° / 84°F | 16 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| March | 68 | 33° / 91°F | 24 mm | 29° | Very good |
| April | 47 | 36° / 97°F | 42 mm | 31° | Good |
| May | 40 | 36° / 97°F | 82 mm | 31° | Good |
| June | 50 | 34° / 93°F | 246 mm | 30° | Good |
| July | 62 | 31° / 88°F | 344 mm | 28° | Very good |
| August | 66 | 30° / 86°F | 288 mm | 28° | Very good |
| September | 68 | 30° / 86°F | 199 mm | 29° | Very good |
| October | 78 | 29° / 84°F | 112 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| November | 86 | 27° / 81°F | 48 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| December | 88 | 25° / 77°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 86/100, ~27°C / 81°F days). Shoulder season: October and March — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: April, ~36°C / 97°F. Wettest: July (344 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Ahmedabad (3,066 h/yr), Jammu (2,935 h/yr), Surat (2,935 h/yr). See every India destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.