Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Varanasi & Rainy Season

The best time period for visiting Varanasi is from October to March, when the weather is not so hot and it is dry. November to February is the peak season, when crowds and higher prices are expected.

Rainy season is from late June to September. It is still possible to tour Varanasi in these months, but get ready for the humidity and rain. Lower prices and less-crowded attractions are the rewards.

Best Times to Visit Varanasi for Weather, Festivals, and Prices

Along the Ganges

As mentioned above the most popular times to visit Varanasi are from October to March. However, this can depend on your Varanasi trip purposes, budget, and weather preferences.

• For the perfect weather conditions, November to February are the best months to travel to Varanasi — (almost) rainless, clear, and cool to warm.
• October to March is the best period to photograph Varanasi as dry weather allows for nicer views.
• Festivals are the highlights of Indian life. If you want to experience some festival atmosphere, you should consider traveling during Holi (usually in March) or Diwali (in late October or November), which are the two grandest festivals in Varanasi and also in India.
• July to September (the rainy season) is the best time for low prices in general, when you should find the biggest discounts and more promotions on accommodation, flights, and tours.

Get more tips in our article: How to Plan an India Itinerary (First Timers' Guide)

Or tell us your interests, and we'd be glad to work out the perfect timings and activities for you.

Worst Times to Visit Varanasi

July and August see the heaviest rainfall in Varanasi. If you don't like the rain, you should avoid this period.

If you cannot stand the scorching heat, you'd better avoid April and May. The highest daily temperatures average 39 and 40°C (102 and 104°F) respectively. It can get even hotter in early June, but June is cooled by increasingly heavy rain later in the month.

However, some travelers choose to visit during these times, because there are fewer tourists and great discounts.

A staycation in a resort could be a good idea to reduce your inconvenience and discomfort from the heat or rain. Many resorts will have discounts in these months. You could enjoy the same quality service at a more affordable price (prices in low season can be half-price or 1½ times lower than in high season).

Weather in Varanasi

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Varanasi in January — Coolest

• Average low–high temperature: 6–23°C (43–73°F)
• Key festivals: New Year's Day

Varanasi in January is cool to mild and dry. It is one of the best times for a variety of activities, like visiting temples and ghats and taking a boat ride on the Ganges River.

In celebrating New Year, Varanasi by no means falls behind other places. You can find different themed parties in hotels, pubs, bars, restaurants, and other venues.

You could also watch its firework show from a rooftop bar or restaurant.

Varanasi in February — Mild Weather

• Average low–high temperature: 13–27°C (55–81°F)

February is one of the best months to visit Varanasi for dry and mild weather. It also offers a clear and sunny conditions for photography.

Sunsets by the Ganges, the famous Ganga Aarti ceremonies, devoted Hindus worshiping, and markets full of life are classic scenes of Varanasi.

Varanasi in March — Dry and Warm

Sarnath

• Average low–high temperature: 17–33°C (83–91°F)
• Key festival: Holi

March is dry and warm. As temperatures don't rise very high yet, it is still great for traveling.

The famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple where you can experience the highly choreographed Ganga Aarti ceremony, the Sarnath, one of the most important Buddhist monuments in India, and The Ganges River are all not to be missed.

Holi, one of the grandest Indian festivals, falls on March 25 in 2024. Airfares and hotel prices go up around Holi. If you are thinking of a tour during the period, book in advance.

Varanasi in April — Dry and Hot

• Average low–high temperature: 23–39°C (73–102°F)

April is one of the hottest months in Varanasi. The scorching heat prevents many people from going there in April.

Be sure to protect yourself from the sun when you go out. Ganges cruises are best done at sunrise, when it is not so hot and the views are good.

If you want to avoid the heat, it's best to stay inside where there's air-con around noon and in the afternoon. Choose a good hotel/resort.

Every night, there is a ritual by the Ganges where people dance and pray together — Ganga Aarti.

Varanasi in May — Hottest

• Average low–high temperature: 26–41°C (79–104°F)

The highest temperatures in Varanasi come in mid-to-late-May. Like in April, it is less-crowded in Varanasi in May. If you go out in the middle of the day, remember to protect yourself from sunburn.

Sightseeing such as visiting temples is better arranged in the morning or evening. For example, Kashi Vishwanath Temple could be arranged one late afternoon — avoid the heat and arrive just in time for the evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Varanasi in June — The Rains Start

• Average low–high temperature: 28–38°C (82–100°F)

Varanasi begins to be affected by the northward shift of the monsoon. The mix of rain and heat makes it the muggiest month.

The rainfall in June is only moderate. Flexible arrangements are important if choosing to visit during the rainy season. You may need to adjust your activities on the fly according to the arising weather conditions.

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Varanasi in July — Very Rainy

• Average low–high temperature: 27–34°C (81–93°F)

Rainfall increases in July. While the rain brings temperatures down somewhat compared to June's. You will still experience mugginess in July.

You will find big discounts on hotels and airfares. July is one of the cheapest times to tour Varanasi and most of India.

Booking a Varanasi resort and spending some holiday time there could be a good choice for you, where you could enjoy good meals, luxury spas and massages, swimming, and many other activities despite the heat outside. Doing your sightseeing in the early or late in the day is recommended.

Varanasi in August — Rainiest

• Average low–high temperature: 27–33°C (81–91°F)

The monsoon's influence continues in August in Varanasi. Like in July, it is also a good month for more affordable prices and less-crowded attractions.

Some indoor sightseeing, like Varanasi's Archaeological Museum, is good for the rainy days. Our consultant and guide would plan in contingencies and adjust on the day to find the best itinerary for you to cope with the changing weather.

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Varanasi in September — the Rains Weaken

• Average low–high temperature: 25–33°C (77–91°F)

The rainy season draws towards a close in September. It's still a bit muggy, but it's better than in July and August.

Outdoor sightseeing is okay. The showers won't last long. Food street food hunts could be an interesting activity, finding some tasty snacks while dodging a shower. You could still enjoy some good discounts in September.

Varanasi in October — Rains End

aranasi's morning

• Average low–high temperature: 21–32°C (70–90°F)

The weather becomes dry and not so hot in October. Tourism starts to pick up and so do the prices.

You could do all the classic Varanasi activities without worrying about heat or rain: explore the street food, visit the temples, have a walk along the Ganges River, and take a boat on the river.

Varanasi in November — Perfect Weather

• Average low–high temperature: 15–29°C (59–84°F)
• Key festivals: Diwali

November is in the peak season with perfect weather in Varanasi — warm, sunny, and clear. It is ideal for all the top activities, like temple visiting and a heritage walk along the Ganges.

Diwali, the most important festival in India falls on October 31 in 2024. If you travel during the festival, Varanasi is recommended as a place to celebrate with the locals dancing and burning sparklers, etc.

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Varanasi in December — Fine Weather Continues

• Average low–high temperature: 11–24°C (52–75°F)
• Key festivals: Christmas

December is also one of the peak months in Varanasi. Some Westerners go to India for their Christmas holidays.

Many hotels arrange Christmas dinners and parties. Some churches in the city also hold Christmas celebrations with religious fervor.

December is also a good time for shopping. There are big discounts in many shopping malls around Christmas.

Tour India with Us

All our tours can be adjusted based on your group's travel time, budget, and other requirements. Just contact us. Or begin from a suggested itinerary:

• 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi
• 12-Day Family Holiday in India
• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour