The short answer
When to go to Rishikesh
October to March is the best time, and the wider September-to-May stretch is generally mild, making Rishikesh workable for much of the year. April to June can turn warm, and July to September brings heavy monsoon rain with occasional landslides on the surrounding hill roads. The riverside ghats and suspension bridges are mostly level and pleasant to walk at any time outside the heaviest rain.
Month by month
Rishikesh weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C | 5°C | 51 mm | Cool and often clear, with occasional rain | |
| February | 22°C | 8°C | 33 mm | Mild, dry and comfortable | |
| March | 29°C | 14°C | 34 mm | Pleasant spring weather | |
| April | 35°C | 18°C | 9 mm | Warming up; still manageable with an early start | |
| May | 39°C | 23°C | 20 mm | Hot by midday | |
| June | 38°C | 25°C | 94 mm | Hot, with the monsoon beginning to build | |
| July | 33°C | 25°C | 482 mm | Heavy monsoon rain; landslide risk on nearby hill roads | |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | 495 mm | Heaviest rainfall; hill roads can be affected | |
| September | 32°C | 23°C | 219 mm | Rain easing but still frequent | |
| October | 30°C | 15°C | 76 mm | Clear skies and comfortable temperatures return | |
| November | 25°C | 9°C | 9 mm | Dry, mild and one of the best months | |
| December | 20°C | 6°C | 17 mm | Cool and pleasant, good for the ghats |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Rishikesh seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February, March, October and November
- February: Mild, dry and comfortable
- March: Pleasant spring weather
- October: Clear skies and comfortable temperatures return
- November: Dry, mild and one of the best months
Good, with small trade-offs: January, April and December
- January: Cool and often clear, with occasional rain
- April: Warming up; still manageable with an early start
- December: Cool and pleasant, good for the ghats
Possible, with planning: May, June and September
- May: Hot by midday
- June: Hot, with the monsoon beginning to build
- September: Rain easing but still frequent
Best avoided with parents or children: July and August
- July: Heavy monsoon rain; landslide risk on nearby hill roads
- August: Heaviest rainfall; hill roads can be affected
Useful answers
Best time to visit Rishikesh: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Rishikesh?
February, March, October and November are the best months to visit Rishikesh, with January, April and December also good. October to March is the best time, and the wider September-to-May stretch is generally mild, making Rishikesh workable for much of the year. April to June can turn warm, and July to September brings heavy monsoon rain with occasional landslides on the surrounding hill roads. The riverside ghats and suspension bridges are mostly level and pleasant to walk at any time outside the heaviest rain.
Which months should I avoid in Rishikesh with elderly parents?
July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Heavy monsoon rain; landslide risk on nearby hill roads Heaviest rainfall; hill roads can be affected
When does it rain most in Rishikesh?
August is the wettest month, with about 495 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 39°C.