Best Time to Visit Delhi
The best time to visit Delhi is between October and March, excluding the coldest and smoggiest weeks from mid December through January.
Delhi has extremes in weather – incredibly hot in summer, cold in winter and a monsoon season. Another thing to consider are pollution levels. These also fluctuate with the seasons and can impact your time in the city.
I lived in Delhi for years and have experienced it all. I’ll give you a breakdown of the Delhi weather, including what you can expect and tips on visiting during each season.
Quick Reference: When to Visit Delhi
- Very best month: February
- Best time: October to mid December & February to mid March
- Avoid: May through August (but if you have to visit in summer, August is better)
- Worst time: Mid December through January
Best Time to Visit Delhi
Choosing when to visit Delhi is important. It’s not a destination you can comfortably see in every season. During the summer of 2025 temperatures reached 46° C, making sightseeing uncomfortable and even unsafe.
The very best times to visit Delhi are October to mid December, and February to mid March. Temperatures are pleasant and pollution levels are not extreme. February is the absolute best month to visit Delhi.
Worst Time to Visit Delhi
May through August are the worst months to visit Delhi. May and June are extremely hot. July and August are a little cooler, but extremely humid because of monsoon, so equally as uncomfortable.
The upside is that it’s low season, so hotel prices are considerably cheaper. If you have to visit Delhi during the North American and European summer, August is the least terrible of the worst months.
Seasonal Guide – Temperature and Pollution
Here is a quick guide to the seasons in Delhi:
| Season | Months | Average Temp. | Pollution | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Autumn | mid September – November | 20-30° C | moderate | very good to visit |
| Winter | December & January | 5-20° C | severe | smoggy and cold |
| Spring | February & March | 20-25° C | moderate | very good to visit |
| Summer | April – June | 25-45° C | moderate | extreme heat, avoid visiting |
| Monsoon | July – mid September | 30-40° C | moderate | very humid, flash flooding |
Delhi in Autumn: mid September to November
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Delhi. The weather is perfect for exploring and pollution levels are tolerable.
This is peak tourist season, so hotel prices will be higher and things like train tickets should be booked in advance. Prices at monuments and restaurants stay the same year round.
There are two major Hindu festivals in autumn, Durga Puja and Diwali. Both are a lot of fun to celebrate in Delhi. Dates are based on the lunar calendar and change each year, but Durga Puja is usually in October and Diwali is usually in November.
Delhi in Winter: December & January
Delhi does experience winter which last for about 6 weeks, from mid December through January. It can be a nice time to explore the city, but temperatures drop into the single digits.
The most important things to know about Delhi in winter is that not all places have heat, and the pollution is very bad. AQI levels regularly reach 400 and above. If you have asthma or any kind of bronchial issue, do not come here in winter.
It’s also the start of wedding season. If you’re staying in a large hotel, request a room away from the banquet halls. Indian weddings can be loud and go very late.
Insider Tip: Make sure your accommodation has heat and air purifiers. Delhi’s luxury hotels often have air purification systems and central heating. Other properties may have portable air purifiers and oil heaters for the guest rooms.
Republic Day is January 26th. It’s a national holiday, and there’s a huge military parade on Kartavya Path by India Gate. If you can get tickets, go (but dress warm), it’s a great spectacle.
Delhi in Spring: February & March
This is a really nice time to be in Delhi. Everything is blooming, pollution is moderate and the temperatures are in the 20s. Like autumn, this is considered peak tourist season, so make sure you book your hotel and any train tickets in advance.
The Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan (called Amrit Udyan) are open to the public at this time and free. For tickets and entrance information check the official Rashtrapati Bhavan website.
Delhi’s annual Tulip Festival is also in February. Most of the blooms are on Shantipath, which I refer to as Embassy Row.
Insider Tip: This is wedding season. If you are staying at a large hotel, request a room far from the banquet halls. Indian weddings can last all night.
Delhi in Summer: April to June
Avoid coming to Delhi in summer. In 2025 the temperature went up to 46° C in May. It is so hot, it’s almost impossible and unsafe to sightsee during the day. May is the hottest month in Delhi.
Delhiites try to stay inside during the day and only go outside in the early mornings and evenings. Anyone that can goes abroad, or up into the lower Himalayas. The mountains are a lot cooler.
If you must visit Delhi in summer, make sure your accommodation has AC – it is imperative. Also don’t plan too much, the extreme heat is tiring. Drink a lot water and stick to indoor activities during the day (like Delhi museums – but even these don’t all have AC) and limit outdoor activities to the evenings.
Delhi in Monsoon: July to mid September
Monsoon season is cooler than summer, but very humid, so it’s almost as uncomfortable. However, the rains do bring some relief. Make sure you pack an umbrella and a light rain jacket.
In Delhi, it does not rain all day during monsoon season. It might rain for many days in a row, but it generally comes down fast and furious and then it’s over. The deluge can lead to flash flooding, with roads and sidewalks suddenly under inches of rain and barely passable. But it does subside fairly quickly.
Monsoon is closely monitored in India, with local media reporting the date of arrival in Delhi. In India it is an official season. Even my refrigerator had a monsoon setting on the temperature control.
Insider Tip: Don’t eat street food or any seafood in summer or monsoon season. Food spoils quickly in this heat and humidity.
Where to Stay in Delhi
In Delhi, where you stay matters. Not only because the city is massive and you want to be near the sites, but also in terms of safety. The best area to stay in is South Delhi.
These are some of my favourite Delhi properties, all very well located for exploring the city:
- The Imperial (luxury): Delhi’s finest heritage hotel and my personal favourite. Superb location on Janpath, within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants and attractions.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Heritage boutique property in one of the best areas of the city next to Lodhi Garden. Fantastic area near many sites. Breakfast is included.
- Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast (budget): Family run guest house in a very good area of South Delhi, near the metro and easy to explore the whole city from. Spotlessly clean. Home-cooked breakfast is included.
Last Words on Best Time to Visit Delhi
For the best combination of comfortable weather and manageable pollution, the best time to visit Delhi is October to mid December or February to mid March, with February being the best month overall.
If you can only visit during summer, you can still enjoy Delhi, but you’ll need to be prepared for heat and humidity. The lower hotel prices are a big advantage of travelling during this time.
