The short answer
- Month
- October
- Verdict
- Very good
- North (Delhi, Rajasthan)
- Warm and clear, around 33°C
- South (Kerala, Goa)
- Warm, with late rains in places
- Crowds and prices
- Building through the month
October is when India's main travel season begins. The monsoon has gone from the north, the air is clear and the countryside is still green.
It is also the start of festival season, with Durga Puja, Dussehra and, in some years, Diwali.
Where to go in October
- Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle: Warm and clear, before the winter fog and crowds.
- Varanasi: Pleasant evenings for the Ganga Aarti.
- Tiger reserves: Parks reopen in October after the monsoon.
- Kerala: Good, though some late rain is possible.
What to avoid in October
- Ladakh, where the season has ended.
- Goa's beaches early in the month, when some shacks are still closed.
Festivals in October
- Durga Puja, Kolkata: Usually in September or October, with spectacular pandals and processions.
- Dussehra: Usually in October, marking Rama's victory, with burning effigies of Ravana.
- Diwali (29 October 2027): The festival of lights. See our Diwali guide.
Weather in October
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with October highlighted. Compare it with the months either side if your dates are flexible.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | DelhiAgra is similar | Jaipurmost of Rajasthan | Varanasi | KochiKerala coast | Goa | LehLadakh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20° / 8°19 mm | 22° / 8°8 mm | 23° / 9°18 mm | 32° / 23°20 mm | 32° / 20°1 mm | -2° / -14°10 mm |
| Feb | 24° / 11°21 mm | 26° / 11°7 mm | 27° / 12°18 mm | 32° / 24°25 mm | 32° / 21°0 mm | 1° / -12°8 mm |
| Mar | 30° / 15°17 mm | 32° / 16°4 mm | 33° / 17°9 mm | 33° / 25°40 mm | 32° / 23°1 mm | 6° / -6°10 mm |
| Apr | 36° / 21°16 mm | 37° / 22°5 mm | 39° / 22°6 mm | 33° / 26°130 mm | 33° / 25°10 mm | 12° / -1°7 mm |
| May | 40° / 26°30 mm | 40° / 26°15 mm | 40° / 26°15 mm | 32° / 26°330 mm | 33° / 27°100 mm | 17° / 3°7 mm |
| Jun | 39° / 28°74 mm | 39° / 27°60 mm | 38° / 28°105 mm | 29° / 24°750 mm | 30° / 25°900 mm | 22° / 7°4 mm |
| Jul | 35° / 28°210 mm | 34° / 26°190 mm | 33° / 27°290 mm | 29° / 24°600 mm | 29° / 24°1000 mm | 25° / 11°15 mm |
| Aug | 34° / 27°225 mm | 32° / 25°200 mm | 32° / 26°300 mm | 29° / 24°380 mm | 29° / 24°600 mm | 24° / 10°15 mm |
| Sep | 34° / 25°125 mm | 33° / 24°80 mm | 32° / 25°230 mm | 30° / 24°300 mm | 30° / 24°270 mm | 21° / 6°9 mm |
| Oct | 33° / 19°15 mm | 33° / 19°15 mm | 32° / 21°40 mm | 30° / 24°340 mm | 32° / 24°120 mm | 14° / -1°4 mm |
| Nov | 28° / 13°6 mm | 29° / 13°4 mm | 29° / 14°10 mm | 31° / 24°170 mm | 33° / 23°30 mm | 7° / -7°3 mm |
| Dec | 22° / 9°8 mm | 24° / 9°3 mm | 25° / 10°5 mm | 32° / 23°40 mm | 33° / 21°5 mm | 1° / -11°5 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 12 day trip for October
Our suggestion for October: Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur. Every trip can be made private and changed to suit your dates.
Tip: Air quality in Delhi starts to drop late in October. Keep Delhi short and spend more time in Rajasthan.
Want a October trip made for you?
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Other months
Thinking about September or November? See India in September and India in November, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit India.
Rather have a trip to India made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit India?
Yes. It is the start of the best season, with clear skies, green landscapes and major festivals.
When is Diwali in October?
In 2027 Diwali falls on 29 October. In 2026 it is on 8 November.
Sources we checked
India month by month
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