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From the captivating sand dunes of Rajasthan and the long coast encircling the country’s south to the erotic sculptures of Khajuraho and the snowy peaks of Sikkim—planning a trip to India in October offers a bewilderingly diverse mix of destinations to travel, explore and discover. The weather in India during the month of October is, for the most part, either warm or pleasant. Summer months are long gone by then and the southwest monsoon retreated. There is a little nip in the morning air in the plains of the north towards the end of October, a sign that winter is coming.

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India weather in October

A traditional house boat is anchored on the shores of a fishing lake in Ker
Taste the joys of staying in one of Kerela's famous houseboats
Aerial photo of Ropeway cable car over Gangtok city during sunset in Sikkim
You will be able to catch superb glimpses of some of the prettiest looking sunsets in Sikkim

With little rain and no soaring temperatures in most parts of the country, October is an attractive month to take a tour of India. This time also marks the beginning of the tourist season that lasts till the end of March. Explore the magnificent forts of Jaisalmer and Amber in Rajasthan; stay in a houseboat in Kerala; discover little-known Portuguese churches in Goa; and see western Sikkim’s famous Pemayangtse Monastery, which attracts devotees from the Nyingma order of Tibet Buddhism. These are just samplings of the things that you can enjoy in India in October.

October temperatures in Rajasthan range from 26°C to 33°C, while in Kerala and Goa the average daytime temperature hovers at around 28°C. Nestled in the Himalayas, Sikkim is much colder in October, with its capital Gangtok seeing an average minimum temperature of around 11°C and an average maximum daytime temperature of around 20°C. However, the higher mountainous regions of Sikkim can be below freezing point by this time of year.

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit India.

Weather in India in October - Rainfall and Temperatures

SepOctNov
Avg Daily (°C)333127
Avg Nightly (°C)241913
Avg Daily (°F)928881
Avg Nightly (°F)766756
Avg Rainfall (mm)117103

Why visit India in October

Hand holding mobile phone and taking photos of Goddess Durga idol
Durga Puja is the biggest religious festival in the Hindu and Bengal communities in India

Since October is not the peak tourist season in India, you can see more for less and get great deals on hotels, too. Be it the post-monsoon magic of India’s Northeast, the spiritual timelessness of Varanasi or the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala, a trip to India in October is full of beautiful experiences. Since October is not the peak tourist season in India, you can see more for less and get great deals on hotels, too. Be it the post-monsoon magic of India’s Northeast, the spiritual timelessness of Varanasi or the mesmerizing backwaters of Kerala, a trip to India in October is full of beautiful experiences. 

Below are a few of the many, many good reasons to enjoy a dream vacation in India during October.

  • Lower prices: Whether you want to explore the ruins of a tenth-century fort or head deep into jungles on a safari in search of elusive tigers, Rajasthan’s Ranthambhore National Park is a place to be. However, if rejuvenating your body and mind is all you want, then head for the calm, green environs of Kerala, where many wellness centers will offer you excellent deals in October.
  • Fewer tourists: The number of tourists in India explodes at the beginning of November and the graph continues to rise till the end of February. Therefore, it is better to enjoy sunsets over the stunning Taj Mahal in Agra in early October before the area turns into a tourist theme park in winter.
  • Festival in October: Durga Puja, which was added to Unesco’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ list in 2021, is a magnificent display of Indian culture. During this celebration, larger-than-life idols of goddess Durga are set up in every street corner, and music, dance, and various other cultural activities are organized around these idols for several days. There is no better place to witness this extraordinary spectacle in October than in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, the erstwhile capital of British India.
  • Mountains beckon: October is the last month of the year when weather conditions are still not very extreme for trekking in the Himalayas around Sikkim and Darjeeling. While you are at it, you will also catch superb glimpses of some of the highest peaks in the world, as this month is not very cloudy. 
  • Coasting along: Rains would have stopped in and around Goa by October, which means that the sun, sand, and tourist resorts of this beautiful little gem along the Arabian Sea are ready to welcome you. 

Where to go and what to do

Ancient Varanasi city architecture and Ganges river ghat at sunset with vie
Varanasi, the holy Indian city of ash-covered sadhus, impossibly narrow lanes, and tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims seeking spiritual solace
Cola beach in Goa
You can also take a chill pill and relax along the beautiful beaches of Goa

Rajasthan, Goa, Kerala, Delhi, Rishikesh, Varanasi, Agra, Sikkim, and Kolkata are among the best places to visit in India in October. Get some yoga practice in an ashram overlooking the serene waters of the holy Ganges in Rishikesh. About 900 km downstream, the same river flows past Varanasi, the holy Indian city of ash-covered sadhus, impossibly narrow lanes, and tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims seeking spiritual solace. You can also retrace the spice route of Goa during this month, stroll around the green hills of Munnar in Kerala, explore the delightful palaces and bazaars of Jaipur and experience the colonial architecture and the frenzied energy of Mumbai. You will never be short of activities to do in India during an October vacation.

The stunning variety of experiences, cultures, cuisines, and landscapes makes India an outstanding travel destination. Get in touch with our local travel experts if you are looking for a custom trip to India in October. Already planning the holiday? Our guide on how many days to spend in India might come in handy.

Other Related Articles:
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India in November
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Published by Lucas Toft, updated on January 2, 2023

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