March sees the start of India's hot season. From the beginning of March onwards, temperatures increase steadily. During this month, the weather is warm/hot, sunny, and dry.
March is a nice time to get outdoors in India. The Holi festival is celebrated throughout India during this month.
- Weather in Central North India (Delhi, Taj Mahal...)
- Weather in Southern India (Mumbai, Goa Beaches...)
- Northern Mountainous Regions (The Himalayan Foothills)
- Average Temperatures in India's Main Cities in March
- 7 Best Places to Visit in March in India
- An Itinerary for a Holi Celebration in India in March
March Weather in India Overview
- Average daytime temperature range in most areas of India: 18–31°C (64–88°F)
- Average rainfall: 28 mm (1 inch)
- Average rainy days: 2–3
- Average sunny days: 28–29
Weather in Central North India (Delhi, Taj Mahal, Rajasthan...)
March in the golden triangle cities (Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur) and in Rajasthan is pleasant to visit with not-too-hot temperatures typically around 28°C (82°F) in the day.
March is the dry season, so there is plenty of sunshine with low rainfall. It is a wonderful time for outdoor activities such as visiting historic sites and spotting animals in wild.
Clothing tips: Pack some t-shirts, shorts, a light jacket, and a sweater as the temperature change from day to night is large.
Get some inspiration about How to Plan an Affordable Luxury Trip to India.
Weather in Southern India (Mumbai, Goa...)
South India is a little warmer than the north in March with daytime average temperatures around 30°C (86°F).
Until the monsoon season arrives in July, the south does not get much rain. The fine and warm weather make March a nice time to enjoy beaches and leisurely cruises.
Clothing tips: Pack some t-shirts, thin shirts, shorts, and maybe some jeans for the evenings.
The Himalayan Foothills: Northern Mountainous Regions
Though the temperature starts to rise in preparation for a late spring, it is still very cold in the Himalayan foothills with temperatures only as high as around 6°C (43°F) and averaging a low of -6°C (21°F).
It still snows in March in the Himalayan foothills. It is not a good time for hiking, but the snowy mountainous scenery is beautiful.
Clothing tips: Bring thick coats or down jackets and winter boots, etc.
Too busy to plan your own itinerary? Get inspiration from our itinerary ideas for 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, and 2 weeks or contact us to tailor-make one just for you!
Average Temperatures in India's Main Cities in March
City | Average Temperature | Average Rainfall |
---|---|---|
Delhi | 23°C (55°F) | 13 mm (1 in) |
Agra | 24°C (57°F) | 7 mm (0 in) |
Jaipur | 24°C (59°F) | 6 mm (0 in) |
Varanasi | 25°C (61°F) | 5 mm (0 in) |
Mumbai | 28°C (75°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
Goa | 28°C (81°F) | 4 mm (0 in) |
Kochi (Kerala) | 25°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0 in) |
Best 7 Places to Go in India in March
March is one of the best times to visit India for nice weather. You will also enjoy a relatively quieter environment as March is in a shoulder season.
1. Ranthambore — Tiger Safaris
Possessing 70% of the world's tiger population, India is one of the best places to see wild tigers.
The dry and warm weather in March makes the wild tigers active, which offers a good chance to see them on a tiger safari.
Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan is the best place in India to spot wild tigers and some other interesting animals.
There you can get your adrenaline running as you take a jeep safari to encounter the magnificent Bengal tiger and learn about their existence and survival.
2. Delhi — for Colorful Holi
Holi, a grand and colorful festival, falls on March 14, 2025. During Holi, people throw colored powder and water over each other, have parties, and dance under water sprinklers.
Delhi is one of the best places in India to celebrate Holi. During the festival, Delhi is intense and joyous. You will feel the warmth and joy as you see neighbors and friends laughing and throwing colors in the streets. Join them and play together!
The sunny and bright days in March in Delhi are also wonderful for visiting outdoor historical sites like the Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb.
Contact us if you want to plan a trip to Delhi to experience the happy Holi.
3. Agra — The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal in March is best for photography, with cool weather, clear skies, and fewer crowds compared to the preceding busiest months from December to February.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for wonderful photos, especially in the sunrise when the light gradually turns from weak to strong on the marble, the luxury and elegant charm of the Taj Mahal is fully displayed.
4. Udaipur — Leisurely Cruise on a Charming Lake
If you want to see a stunning landscape of lakes and mountains in March, then you should go to Udaipur.
Many of the other popular cities of the north are located in or near deserts, and they are dusty and dry, while Udaipur is full of gorgeous lakes that are lined with opulent fairytale-like palaces.
In March, Udaipur is the perfect place to go for people who want to relax in India amongst beautiful views.
There you can take a boat ride on Lake Pichola, where you can see the City Palace complex from over the water or visit one of the floating temples at the lake's center. You can also take a heritage walking tour through streets where you will see goldsmiths, local temples, and street food stalls.
5. Goa — Quiet Beach Time
March in Goa is bright and warm. It is suitable for all kinds of water activities. It's also the time when the peak tourist traffic is fading away.
If you are looking for a relaxing and laid-back destination in India in March, then Goa should be your choice.
There, you can enjoy a quiet time with sunshine, a coconut grove, and the sea breeze, or explore Portuguese heritage in its old town, and revel in the bars at night.
6. Hampi — Gateway to Medieval India
Hampi is the most mysterious World Heritage Site in India, dotted with magnificent ancient ruins from a forgotten empire — the Vijayanagara Empire.
March is one of the perfect times to visit these ruins in the open — not too hot and dry. There, you can climb the Mayan-style steps and stand high above the King's auditorium to hear its story of grandeur and destruction.
If you are interested in Hampi, see more on our 7-Day Off the Beaten Path South India Tour
7. Varanasi — Ancient City of the Ganges
Nowhere in India can you get a more immediate sense of the strong religious atmosphere than in Varanasi.
Before it gets too hot, (early) March could be an ideal time, when it is warm and comfortable for outdoor sightseeing.
There you could enjoy a boat ride on the Ganges River to witness pilgrims performing ancient rituals, experience the famous Ganga Aarti ceremony, and have a city walk to have an insider's look at the local life.
Check out our 9-Day India Golden Triangle with Varanasi for more details.
An Itinerary for a Holi Celebration in India in March
March welcomes the Holi festival, which is celebrated nationwide. It is the greatest celebration in the Hindu calendar after Diwali. With temperatures averaging about 28°C (82°F) in the day, the cooler cities of North India are better places to celebrate Holi than those in South India.
In this Holi tour, first-time visitors would kick off with the iconic landmarks of the classic Golden Triangle route (Delhi–Agra–Jaipur).
Beyond the ubiquitous color "fights", you could venture into Vrindavan for unusual Lathmar Holi, which is known for its interesting scenes of women playfully beating men with sticks in their Krishna story reenactments. In Varanasi, you could experience the ritual of Holika Dahan (including a burning bonfire) in India's most spiritual city.
Check out the following itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Delhi
- Day 2: Delhi city tour and transfer to Vrindavan
- Day 3: Experience the Lathmar Holi celebration in Vrindavan
- Days 4–5: Vrindavan to Agra to see the Taj Mahal
- Days 6–7: Agra to Jaipur for a Jaipur city tour with a sunset view from Nahargarh Fort
- Day 8: Jaipur to Delhi, then have a driving tour of Delhi's highlights
- Days 9–11: Delhi to Varanasi, then enjoy Holika Dahan (with a Holi bonfire) and a Holi color fight
For more details, see 11-Day India Holi Festival Tour 2025.
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