The short answer
When to go to Chikmagalur
November to February is the best season for Chikmagalur's coffee estates and Mullayanagiri hill, with clear skies and cool, comfortable temperatures. March to May also stays clear and pleasant before the rains build. June to September brings heavy monsoon rain and a real landslide risk on the narrow estate roads, which is worth avoiding for older travellers who are less able to manage sudden route changes or waits. The gentle altitude of around 1,200 metres rarely causes problems, but a slow first day is still sensible.
Month by month
Chikmagalur weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 15°C | 2 mm | Cool, clear mornings; ideal for Mullayanagiri sunrise | |
| February | 31°C | 16°C | 4 mm | Pleasant and dry; a favoured month for estate visits | |
| March | 33°C | 18°C | 26 mm | Warm days but rain starting; still generally clear | |
| April | 33°C | 20°C | 64 mm | Warmer with regular afternoon showers building | |
| May | 31°C | 20°C | 117 mm | Pre-monsoon showers increase; hills stay green | |
| June | 27°C | 19°C | 119 mm | Monsoon begins; heavy rain and landslide risk on roads | |
| July | 25°C | 19°C | 126 mm | Peak monsoon; roads can be slippery and misty | |
| August | 26°C | 19°C | 130 mm | Continued heavy rain; waterfalls are at their fullest | |
| September | 27°C | 18°C | 107 mm | Rain still frequent; greenery at its lushest | |
| October | 27°C | 18°C | 163 mm | Rain tapering, though showers persist through the month | |
| November | 27°C | 17°C | 67 mm | Cooling and mostly dry; a quieter, pleasant month | |
| December | 27°C | 15°C | 11 mm | Cool and mostly dry; excellent hiking weather |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Chikmagalur seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February and December
- January: Cool, clear mornings; ideal for Mullayanagiri sunrise
- February: Pleasant and dry; a favoured month for estate visits
- December: Cool and mostly dry; excellent hiking weather
Good, with small trade-offs: March and November
- March: Warm days but rain starting; still generally clear
- November: Cooling and mostly dry; a quieter, pleasant month
Possible, with planning: April, May, June, July, August, September and October
- April: Warmer with regular afternoon showers building
- May: Pre-monsoon showers increase; hills stay green
- June: Monsoon begins; heavy rain and landslide risk on roads
- July: Peak monsoon; roads can be slippery and misty
- August: Continued heavy rain; waterfalls are at their fullest
- September: Rain still frequent; greenery at its lushest
- October: Rain tapering, though showers persist through the month
Useful answers
Best time to visit Chikmagalur: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Chikmagalur?
January, February and December are the best months to visit Chikmagalur, with March and November also good. November to February is the best season for Chikmagalur's coffee estates and Mullayanagiri hill, with clear skies and cool, comfortable temperatures. March to May also stays clear and pleasant before the rains build. June to September brings heavy monsoon rain and a real landslide risk on the narrow estate roads, which is worth avoiding for older travellers who are less able to manage sudden route changes or waits. The gentle altitude of around 1,200 metres rarely causes problems, but a slow first day is still sensible.
When does it rain most in Chikmagalur?
October is the wettest month, with about 163 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 33°C.