Weather in India in October: Best Time for Pleasant Weather

The weather in India in October is pleasant with sunny days and cool evenings. During this month, India transitions from the rainy to the cool season.

The dry and more comfortable weather would allow you to enjoy outdoor activities more, such as hiking and sightseeing. The number of tourists visiting India in October starts to grow, but hotels and flights are still quite easy to book.

India Weather in October Overview

• Average daily temperature range: 20–31°C (68–88°F)
• Average rainfall: 103 mm (4 inch)
• Average rainy days: 6
• Average sunny days: 25

Weather in Central North India (Delhi, Agra, Rajasthan...)

Cities in central north India like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur become sunnier and cooler at night in October.

The monsoon has left, and it rarely rains. The month’s average rainfall is only 20mm (1 in). The average temperature becomes comfortable at around 25°C (77°F).

It is a good time to explore the magnificent palaces, historic forts, colorful bazaars, and the fascinating deserts. Overnight stays in tents offer magical dawns and sunsets amid the dunes.

Weather in Southern India: Mumbai, Goa, Kerala...

In Kerala, it still rains a lot in October, sometimes with heavy downpours. The landscape is covered in lush greenery.

The average precipitation in its popular tourist city Kochi in October is about 367 mm (14 inches). You will still need to prepare for the rain if visiting Kerala this month.

Rainfall in Goa and Mumbai decreases significantly in October. Goa's beaches come to life, as many resorts and restaurants start to open and prepare for the high season.

Meanwhile, the east coast of South India begins to be affected by northeast monsoon, particularly the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Northern Mountainous Regions: The Himalayas

With the dry weather and blue skies, October is a good time to relax amongst the mountain views and hike on beautiful trekking trails in the mountainous regions of India’s far north.

Picturesque hill stations like Shimla, yoga ashrams around Rishikesh, and Corbett National Park are ideal destinations.

Further up in the high-altitude regions of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, it starts to snow and can be very cold at night.

See more on Best (and Worst) Times to Visit India and the Rainy Season.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall in India’s Main Tourist Cities in October

The Best 6 Places to Visit in India in October

Temperatures start to cool in October, and rainfall reduces in all but the southeast. This makes October a good time for sightseeing in India.

Here are some recommendations for an October trip:

1. Rajasthan — A Land of Colors

Jodhpur, the blue city

Rajasthan is no longer affected by the monsoon in October. The nighttime temperature cools, but the daytime temperatures are still high. It is the right time to visit Rajasthan for all kinds of sightseeing, like camel safaris and visiting forts.

Its major cities are colorful: Jaipur — the pink city, Udaipur — the white city, Jodhpur — the blue city, and Jaisalmer — the golden city. It is time to discover the stories behind the colors.

Have a romantic dinner in Jaipur’s Amber Fort, take a camel ride in Jaisalmer’s desert, enjoy a cruise on the lake in Udaipur, and explore one of the oldest spice markets and its blue-painted houses in Jodhpur.

14-Day Romantic Honeymoon Trip in India Delhi - Agra - Jaipur - Bikaner - Jaisalmer - Jodhpur - Udaipur

2. Delhi — The Charming Capital

Humayun's Tomb

As the rain departs, so do the inter-rain scorching temperatures in Delhi, although the average high temperature is the same. Delhi in October has perfect weather conditions — clear and warm, so October is one of the best months to visit Delhi.

It is suitable for visiting all kinds of attractions. If you are interested in Indian religions culture, you can visit Qutub Minar and Jama Masjid.

Take a rickshaw ride to its oldest market for a look at Delhi’s local life. Or go to the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb to appreciate splendid Mughal architecture.

If you are thinking of a Delhi trip, you may find some ideas from our How Long to Spend in Delhi (for First-Timers): Itineraries from 1 to 7 Days.

3. Agra — Best Time for the Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal

October is among the best months to visit Agra too. Avoid the rains and scorching heat in the cool season. The bright and clear sky and fewer tourists offer a fine opportunity for good photos.

The magnificence of the Taj Mahal is most fully revealed in the sun light of a clear day. Opposite it, the Red Fort of Agra is another fascinating attraction.

Mehtab Bagh ('Moonlight Garden'), next to the Taj Mahal, is considered the ultimate spot for viewing the Taj Mahal. You can get wonderful photos of the Taj from there.

8-Day Diwali Festival in India Golden Triangle Tour Delhi - Agra - Jaipur

4. Varanasi — India’s Holy City

Ganga Aarti ceremony

October is a good month to travel to Varanasi for nice weather and reasonable prices. Varanasi, considered the holy city of Hinduism, has much to explore.

It has over one thousand temples and many famous landmarks, like the famous Ganges ghats.

The pleasant weather would allow you to enjoy a boat ride on the river, a heritage walk to discover the local life, and some famous temples.

The most popular experience in Varanasi is the Ganga Aarti ceremony, when you would see people waving incense in the air and walking in circles around large lamps, while chanting and playing music.

If you want to feel the charm of Varanasi and its Genges River, see our 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi

5. Mumbai — The City of Bollywood

The Gateway of India

Mumbai becomes much drier from October, and the temperature is still warm to hot at 25–33°C (77–92°F). You can also enjoy less-crowded attractions in October before the high season kicks in.

Explore Bollywood by visiting its movie sets and Bollywood Museum and by watching a Bollywood dance show. You could also go to colorful Crawford Market, Prince of Wales Museum, and the Gateway of India — the landmark of Mumbai.

You can check our popular India itinerary with a wonderful Mumbai experience in our 12-Day Holiday in India (covering Delhi, Taj Mahal, Mumbai, and Goa beaches)

6. Goa — Enjoy Beaches

Goa

Though there is still moderate rainfall in Goa in October, it should not affect a tour too much, as there are four times more sunny days than rainy days. Goa in October offers quiet beaches, affordable prices, and good views.

You can also enjoy water sports, sunbathing, and comfortable spas. The heritage churches and other colonial style buildings in old Goa are also good to visit.

Cost and Crowds

In October, the number of tourists visiting India is average for the year. This means that hotels and flights are still quite easy to book, but prices start to rise when the high season comes at the end of October.

All in all, October is a pleasant time for travel to India in terms of price, weather, and crowds.

What to Wear

A summer dress or a t-shirt and shorts are good options to wear during the day. Long sleeves and trousers or a modest dress will be required for temples, etc.

Northern cities like Delhi and Agra have a big temperature difference between morning and night, so bring along a pullover or a jacket.

It doesn't rain much in October, so you could skip the rain gear. For the occasional rain, you could carry a light umbrella.

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Monthly Weather and Travel Information for India

Learn about the weather in India for 12 months and find out the best places to visit each month.

Touring India with Us

Here are some India itineraries we recommend for October (they’re fully customizable):

• 11-Day India Highlights and Goa Honeymoon Trip
• 14-Day Classic Rajasthan Tour
• 11-Day India and Nepal Tour

If you want to go somewhere else, just contact us. We’re ready to create a wonderful trip based on your needs and interests, whatever the weather.