Best Time to Visit Delhi
The best time to visit Delhi is between October and March, excluding the coldest and smoggiest weeks from 3rd week of December to 3rd week of January.
Delhi has extremes in weather – incredibly hot in summer, cold in winter and a monsoon season. I live in Delhi and have experienced the weather all year round. I’m going to give you a full breakdown of the Delhi weather, including what you can expect and tips on visiting during each season.
Another thing to consider are pollution levels. These also fluctuate with the seasons and can impact your time in the city.
Best Time to Visit Delhi
Choosing the time of your visit to Delhi is important. Delhi is not one of those destinations you can comfortably see in the off season. During the summer of 2024 temperatures almost reached 50° C. It’s not possible to sightsee in that kind of heat.
The very best times to visit Delhi are between October and mid December, and February to mid March. Temperatures are pleasant and pollution levels are not extreme.
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 all 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 to the end of January. It can be a nice time to explore the city, but temperatures do 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 really, really 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 another 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 2024 the temperature went up to 49.9° C in May. It is so hot, it’s almost impossible and unsafe to sightsee during the day.
Delhiites try to only go outdoors in the early mornings and evenings. Anyone that can goes abroad, or up into the lower Himalayas in summer. 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. Make sure you drink a lot water, and stick to indoor activities during the day (like Delhi museums – but even these don’t all have AC) and limited outdoor activities in 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 very light rain jacket.
In Delhi, it does not rain all day, every 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 in summer or monsoon season. Food spoils very quickly in this heat and humidity.
Worst Time to Visit Delhi
May until August are the worst months to visit Delhi. These are the hottest and most humid months. On the plus side, it’s low season, so hotels are a lot cheaper, but it’s not great for running around or sightseeing.
If you have to come during the North American and European summer, come in August – that is the least terrible of the worst months.
Where to Stay in Delhi
Delhi is a sprawling city with terrible traffic. It’s important to stay somewhere central so you won’t spend half your day in transit.
These are some of my favourite Delhi properties, all very well located for exploring the city:
Prakash Kutir B&B (budget)
If you’re looking for super clean, well located, budget friendly accommodation, stay here. This is South Delhi’s best bed and breakfast. It’s family run, near a metro station, and within walking distance of a market with shops and restaurants.
📍Check prices and availability at Prakash Kutir B&B
Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range)
The location of this heritage property cannot be beat – it’s beside Delhi’s most beautiful heritage park Lodhi Garden. This is one of Delhi’s greenest and most exclusive neighbourhoods. Rooms are simple but elegant, and breakfast is included. Plus, there’s an outdoor pool.
📍Check prices and availability at Lutyens Bungalow
Imperial Hotel New Delhi (luxury)
The Imperial is Delhi’s finest heritage hotel and a personal favourite. Built during the British Raj, it exudes traditional luxury without feeling pretentious.
The location is superb, right on Janpath Road, within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants and attractions.
📍Check prices and availability at Imperial Hotel New Delhi
FAQs About the Best Time to Visit Delhi
These are common questions about when to visit Delhi:
If I had to pick one month, I would say October is the best month to visit Delhi. The weather is warm but not overly hot, and pollution levels are moderate.
May is the hottest month in Delhi. But end of April, June and July are also very hot. I do not recommend visiting Delhi during this time.
July and August are the most rainy months in Delhi, when the monsoon arrives. Monsoon is when India gets 70-90% of its annual rainfall.
The Wrap-up on Best Time to Visit Delhi
In summary, the best time to visit Delhi is between October and March, but avoid 3rd week of December to the 3rd week of January – that’s when pollution levels are extreme and it’s cold. Do not visit Delhi during May, June and July, the hottest and most humid months.
Of course, if you have to come to Delhi during the worst months, it’s manageable just not the most pleasant. But you can expect much lower hotel prices at this time.
Looking for More? You Might Also Like…
- Where to Stay in Delhi – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget 2024
- What to Wear in Delhi, India and Packing List – Tips from an Insider
- Delhi in Winter: An Insider’s Guide
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
