Varanasi is open all year, but each season gives you a very different city. Here is what to expect.
October to March — Peak season (Recommended)
Pleasant days of 15–28°C, cool mornings and misty sunrises on the Ganga. This is when the ghats are most comfortable to walk, boat rides are calm and the biggest festivals happen:
- Dev Deepawali (on Kartik Purnima, about 15 days after Diwali) — millions of diyas light up every ghat.
- Diwali and Chhath Puja.
- Mahashivratri (February/March) — Kashi celebrates its Lord Shiva.
December and January mornings can be foggy and cold (down to 5°C), so pack layers. Book early — hotels and boats fill up fast.
April to June — Summer
Very hot, often 40–45°C in May and June. If you visit in summer, plan everything for early morning and after sunset, and rest in the afternoon. The upside: fewer crowds and better hotel prices. Ganga Dussehra (May/June) is a beautiful festival on the river.
July to September — Monsoon
The Ganga rises dramatically and often floods the lower ghats. Boat rides may be suspended during high water and the aarti sometimes moves to higher platforms. The city is green and dramatic, and the holy month of Sawan brings thousands of devotees to Kashi Vishwanath.
Our recommendation
| If you want... | Go in |
|---|---|
| Best weather overall | November – February |
| Festivals and lights | Dev Deepawali (Nov) |
| Fewer tourists | July – August |
| Lowest prices | May – June |
Whatever you choose, we will plan your tours around the weather — sunrise boats in summer, warm chai stops in winter.
