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Weather Conditions in Delhi
If you’re looking for a fun-filled holiday that has the thrill of adventure, heritage of long history and a silver lining of traditions and culture, head to Delhi. Basically, any time of the year is the best time to travel to New Delhi. But it also depends on the type of holiday you’re seeking. For instance, most people would not think of going to Delhi in summer. With temperatures reaching as high as 45 °C, it is not the best time to go to New Delhi. Bust since the heat keeps tourists away, it is an ideal time to explore Delhi without the usual tourist crowds.
If not summer, then monsoon could also be the best time to visit Delhi if torrential rains do not deter you. Admittedly, Delhi has its own special brand of charm during the monsoon season. Though the days can be warm, the evenings and nights are cooler. The gardens around the city wear a green cape and the city is rejuvenated after being baked in the harsh summer heat. Monsoon is also the time when you can enjoy discounts on your trip. The discounts and the attraction of the city’s rains makes monsoon the best time to travel to Delhi.
Here’s a season-wise look at the city’s climate that will help you to decide your best time to visit New Delhi.
The transitional season of spring is probably the best time to travel to Delhi. Between Delhi’s cold winter and hot summer, these two months enjoy sunny days and cool temperatures that hover between 20 to 25 °C. You can spend the entire day outdoors and enjoy the delights of Delhi to the fullest. Though it might rain a bit in February, it only cools down the city.
People stream in to enjoy Delhi in this season before the summer heat takes over. Expect crowds and long lines for tickets at all the tourist places. All the attractions and monuments are open and fully accessible during this season. It’s a good season to witness the ceremonial change of guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan or spend a day at Delhi’s bustling markets.
Summer is not the best time to visit New Delhi. The high temperatures, ranging between 26 to 42 °C, deter even the most determined tourists from venturing out during the day. Delhi is a city best avoided during summer, unless the extreme heat doesn’t bother you. While you can get some sightseeing done during early morning and late evenings, it is best to stay indoors during the afternoons.
The hot and dry ‘loos’ from the neighbouring Thar desert descend upon the city. They carry sand from the desert and cause terrible dust storms that cut down visibility and are extremely uncomfortable. The only upside of Delhi in summer is the lack of crowds. If you do travel to Delhi in summer, pack comfortable cotton clothes, carry lots of sun protection and remember to stay hydrated.
Towards the end of June, the humidity starts building up. Though the temperatures don’t go down much, the rains bring a small measure of relief from July onwards. Monsoon is a special time in the city and is the best time to go to Delhi if you enjoy urban rainy landscapes. Temperatures stay between 25 to 35 °C and it rains heavily, especially in July and August. These two are the wettest months of the year in Delhi.
You will enjoy monsoon in Delhi if you do not have a fixed itinerary. If the rain plays spoilsport with your plans, always have a backup ready. This way you won’t be disappointed and still get some sightseeing done. This is the best time to explore Delhi’s museums or catch cultural performances at internal venues. Just make sure to protect your gear from the rains, especially electronics like camera and cell phones.
Monsoon’s humidity retreats by the end of September as autumn gradually arrives by the middle of October. Like spring, this in-between season is the best time to visit Delhi before the winter cold takes over. The temperatures start dropping and steady between 20 to 30 °C. This is a thriving time for Delhi tourism and the crowds start streaming in.
Delhi hosts many cultural dance and music festivals during the months. Ones like the Qutub Festival are celebrated as passionately as Dusshera and Diwali. The Dusshera celebrations are especially vibrant.
As the calendar shifts towards December, the mercury dips lower. Temperatures range between 5 to 20 °C and can even dip to 0 °C on some nights. This is the best time to visit Delhi if you enjoy sightseeing in extremely cold weather. Mornings and nights see heavy fog, which reduces visibility and lowers temperatures further. Heavy fog can also affect your travel plans.
This is the best time to go to Delhi and indulge yourself with some hot flavourful local delights. Try the creamy chhole-bhature near Red Fort and bite into steaming hot parathas at Chandni Chowk’s Parathe Wali Gali. Once you’ve had your fill of Delhi’s culinary pleasures, treat yourself to some retail therapy at the colourful Dilli Haat. Do not forget to carry your heavy woollens and dress in layers.
So, have you decided the best time to visit Delhi? Then visit the SOTC website to check out some amazing offers on Delhi tour packages and plan for a memorable holiday.
