A monthly guide to the best time to visit New Delhi

Rich in history and abundant in jaw-dropping sights, New Delhi is a destination that deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. From strolling through the dazzling Red Fort to grabbing a bite at the world-famous street food haven Chandni Chowk, the city is full of irreplicable sights you can’t miss. Avoid disappointment by choosing the best time to visit New Delhi, minding factors like large crowds, high heat, and monsoon weather. Whether you want to explore the beautiful Swaminarayan Akshardham or the Jantar Mantar observatory, read on for a seasonal guide on what to do in the Indian capital each month.

Choosing the best time to go to New Delhi

Best time for outdoor lovers

If long days spent strolling around outdoor gardens and public parks are your main priority, the cooler months of October through March are the best time to visit New Delhi.

Best time for people on a budget

The warmer months of April to September bring a mix of high heat and wet conditions. On the plus side, rains nourish green spaces like Lodhi gardens and thin out crowds in the usual city hotspots.

Best time for sightseeing

October to March bring dry, mild temperatures ideal for long sightseeing days. October and November draw crowds for national celebrations like Diwali, the festival of lights.

New Delhi throughout the seasons

Spring in New Delhi

February to March

As spring arrives in New Delhi, temperatures begin to thaw, with highs reaching 80-90 F (26-32 C) in February. Holi, the festival of colors, offers visitors a chance to throw colored powders and celebrate with locals.

Summer in New Delhi

April to June

Summer in New Delhi brings weather designed for habitual sunbathers. Snap selfies before sites like the Akshardham and spend hot afternoons at any of New Delhi’s national museums.

Monsoon

July to September

July marks the official start of monsoon season, ushering in three months of unpredictable rainfall and slightly cooler temperatures. Check out the city’s parks, which transform into green oases or indoor spaces like the National Museum and Nehru Planetarium.

Fall in New Delhi

September to November

Fall in New Delhi offers a brief break from weather extremes. Take advantage of warm days and mild evenings by frequenting the city’s outdoor markets and joining in celebrations for festivals like Diwali or Dussehra.

Winter in New Delhi

December to January

Cooler temperatures are a hallmark of Winter in New Delhi, with few to none of the extremes observed in more northern countries. January might feature foggy mornings, but nothing that should stop you from visiting landmarks like India Gate.

January in New Delhi

Despite being the coldest month of the year, January’s moderate temperatures make it one of the best times for sightseeing. Plan for crowds around major historical sites, like the Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, and Qutub Minar. At the end of the month, Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India with a three-day celebration featuring military displays, dance performances, and cultural heritage displays. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of “chief guests” like French President Emmanuel Macron.

Weather

Average temperature: 49 F (9 C)

Average rainfall: Minimal

Average sunshine: 7 hours

February in New Delhi

February is one of the best times to visit New Delhi, and for good reason. While you can’t completely rule out fog, most find the milder temperatures comfortable for long days on the move. Feel free to pack your itinerary with a few major sights a day. Don’t miss the annual Surajkund International Crafts Melha, bringing craftspeople from over 20 countries and showcasing the best artisan goods. It’s also an ideal time to relax outdoors, dine al fresco, and check out Delhi’s gardens in bloom.

Weather

Average temperature: 63 F (13 C)

Average rainfall: Moderate

Sunshine: 10 hours

March in New Delhi

Marking the beginning of summer, March also coincides with one of India’s most famous festivals, Holi. Symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, Holi is celebrated with dance, delicious sweets, and the throwing of colored powder in the air. Depending on which time of the month you visit, you might also encounter a few days on the extreme end of what’s considered “warm.” It’s best to check out outdoor sights like Jantar Mantar and street markets at the beginning of your trip.

Weather

Average temperature: 72 F (22 C)

Average rainfall: Minimal

Sunshine: 11 hours

April in New Delhi

Weather extremes are common during Indian summers, meaning April will require some planning. Organize your outings around the early mornings and late afternoons, but don’t worry about wet conditions — April is the second driest month of the year. Given summer’s tourist-deterring temperatures, you might be surprised to find usually-packed stops like the street market Chandni Chowk and grand mosque Jama Masjid surprisingly sparse this time of year.

Weather

Average temperature: 84 F (29 C)

Average rainfall: Minimal

Sunshine: 12 hours

May in New Delhi

If you’re wondering what to do in New Delhi in May, you’ll find plenty of options to go around. While an outdoors-loving traveler might find May’s restrictively hot temperatures a downer, an art aficionado who wouldn’t mind museum-hopping between the National Museum and the National Gandhi Museum, or live music in New Delhi’s air-conditioned cocktail bars, won’t find too much lacking. If you can withstand some heat in the early mornings, squeeze in a few historical sites here and there.

Weather

Average temperature: 91 F (33 C)

Average rainfall: Minimal

Sunshine: 13 hours

June in New Delhi

There’s no getting around it: June brings stubbornly hot temperatures and intermittent showers. But that doesn’t mean you should rule out a trip to New Delhi. Make New Delhi a stop in a more extensive itinerary that includes cooler destinations, like the Himalayan peaks, the region of Ladakh, or any number of mountainous towns like Rishikesh, known as the Yoga capital of the world. When you reach New Delhi, head for covered indoor markets like Sarojini Nagar or evening bazaars like Dilli Haat.

Weather

Average temperature: 90 F (32 C)

Average rainfall: Moderate

Sunshine: 12 hours

July in New Delhi

New Delhi collectively exhales in July as the monsoon season brings cooler temperatures and wetter conditions. Sure, it’s another unpredictable element to factor into your planning, but rain might be more manageable than heat. Look on the bright side and head to Delhi’s best green spaces, which freshen up under much-needed showers. The 90-acre Lodi Garden and Garden of Five Senses are classics, but there’s also the densely forested Sanjay Van or Nehru Park.

Weather

Average temperature: 88 F (31 C)

Average rainfall: High

Sunshine: 8 hours

August in New Delhi

August is the wettest month of the year in New Delhi, and rain usually means waterlogged streets and mosquitoes. That said, showers typically don’t last all day, and clear skies are common. You’ll have to remain flexible to the whims of the rains, planning visits to main attractions like the White Lotus Temple and Rashtrapati Bhavan for the dry hours. If you’re in town on August 15, you can celebrate India’s Independence Day with patriotic events and cultural programs.

Weather

Average temperature: 86 F (30 C)

Average rainfall: High

Sunshine: 8 hours

September in New Delhi

Both the humidity and thermometer-breaking temperatures have decreased by now, opening up entire days to sightseeing. Shoulder season is an opportune time to visit UNESCO world heritage sites like Qutub Minar, the Red Fort, or Humayun’s Tomb without elbow-bumping crowds. Or if you’re up for it, plan a day trip to the Taj Mahal. While major festivals are yet to commence, Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival honoring Lord Ganesh, introduces travelers to the deeply religious spirit of New Delhi and India.

Weather

Average temperature: 84 F (29 C)

Average rainfall: High

Sunshine: 9 hours

October in New Delhi

Next to spring, fall is universally known as one of the best times to visit New Delhi. It’s why top attractions like the war memorial India Gate and architectural points of interest like Qutub Minar and Swaminarayan Akshardham experience a swell in visitors. Thanks to cooler, more pleasant temperatures, you’ll also get to enjoy Dussehra, a holiday marking the triumph of good over evil. Don’t miss all-day preparations and celebrations of Diwali, the festival of lights, with sumptuous feasts and fireworks galore.

Weather

Average temperature: 77 F (25 C)

Average rainfall: Minimal

Sunshine: 11 hours

November in New Delhi

November’s mild and dry conditions mean the world, or in this case, New Delhi, is your oyster. Design an itinerary chock-full of every major sight, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, the Hauz Khas Complex, and Lodhi Colony. Whether it’s in a shaded garden or an exposed marketplace, your physical and financial limits are the only factors that can hold back your most ambitious travel plans this month. But word to the wise: fall is a short-lived season, and you won’t be the only tourist packing the city in November. Book early to avoid surge pricing.

Weather

Average temperature: 68 F (20 C)

Rainfall: Minimal

Sunshine: 10 hours

December in New Delhi

Although a quiet fog sets in most mornings, December rewards visitors with cool temperatures ideal for exploring New Delhi. Now’s the time for markets like Chandni Chowk and historical neighborhoods like Connaught Place. For a decisively December activity, check out Sufi singers at the Qutab Festival or enjoy a quiet moment at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah mausoleum. If you’re in New Delhi for the Christmas holidays, you can attend midnight mass or simply enjoy the markets and live entertainment throughout the city.

Weather:

Average temperature: 59 F (15 C)

Average rainfall: Minimal

Sunshine: 10 hours

Best time to visit New Delhi: FAQs

What’s the best month to go to New Delhi?

February’s dry and cool temperatures are perfect for packed itineraries featuring indoor and outdoor attractions in New Delhi.

What’s the cheapest month to go to New Delhi?

If you can plan around hot afternoons between April and June — even May, the hottest month of the year — you’ll score big deals on flights and hotels.

When should I avoid New Delhi?

April to August guarantee extreme heat and unpredictable rain. Unless you’re confident in your planning skills, you should plan to travel outside these months.

How many days do I need in New Delhi?

With a carefully planned itinerary, three full days is more than enough to cover all the major landmarks of New Delhi. If you’re looking to travel at a slower pace or add a day trip to the Taj Mahal, you’ll need five to seven days.

Which three months are cool in New Delhi?

December, January, and February are typically the coolest months of the year, with January typically setting the lowest temperatures.