The short answer
When to go to Chilika Lake
November to February is prime time, when migratory birds are at Nalabana Island in numbers and the lake is calm enough for comfortable boat trips. October marks the start of the season, though showers can still linger. March to May turns hot and dry with far fewer birds, and June to September brings monsoon winds that make boats rough and unreliable, so this stretch is best skipped, especially for older travellers.
Month by month
Chilika Lake weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 16°C | 13 mm | Cool mornings, peak migratory-bird season | |
| February | 33°C | 19°C | 21 mm | Comfortable, birds still present | |
| March | 36°C | 23°C | 21 mm | Warming, fewer birds | |
| April | 38°C | 25°C | 40 mm | Very hot and bright | |
| May | 38°C | 27°C | 102 mm | Very hot, humid pre-monsoon | |
| June | 35°C | 26°C | 209 mm | Monsoon arrives; rough lake water | |
| July | 32°C | 26°C | 360 mm | Peak monsoon; boat trips unreliable | |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 375 mm | Heaviest rain; lake choppy | |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 282 mm | Monsoon still heavy | |
| October | 32°C | 23°C | 201 mm | Season begins; showers easing through the month | |
| November | 31°C | 19°C | 30 mm | Cool, dry, birds arriving in numbers | |
| December | 29°C | 15°C | 5 mm | Dry, comfortable, excellent birdwatching |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Chilika Lake seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February, November and December
- January: Cool mornings, peak migratory-bird season
- February: Comfortable, birds still present
- November: Cool, dry, birds arriving in numbers
- December: Dry, comfortable, excellent birdwatching
Good, with small trade-offs: October
- October: Season begins; showers easing through the month
Possible, with planning: March
- March: Warming, fewer birds
Best avoided with parents or children: April, May, June, July, August and September
- April: Very hot and bright
- May: Very hot, humid pre-monsoon
- June: Monsoon arrives; rough lake water
- July: Peak monsoon; boat trips unreliable
- August: Heaviest rain; lake choppy
- September: Monsoon still heavy
Useful answers
Best time to visit Chilika Lake: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Chilika Lake?
January, February, November and December are the best months to visit Chilika Lake, with October also good. November to February is prime time, when migratory birds are at Nalabana Island in numbers and the lake is calm enough for comfortable boat trips. October marks the start of the season, though showers can still linger. March to May turns hot and dry with far fewer birds, and June to September brings monsoon winds that make boats rough and unreliable, so this stretch is best skipped, especially for older travellers.
Which months should I avoid in Chilika Lake with elderly parents?
April, May, June, July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Very hot and bright Very hot, humid pre-monsoon
When does it rain most in Chilika Lake?
August is the wettest month, with about 375 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 38°C.