Climate of India
India is a land of multitude cultures, creeds and faiths. Likewise, its weather also varies – on a dramatic note. While the southern part of this sub-continent is being deluged by the torrential monsoon rain, the northern part will remain draped in snow. Thus, it is important to keep the climate and seasons in mind before embarking on a journey to India. Obviously, some destinations can be visited only during a particular season.
By considering the pattern of rainfall and temperature of India in a year, this country is categorized into seven different climatic regions. These regions are: The Himalayas, The North Indian Plain, The Western Coast and Ghats, Assam and West Bengal, The Deccan Plateau, and the Eastern Coast and Ghats. In fact, while the northern part of India is cooler as compared to other regions, the central part is relatively hot and dry and the south has a typical tropical climate.
When it comes to Indian seasons, broadly they are divided into three categories – winter, summer and monsoon. Though, there are many places to visit in India during every season, winter is considered the best season to visit most of this vibrant country.
March to May – Summer in India
Temperatures start shooting up around February and a full-fledged summer season begins in March. Initially, the northern plains experience a steep rise in temperature and gradually the rest of the country picks up – with daily temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in many places. Interestingly, the southern part of the country stays cooler even during the peak period of summer, with temperatures remaining close to around 35 degrees Celsius. During the middle of May, monsoon clouds start hovering over the southern coastal region of India.
Places to visit in India during the Summer Season
Though, Indian summer is often associated with treacherous heat, this season does provide an excellent opportunity to explore the hills. There are numerous hills stations in India. Besides enjoying a soothing and refreshing ambiance, you can also spot various wild animals during this season, as they come out of the deep gorges or thick vegetation in search of water and food. Some of the top travel attractions of India during the summer season are: Sikkim, Manali, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kashmir, Rishikesh, Shimla, Darjeeling, Panchmarhi in Madhya Pradesh, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu and Munnar in Kerala among others.
June to October – Monsoons in India
According to old scriptures, India is known as the abode of clouds – a land that is blessed with rains. There are two types of monsoons in India – the southwest monsoon and the northeast monsoon. Predominately, the southwest monsoon is responsible for the major chunk of rains in India. It hits the coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu first and then starts progressing its way up to the middle part of India. The entire country receives maximum rainfall during the months of July and August. Gradually, the monsoon starts losing its strength by October in northwest India.
On the other hand, the northeast monsoon hits India’s east coast during the months of November and December. This monsoon lashes the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala. At the peak of its progress, monsoon culminates into lengthy downpours.
During monsoon, heavy rains are usually followed by spells of bright sunshine. Overall conditions remain quite hot and humid. It can be challenging to visit India during monsoon, but rains bring many gifts that can be only enjoyed during this season. In fact, rain augments the scenic beauty of many places – and creates an enticing imagery with the milieu of lush-green rainforests and numerous cascades.
Places to visit in India during the monsoon season
As the transport services get disrupted by the torrential rain during this period, it is the right time to explore some isolated places in India like Ladakh in the far north. Leading roads to Ladakh and many hill destinations, open up after June. Thus, this is the best time to explore some niche destinations in India. Some of the top travel attractions of India during the monsoon season are: Udaipur in Rajasthan, Bishnupur in West Bengal, Goa, and Kutch in Gujarat among others.
November to February – winter in India
As the monsoon disappears, clear sunny skies dominate the days. This time of the year is also known as the best time to visit India. The winter gradually sets in and after the pleasant and comfortable weather of November; mercury dips further in the next two months. Though day time temperature remains comfortable, winter chills ensnare the nights. While the Himalayan region experiences freezing temperatures, weather stays comfortable and nice in the southern region of India.
Places to visit in India during the Winter Season
Winter gives a plethora of options for travellers to explore the various parts of India. This is the perfect time to explore the sunny beaches of India. In fact, every year thousands of people flock the popular beaches of India from Goa to far south. Some of the top travel attractions of India during the winter season are: Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Andaman, Lakshadweep, Agra, Delhi, Nainital, and Gujarat among others.
Due to India’s diversified geography, there are many options or places to visit throughout the year. Contact us today for a tailor made journey!