Best time to visit Gujarat
Ideally, the best time to visit Gujarat is during the winter season, between October and March. Gujarat, located on the west coast of India, has a varied geography depending on the region.
The beginning of monsoon season, July is also a good time to visit Gujarat, especially in the regions that do not receive a lot of rainfall. The summer months from March to June witness intense heat and temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius. This time is not favorable for tourism, although there are a few places that provide a respite from the heat. Read this article to find out more about the best time to visit Gujarat.
Winter season in Gujarat (November to February)
November to February is the winter season in Gujarat, the ideal time to explore the state. The climate is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 12 to 25 degrees Celsius. Blue skies and cool climate during the day and chilly nights make it a good time to go sightseeing. The beaches of Goa are slightly cooler, making it perfect to take a sunbath.
You can explore Gir National Park, home to Asiatic lions, Rann of Kutch, Sabarmati Ashram, Kalo Dungar, and more. The Rann Utsav takes place in Kutch in this season. Makar Sankranti, or Uttarayan, is also celebrated in January.
However, since this is peak tourist season, you may find the state crowded during this time of year.
Best places to visit in winter in Gujarat
Rann of Kutch, Ahmedabad, Modhera, Gandhi Nagar, Dwarka, Sasan Gir
See more: Best birding sanctuaries in Gujarat
Summer season in Gujarat (March to June)
March to June is an off-season for tourism in Gujarat.With temperatures rising up to 40 degrees Celsius, the intense heat makes it difficult to go sightseeing outdoors. Summer is not recommended to visit Gujarat, but if you do visit, you can still enjoy it at Saputara, a popular hill station in Gujarat. The climate is pleasant here even during this season. If you are planning a staycation, you can also visit Dwarka and Vadodara. There are many temples and other attractions that you can visit during the night, while staying indoors throughout the day.
Summer is also the best time to visit the national parks in India. Because of the high temperatures, animals gather around watering holes, making it easier to spot them. You can visit the Gir Forest National Park, Blackbuck National Park, and Vansda National Park during summer.
Holi, the festival of colors, takes place in March in Gujarat to celebrate the onset of spring season.
Best places to visit in summer in Gujarat
Diu-Daman, Saputara, Gir National Park, Dwarka
See more: Best museums in Gujarat
Monsoon season in Gujarat (July to September)
Monsoon season in India is from July to September. The climate becomes cool, with the temperatures ranging from 27 to 35 degrees Celsius. The landscape turns lush green and is a sight to behold. Gujarat experiences different amounts of rainfall in different regions.
Most national parks are closed during monsoons in Gujarat.
The nine-day festival of Navratri takes place in September or early October, celebrated with a lot of pomp and vigor in Gujarat. Towards the end of October or early November, Diwali, the festival of lights is celebrated across India.
Best places to visit in monsoons in Gujarat
Saputara, Girnar, Jambughoda, Wilson Hills, Dandi beach
Read also: Best places to visit in Gujarat
Festivals in Gujarat
Gujarat celebrates more than 3000 festivals and events throughout the year. While most of these fairs and events are on a very local level, there are a few festivals you should definitely not miss if you are in Gujarat during the same time.
Navratri: Undoubtedly the most famous festival in Gujarat, Navratri is a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. This festival takes place in September or October, and is popular for the dance celebrations of Garba and Dandiya Raas throughout the night.
Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated all over India. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness. In Gujarat, the celebrations include decorating the house with lanterns and diyas (oil lamps), fireworks, and exchanging sweets. Families and friends visit each other and enjoy this festival together.
Rann Utsav: From November to February, Gujarat celebrates Rann Utsav in the salt flats of the Great Rann of Kutch. You can camp under the full moon in the white desert, a surreal experience like no other. The festival also has folk dances and music, exhibitions, and local arts and crafts.
International Kite Festival: The festival or Makar Sankranti, or Uttarayan, is celebrated on 14th or 15th January every year with the International Kite Festival in Gujarat. The skies are filled with unique, vibrant kites of all shapes and sizes, and sees visitors coming to participate and watch from all over the world.
Modhera Dance Festival: Modhera Dance Festival is celebrated during the third week of January in Gujarat. It is a celebration of music, dance, art, and culture against the backdrop of the magnificent Sun Temple in Modhera. Renowned artists from all over the country perform at this beautiful festival.
Janmashtami: The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated in August with joy in Gujarat. In one of the traditions, people form human pyramids on the streets and try to break a pot full of curd hanging many feet high. There are also competitions and prizes for the same. People also celebrate with devotional songs, dances, and delicious food made for Lord Krishna.
Tips to enjoy your trip to Gujarat
- Gujarat is primarily a vegetarian state, and non-vegetarian food and alcohol is not available in many places in the state. Explore the local cuisine, which is delicious.
- Carry light, breathable clothes. In winters, the nights can get cold, so carry a sweater or shawl with you. If you are traveling in monsoon, carry an umbrella or raincoat with you.
- Use sunscreen liberally and stay hydrated at all times.
- Respect the local customs of the state. Dress modestly, especially if you are visiting any religious places or temples.
- Experience at least one of the festivals when you visit Gujarat if you can, like Navratri, Rann Utsav, or the International Kite Festival.
So, are you excited to visit Gujarat? Contact us, and we will plan the perfect trip for you! At India Someday, we curate personalized trips for you based on your preferences and requirements. Let us know, and we can plan your ideal trip to Gujarat or the rest of India!
