The short answer
When to go to Varanasi
October to March is the most comfortable season for the ghats, though December–January mornings can be foggy and cold enough to delay trains and flights. April to June brings extreme heat, and July to September's monsoon raises the river, limiting boat rides along the ghats. For older visitors, a gentle boat trip rather than a long ghat walk is easiest in any season, and the dry winter months remove the added strain of heat or flooding.
Month by month
Varanasi weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22°C | 9°C | 16 mm | Foggy, cold mornings; can delay travel | |
| February | 27°C | 12°C | 22 mm | Comfortable and clear | |
| March | 33°C | 17°C | 11 mm | Warming fast | |
| April | 39°C | 22°C | 7 mm | Extreme heat; avoid midday | |
| May | 40°C | 26°C | 14 mm | Hottest month of the year | |
| June | 39°C | 28°C | 101 mm | Very hot; rain building | |
| July | 34°C | 27°C | 265 mm | Heaviest monsoon rain; river rises, limiting boats | |
| August | 33°C | 26°C | 283 mm | Still very heavy rain | |
| September | 33°C | 25°C | 225 mm | Rain easing | |
| October | 33°C | 21°C | 33 mm | Clear, dry and pleasant | |
| November | 29°C | 15°C | 6 mm | Dry, cool and clear | |
| December | 24°C | 10°C | 4 mm | Cold, foggy mornings; can delay travel |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Varanasi seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February, October and November
- February: Comfortable and clear
- October: Clear, dry and pleasant
- November: Dry, cool and clear
Good, with small trade-offs: January, March and December
- January: Foggy, cold mornings; can delay travel
- March: Warming fast
- December: Cold, foggy mornings; can delay travel
Possible, with planning: September
- September: Rain easing
Best avoided with parents or children: April, May, June, July and August
- April: Extreme heat; avoid midday
- May: Hottest month of the year
- June: Very hot; rain building
- July: Heaviest monsoon rain; river rises, limiting boats
- August: Still very heavy rain
Useful answers
Best time to visit Varanasi: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Varanasi?
February, October and November are the best months to visit Varanasi, with January, March and December also good. October to March is the most comfortable season for the ghats, though December–January mornings can be foggy and cold enough to delay trains and flights. April to June brings extreme heat, and July to September's monsoon raises the river, limiting boat rides along the ghats. For older visitors, a gentle boat trip rather than a long ghat walk is easiest in any season, and the dry winter months remove the added strain of heat or flooding.
Which months should I avoid in Varanasi with elderly parents?
April, May, June, July and August are the months to avoid with older travellers. Extreme heat; avoid midday Hottest month of the year
When does it rain most in Varanasi?
August is the wettest month, with about 283 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 40°C.