The best time to visit Pune is practically throughout the year. Also called as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune blends its historical charm with modern amenities, making it perfect for tourists. You will find ancient forts, temples, and historic landmarks, but also cozy cafes and trendy party places, all in one place. Plus, the pleasant climate of Pune makes it an ideal tourist destination in Maharashtra. Read on to find out the best time to visit Pune.
Winter in Pune (October to March)
October to March is the winter season in Pune. This is peak tourist season and undoubtedly the best time to visit. The days are cool and pleasant, while the nights can turn quite cold. You can go for sightseeing or exploring the city and the nearby areas. Make sure to carry some warm clothes, as the nights can often get very cold.
This is the perfect time for trekking in the region – Pune has many historic forts that you can trek to, ending in some breathtaking views. Shaniwar Wada, built by Bajirao Peshwa, is an architectural masterpiece with huge gates, grand construction, and a vast garden complex.
There are also many cultural festivals and events that take place during winter. The Sawai Gandharva Music Festival takes place in December. It is a 3-day long music festival and music lovers from all over the country come to attend this event. The festival of Diwali also takes place in October or November, celebrated with great enthusiasm in Pune.
Winter is also strawberry season in Pune, so make sure to try some delicious seasonal strawberry treats here!
See also: Things to do in Pune
Summer in Pune (March to June)
March to June is the summer season in Pune. Temperatures can go as high as 42 degrees Celsius, which is why it is not a peak tourist season in the region. Unlike Mumbai, the climate of Pune is hot and dry during the day. But because Pune is situated in a high-altitude region, the evenings and nights are comparatively cooler and more pleasant.
You can explore the indoor attractions such as museums, art galleries, cafes and shopping malls. This is also the season for mangoes, the king of fruits. Do try this popular seasonal fruit that is sold in many places in Pune.
The summer season is great for outdoor activities such as horse riding and paragliding. You can also visit the hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala, which are comparatively cooler during this time. We would recommend you to avoid traveling to Pune in April and May, since the heat can often be too much for those who aren’t used to such intense heat. If you do visit Pune, however, make sure to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and caps or hats. Also keep a bottle of water with you at all times and stay hydrated.
Read: Things to do in Maharashtra
Monsoon in Pune (July to September)
Monsoon in Pune lasts from July to September. The climate cools down considerably and the landscape turns into a lush green paradise. The temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. There can be unexpected heavy showers and the city often faces water-logging and traffic due to heavy rains, so it may not be the best time to visit. However, the Mumbai-Pune expressway sees a huge number of domestic tourists driving by, as the route turns especially picturesque during the monsoon, with green hills and valleys and waterfalls all around. The hill station of Lonavala, as well as Rajmachi and Kamshet are also crowded tourist destinations during the monsoons.
Trekking is one of the most popular activities in the region during monsoon season. Andarbhan Trek, Harishchandragad trek, Devkund Waterfall trek, Rajmachi trek are some of the renowned treks of the season.
Visit the renowned Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Ganesha. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi also takes place in late August or September, and is celebrated with great pomp in the city. This festival makes it one of the best times to visit Maharashtra.
So, when will you be visiting the beautiful city of Pune? Tell us! At India Someday, we create personalized trips to India based on your preferences and interests. Contact us, and together, we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
