India in August: Hot Tips for Travelers
Monsoon is active in much of India in August. However, travelers should not give up hope just yet. Not only are there plenty of gaps in rain clouds to afford great sightseeing tours in New Delhi and the Golden Triangle, but the Himalayas and the deserts of Rajasthan are also relatively dry for exploration during this time. So ignore the naysayers and plan a trip to India in August.
India Weather in August
India is too large a country and not even its mighty monsoon can cover its entire area. Head north or northwestern regions of India if you want to avoid persistent rainfall. The Himalayan mountains and the Indian-administered Kashmir are both spectacular destinations for anyone considering visiting India in August. Located in the country’s far north, they remain virtually untouched by the monsoon, offering great weather conditions. Temperatures here peak at around 25°C. The deserts of Rajasthan in the northwest are also at their prime. The region is relatively dry and the daytime temperature averages 33°C.
For a month-by-month rundown, read our article on the best time to visit India.
Weather in India in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 23 | 18 | 36 | 39 | 37 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 27 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 7 | 11 | 15 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 24 | 19 | 13 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 64.4 | 73.4 | 64.4 | 96.8 | 102.2 | 98.6 | 93.2 | 91.4 | 91.4 | 87.8 | 80.6 | 69.8 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 44.6 | 51.8 | 59 | 71.6 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 78.8 | 75.2 | 66.2 | 55.4 | 46.4 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 23 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 74 | 180 | 173 | 117 | 10 | 3 | 10 |
Why Visit India in August
For every part of India in August which receives a deluge of monsoon rain, there’s another with great weather for uncovering the sights. Below we have listed some of the reasons why you should visit India in August:
- Desert tours: Known for its stunning desert landscapes, you can avoid the rain of central India by heading to Rajasthan in the northwestern region. This surely is an experience not to be missed. The Thar Desert further south makes for a good alternative as well.
- Fine hiking weather: Those keen on traveling the mountain and hill regions of India are well-served by the August weather— neither too hot nor too cold. Take advantage of the weather window to trek through the majestic Himalayas, beautiful mountain valleys, and picturesque hill stations.
- Festival fever: India celebrates a multitude of religious and national festivals in August, including the snake festival of Bishnupur in West Bengal. Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, and Independence Day are other major festivals to watch out for while in India in August.
- Crowd-free escapes: The mere mention of the monsoon stops the vast majority of international tourists from visiting India in August. Incidentally, the same goes for domestic tourists. This means the country’s top tourist destinations are virtually crowded less in August.
- Good rates: The reduced visitor numbers make India a buyer’s market when it comes to travel and accommodation. Budget travelers to India can survive on a mere USD 35 a day in India in August.
Where to go and what to do
Even with the monsoon still active, it is still possible to travel to many parts of India, including the Golden Triangle of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. But if you want to avoid packing an umbrella, we recommend that you head either to the mountain destinations such as Leh, Darjeeling, or the Spiti Valley, where they get very little rain during this time. Hiking and mountain biking are high on the list of things to do for many visitors traveling to these parts of India in August. The beautiful Kashmir can be another great alternative mountain destination. Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam are the best places to visit while in Kashmir.
You can also swap the snow for the sand by traveling into Rajasthan’s desert in August. Join a camel caravan to a luxury desert encampment, and check out the region’s forts and other heritage sites while the tourist crowds are low and the weather agreeable.
Monsoon rains are part of life in August. Still, for travelers who would like to keep dry, there are many places they can visit during this month without fretting about a sudden downpour spoiling their holiday experience.
For more information, check out our India tours in August, or better yet, talk to one of our local travel experts to plan your very own customized trip to India. If in doubt about how to start with the planning, check out our guide on how many days to spend in India.
