Good weather while traveling is like the precursor of all good things to come. When the sun is shining gently and the breeze is soft and cool, even the uninteresting start looking like the perfect setting for a photographic pause or simply a moment to introspect.
In India, the weather is hot almost all through the year and although a well versed tourist is ably prepared to deal with the extra hard sunshine, with lots of sun-screen lotion, hats, sunglasses and loose clothing, you might also want to double check and avoid the scorching summer months, before you embark on the journey to this land.
With India, another important reason to be extra cautious about the weather is because of the visible dissimilarity of the whole thing. Being such a dramatic combination of different topographies, the same month and the same season may look and feel quite different, depending on your choice of destination.
Here is a rough guide of the weather scenario in India and the best time to visit the different regions of the country.
The Weather
India is primarily a country of three seasons, summer, rains and winter broken by short spells of spring and autumn.
The summer temperatures in the month of April-June across the country can go as high as 47-48 degree Celsius though the northern parts like Kashmir are still blessed with cool climates. Winter months from October to February are cooler and pleasant and many trip advisors do suggest traveling during these months, to avoid extreme heat, humidity, sudden rain spells, and sunburns. Winter is also the time for many major festivals and therefore a good time to see the country in all its colorful glory.
North
Mountain Region, including Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. The states have short spells of summer but prolonged winters that are cold and dry. The lowest temperatures are recorded in the Himalayan belt averaging below 7 degree Celsius.
Dal Lake, Kashmir. Courtesy Tony George via Flickr
North-East
Himalaya Region including Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya. Cold, humid winter with short and pleasant summer months. The states are still worth a visit any time of the year except rainy months from June to September.
Rain. Courtesy judepics via Flickr
Northern and North-Eastern Plains
This area includes states like Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and part of Assam and Sikkim and other north-eastern states. Also parts of central states like Madhya Pradesh and Chhatisgarh.
The states broadly coming under humid subtropical category, experience very hot summers, followed by heavy rainfall and dry winters.
Hill-stations located in these states can be visited in summer months. Other destinations make good winter vacations.
West
Rajasthan and Gujarat are the major states of the region with low rainfall, and extremes of temperature in summers and winters. Months from September till March are good for traveling to these destinations especially if you are interested in the desert safaris.
Sun 'n' Sand, Rajasthan. Courtesy ManojVasanth via Flickr
South, South-West, South-East
The states in this area experience tropical Savannah climates with long, dry seasons, high summer temperature and mild winters. Coastal areas are mostly humid in summers and extremely humid in rainy season. The eastern coast receives winter rainfall from the receding Southwest monsoon.
This area includes states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Again summer is avoidable, as is the monsoons.
Weather Enduring Tips
- To prevent dehydration drink plenty of fluids.
- Add an extra pinch of salt to the food.
- Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
- Use hats, sunglasses, sunscreens profusely.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
- Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothing.
- Prefer wearing sandals over covered shoes.
