These Are The Best Times To Visit Southern India

 

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Verdant and gently paced, South India’s hill country feels worlds away from the crowded cities up north, with barely a chain store on a busy thoroughfare or a traffic jam in sight. Rigorously protected nature, sprawling plantations, and slow pleasures like hiking, tea tasting, and temple trails draw visitors from near and far, while its seemingly quiet towns brim with evolving cultural spaces, artisanal dining spaces, and intimate new hotels. You might spot a filmmaker in Ooty, taking inspiration from the city’s storied place in cinema history, or a family of four unwinding in Puducherry in late October, strolling along the vehicle-free promenade with the sound of crashing waves in the background before returning to their busy lives. As clichéd as it may sound, this part of India truly has something to offer for every kind of traveller.

If you’re planning a trip down south to see what all the fuss is about, this guide will help you pinpoint the best time to visit each state and destination — whether you’re after a quiet, crowd-free escape or want to experience the region’s vibrant festive periods in full swing.

Also, read our guide to the legendary temples of South India.

When is the best time to visit South India?

South India is often colloquially used to describe the collective states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and the union territories of Lakshadweep and Puducherry. Unlike the arid, landlocked north, the south is tropical through and through, stretching from the elevated Deccan Plateau across the Western and Eastern Ghats to suburban beaches, touristy hill stations, sun-dappled forests, and free-flowing rivers.

What you want to see, do, and experience on your trip will determine your ideal time to visit. Some locales, like hilly areas and townships, are enjoyable year-round, while others are best visited during specific months to avoid heavy monsoon rains or to experience festivals at their peak. Like for Puducherry, the ‘best time’ starts a bit earlier than the other parts, as the UT’s official website calls the months of September and May the best time for visitors. Considering we are covering five states and two union territories, here’s a general breakdown of the tourist seasons in South India:

• High season: December to March
• Shoulder season: October to November
• Low season: April to September, excluding holidays

Below, we outline the best times to visit the region for fewer crowds, wildlife spotting, trekking, backwater cruises, festivals, and more — with tips to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit South India for smaller crowds

This one’s kinda tricky because you want weather that’s pleasant enough to explore and fewer crowds, basically the ultimate “mutually exclusive” vibe. The busiest months in South India are December to March, when the climate is at its best and top spots are easy to access. If you’re after a quieter experience, aim for the edges of that window in November or April. These shoulder-season months still bring comfy temps, usually 22°C to 32°C, with clear skies, making them perfect for avoiding the throngs.

If your main goal is a crowd-free vacay and you don’t mind a few raindrops or even full-on monsoon vibes, a carefully planned trip avoiding the rain-prone areas can give you peaceful wildlife reserves, serene beaches, and amazing spots for photographing waterfalls and lush forests. Just pack rain gear, waterproof shoes, and some light layers, and you’re all set.

Also, learn about the best beaches in South India for a fun and relaxing getaway.

Best time to visit South India for lower prices

While South India isn’t as costly as many other parts of the country, travel prices can fluctuate widely depending on the season and location. Getting there is often affordable thanks to frequent domestic flights and budget carriers such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air, which connect major cities like Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Also starting October 26, 2025, Puducherry Airport will have flight connectivity to Rajahmundry as part of the revised winter schedule. The most obvious hack here is booking early — especially for long weekends or festival periods — which can make a big difference in cost.

Airfares, attraction tickets, and food prices stay relatively stable year-round, but you can save considerably on accommodation and transport by travelling during the off-season, which runs from June to September. These are the monsoon months (which are also considered the ‘worst’ duration due to increased risk of natural disasters), when most tourists avoid the heavy rains that sweep through Kerala, coastal Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Hotel rates drop a lot, particularly in hill stations like Munnar or Wayanad and coastal destinations such as Varkala or Gokarna. If you find yourself here, face-to-face with the wrath of monsoon, regularly checking the updates on the India Meteorological Department’s website and socials can help you plan a safe trip.

For Lakshwadeep, Agatti, and Bangaram remain pleasant even during the monsoon and can be reached by flight from Kochi.

Best time to visit South India for good weather

South India, while geographically compact, is surprisingly diverse when it comes to weather. From the cinematic hill stations of the Western Ghats to the backwaters of Kerala and the arid plains of Tamil Nadu, each region experiences distinct climatic rhythms. If you’re looking for the best weather, November to April is generally considered the ideal time to visit South India. Temperatures range between 22°C and 32°C in most areas, humidity drops, and skies stay clear, perfect for checking off popular bucket-list activities houseboat rides in Alleppey, coffee walks in Coorg, and temple visits in Madurai. The hill stations of Munnar, Ooty, and Kodaikanal are especially pleasant during this period, wrapped in cool breezes and tea-scented air.

For travellers like me who don’t mind the slight prickle of heat on their skin, April and May can be a golden time to enjoy the quieter trails and thinner crowds, though coastal regions can get humid and daytime temperatures may exceed 35°C.

Also, explore our roundup of a few of the best waterfall hikes in South India to add to your bucket list.

Best time to visit South India for a wildlife safari

The best time to visit South India’s national parks and wildlife reserves for safaris is, unsurprisingly, the dry season — from November to May. During these months, rainfall is minimal, visibility is excellent, and animals are more likely to gather around watering holes, making for exceptional sightings. In Karnataka’s Bandipur and Nagarhole National Park, the weather is pleasant and forest trails are open, making this the best window to spot elephants, tigers, and gaurs in the wild. The Karnataka Tourism website recommends the months of March to May as the ‘best months to visit’ for tourists for Bandipur and November to February for Nagarhole, as they are “cooler months” and offer “ideal weather to visit the water holes in the dry summer season, so chances of sightings increase.”

If your goal is photography or tiger tracking, the dry months between February and May are ideal, when the heat draws animals out to water sources and the forest cover thins for clearer views. Most major national parks and tiger reserves have the ‘best time’ available on their website, and it is recommended that you contact them early on during planning if you want to venture out for specific activties like birdwatching.

Best time to visit South India for festivals

While many of South India’s biggest cultural festivals take place during the harvest and temple festival season in January and February, several others throughout the year are equally spectacular. In January, Tamil Nadu’s Pongal marks the harvest season with colourful kolam decorations, traditional feasts, and jallikattu bull-taming events in rural villages. In April or May, Kerala’s Thrissur Pooram lights up the state with grand processions of caparisoned elephants, percussion ensembles, and fireworks that last through the night. Later, in August and September, the Onam festival celebrates Kerala’s mythical King Mahabali with floral carpets, boat races, and traditional feasts known as sadhya.

In September or October (as per the Hindu calendar), Karnataka’s Mysuru Dasara honours the goddess Chamundeshwari with a royal parade and cultural performances across the city. Around the same time, Navaratri brings nine nights of music, dance, and devotion to temples across the Southern region. And every mid-November to January, Chennai’s Margazhi Music Season draws classical musicians and dancers from across the country.

Also, read our roundup of South India’s top luxury eco-lodges that are a must-visit if you’re a conscious traveller.

Worst time to visit South India

If you’re planning a trip around outdoor activities like hiking in South India, you’ll probably want to avoid the months of June to September. This is the peak of the monsoon season across much of the region, when heavy rainfall and high humidity make trekking, sightseeing and coastal excursions far more challenging. While some parts can remain accessible, there’s an increased risk of the monsoon bringing intense downpours starting in June, which can lead to road closures, landslides and disrupted transport. Although the landscape becomes beautifully lush and dramatic, for travellers wanting sun-soaked trails and reliable dry weather, it’s not ideal. It is better to aim for the dry season outside these months.

Insider tips

• Keep an eye on the India Meteorological Department (IMD) website for the latest weather updates. Follow them on X. Real-time forecasts and alerts can help you plan around the monsoon rains or unusually humid days.
• For ferry announcements and monsoon updates regarding Lakshadweep, the territory’s official tourism website is regularly maintained and is worth bookmarking if you plan to travel there.
• Dress modestly when visiting South India to respect local customs and traditions. Clothing that covers the arms and legs is especially advisable at temples and rural villages.
• Prepare for the region’s high humidity, particularly along the coasts and in southern cities. Light, breathable fabrics and frequent hydration will make exploring more comfortable.
• Always carry rain gear, even during the dry season, because it is better to carry a bit heavy than be sorry. A compact umbrella or raincoat can be a lifesaver during sudden downpours or unexpected monsoon bursts.
• Book accommodations well in advance, particularly during peak tourist months or festival periods.
• Plan your wildlife safari with intention, whether your goal is to spot animals, take photographs, or simply enjoy the landscape. Research park conditions, best trails, and seasonal activity patterns to make the most of your visit.

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(Feature image credit: Marieke Weller/Unsplash)

Related | Kerala’s 12 Best Luxury Hotels And Resorts To Book For Your Next Trip

Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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