The best time to visit Varanasi depends on many factors. The best time is of course during the cool winters, but the other seasons come with their own unique characteristics. Varanasi is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.
Considered to be the most sacred city in India, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh sees life and death in one place. Home to some of the holiest temples as well as the largest cremation ground in the world, Varanasi has a spiritual vibe that will pull you in and make it hard to leave.
Known for its various ghats, the magnificent Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and spiritual Ganga aartis, the historical city of Varanasi shows its vibrant spirit through many cultural events and festivals. Read on to find out the best time to visit Varanasi.
Winter season in Varanasi (November to February)
Winter is the peak tourist season in Varanasi. From November to February, the city experiences pleasant weather, clear skies, cool breezes, and temperatures ranging from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius. This climate is perfect to explore the holy city’s numerous ghats and alleys.
Early in the morning, you will find the Ganges covered in dense fog, making for a view so surreal that you may want to just sit there taking it all in.
Visit the ghats and take evening or early morning boat rides, watching the city in the soft glow of lights. Experience the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, a distinct experience in spirituality that will stay with you for a long time. You can visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the 12 holiest temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. Visit Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon, or Ramnagar Fort, a historical place with a museum.
The festivals of Dev Diwali and Mahashivratri, dedicated to Lord Shiva, take place in winter. The city glows with the lights of thousands of lamps and a spiritual vibe. The festival of kites, Makar Sankranti, also takes place in January.
One of the grandest festivals in Varanasi is the Ganga Mahotsav. Celebrated over five days, the Ganga Mahotsav takes place in October or November and celebrates the heritage and history of the sacred River Ganges.
Winter is also the time to taste one of the most popular delicacies in Varanasi, the Malaiyyo. This saffron-flavored cloud of milk is made with dew drops that settle on the preparation, which is why it is mostly available only during winters. It is something you must not miss while in Varanasi.
Carry some woollens, since the nights can get quite chilly. Because it is the tourist season, be prepared for crowds. Also, make sure to book tickets and accommodations in advance, since the prices rise during this season.
See more: Things to do in Varanasi
Summer season in Varanasi (March to June)
Summers in Varanasi can be intense, with bright, clear skies and temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius during the day. The climate is extremely hot and humid, not exactly ideal for any outdoor activities.
However, the area around the ghats is comparatively cooler, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Try to schedule outdoor activities during this time.
Avoid venturing out during the peak afternoons, instead opting for indoor attractions such as the beautiful temples around the city, museums, and art galleries. You can visit the Banaras Hindu University Campus and the Ramnagar Fort Museum.
The Assi Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, and Kedar Ghat will offer a pleasant space to relax. You will also get lesser crowds during early mornings or for the evening Ganga aartis.
The festival of Holi takes place in March. This vibrant festival of colors is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Varanasi with colors, music, and dance. If you are here during this time, do not miss experiencing this fun festival. Ganga Dussehra is another festival that takes place in May or June.
The Buddha Mahotsav is held in late April or early May. It celebrates the birth of Lord Buddha with processions, fairs, and cultural programs.
Gorge on some delicious street food of Varanasi, such as chaat, gol gappe, rabri and jalebi. Don’t forget to try the famous lassi of Varanasi, a sweet drink to help you beat the heat. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Apply plenty of sunscreen. Wear loose, breathable clothes and carry a cap and sunglasses.
Monsoon season in Varanasi (July to October)
Monsoon in Varanasi offers a cool respite from the scorching heat of the summer, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. However, it isn’t the best time to visit the city.
For one, July and August bring torrential rains in the city. The Ganges overflows with the downpours. The heavy rains often cause waterlogging, disrupting your travel plans.
Plus, the narrow streets and alleys of the city are difficult to navigate during this season. The roads get slippery, and the ghats are often inaccessible on some days. The boat rides are also paused during especially rainy days.
However, the ghats and the Ganges look magnificent in the pouring rain, offering a beautiful view. The grey skies create a dramatic landscape, showing a very different side of the city.
The monsoon season is also a great time for Ayurvedic treatments and other such indoor activities. You can visit the Bharat Kala Bhavan Museum or the Ramnagar Fort Museum to escape the rains.
This season sees fewer tourists in the city, which is great if you are looking for a quieter experience sans the crowds. You will also get discounts on tickets and accommodations.
The Ramlila is a set of plays performed in September or October for 31 days. The play depicts scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Do try to see one of the plays if you get the chance.
Try to avoid street food that has been sitting out for too long. Carry an umbrella or raincoat and appropriate footwear. Be prepared for delays and cancellations in plans, and stay careful.
Read more: Two-weeks in North India with Rajasthan and Varanasi
Things to keep in mind
- The ancient city of Varanasi is considered the holiest in India. Be respectful of the local customs and traditions.
- Dress appropriately while visiting the temples and other religious and spiritual places.
- Varanasi has the largest cremation ground in the world. Avoid clicking pictures or shooting videos of the process of cremation, as it can hurt the sentiments of the locals.
- Cannabis is illegal in India, but you will find many government-approved bhaang shops in Varanasi. If you do try it, be careful with the amount of bhaang you intake. Plus, while cannabis is okay in Varanasi, do not drink alcohol near the Ganges.
- You will see many monkeys running freely in Varanasi, especially around the Durga Temple, which is also known as Monkey Temple. Monkeys are considered an avatar of the Hindu monkey God Hanuman, and are therefore sacred. However, these monkeys can get aggressive and try to steal your food or other stuff. So always keep the doors and windows of your room closed and stay cautious.
- Do try to attend at least one Ganga aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. It is a beautiful, spiritual experience unlike any other.
- If you love photography, keep your camera handy, as Varanasi will give you some of the most beautiful shots.
So, when will you be visiting Varanasi? Let us know! At India Someday, we create personalized trips to India for you, based on your likes and preferences. Contact us, and together we can plan the perfect trip to India for you!
