Best Time to Visit Varanasi (Weather, Events, & More)

Planning a trip to Varanasi? Deciding on the best time to visit Varanasi is crucial for experiencing this spiritual city to its fullest. Nestled along the banks of the Ganges, Varanasi is not only rich in culture and history but also offers a variety of experiences that vary dramatically with the seasons. Whether you're interested in the vibrant festivals, serene river scenes, or cooler weather, understanding the seasonal dynamics of Varanasi will help you make the most of your visit.

Best Overall Time to Visit Varanasi

The best time to visit Varanasi is during the cooler months from November to February when the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for exploring this vibrant city and its sacred ghats along the Ganges. This period avoids the intense heat of the summer and the heavy rains of the monsoon season, providing the ideal climate for attending the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony or taking a peaceful boat ride at dawn.

Visiting Varanasi during the low season, which includes the hot months of April to June and the monsoon period of July to September, has its pros and cons. On the upside, you'll benefit from fewer crowds and potentially lower prices on accommodation and tours. However, the cons include the scorching summer heat that can make daytime exploration quite challenging, and the monsoon rains may lead to flooding, which can disrupt travel plans and limit access to some parts of the city.

Monthly Overview of Varanasi

Detailed Monthly Analysis

Here’s what to expect in Varanasi in each month of the year:

Varanasi in January

Visiting Varanasi in January offers a serene and cooler experience compared to the sweltering heat later in the year. The city, steeped in spirituality, is quieter after the high tourist season, allowing for more personal space to explore the ghats and temples without the crowds.

• Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Boat rides on the Ganges, attending the International Music Festival, exploring the Makar Sankranti festival

Varanasi in February

Visiting Varanasi in February offers a serene experience as the city basks in mild weather, making it perfect for exploring its rich cultural tapestry and historic sites. The pleasant climate allows for comfortable boat rides on the Ganges and attending the various spiritual ceremonies without the sweltering heat typical of later months.

• Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
• Days of Rainfall: 2 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Mahashivratri festival, boat rides on the Ganges, exploring the Ghats and temples

Varanasi in March

Visiting Varanasi in March is a delightful experience as the weather begins to warm up, making it one of the best times to explore the spiritual vibrancy of this ancient city. The climate is comfortable, and the city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist seasons, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of its ghats, temples, and markets.

• Average Temperature: 22°C / 72°F
• Days of Rainfall: 3 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the International Yoga Festival, exploring the colorful Holi celebrations, boat rides on the Ganges at sunrise.

Varanasi in April

Visiting Varanasi in April is a dive into the heart of spiritual India during one of its most vibrant times. The city buzzes with energy as the heat of the pre-monsoon season sets in, and the streets and ghats are alive with both locals and tourists. It's a great time to witness the daily rituals and ceremonies along the Ganges without the peak tourist crowds of the cooler months.

• Average Temperature: 32°C / 90°F
• Days of Rainfall: 3 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Evening Ganga Aarti, Ram Navami Festival, boat rides on the Ganges

Varanasi in May

Visiting Varanasi in May is quite the experience, as you're hitting the peak of the hot season just before the monsoon arrives. The city buzzes with spiritual energy and the heat intensifies the sensory experience, from the scent of incense at the ghats to the colorful chaos of the markets. It's a great time to dive deep into the cultural heart of this ancient city, though you'll want to stay hydrated and plan for early morning or late evening outings to beat the heat.

• Average Temperature: 32°C / 90°F
• Days of Rainfall: 3 days
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Evening Ganga Aarti, boat rides at dawn, exploring local temples

Varanasi in June

Visiting Varanasi in June means you're stepping into the early phase of the monsoon season. The city, one of the world's oldest, offers a mystical charm with the Ganges swelling under the monsoon rains. While the humidity might be high, the rain brings a refreshing respite from the intense heat, and the evenings can be quite pleasant. It's a great time to witness the spiritual fervor of the city, with fewer tourists and more intimate experiences at the ghats and temples.

• Average Temperature: 32°C / 90°F
• Days of Rainfall: 9 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Evening aarti ceremonies at the ghats, boat rides on the Ganges during clearer days, exploring local monsoon cuisine.

Varanasi in July

Visiting Varanasi in July means you're stepping right into the heart of the monsoon season. The city, one of the world's oldest, offers a mystical charm under the veil of frequent rains. While the showers may disrupt your day a bit, they also bring a refreshing respite from the heat and add a dramatic backdrop to the ancient ghats and temples.

• Average Temperature: 31°C / 88°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Evening Ganga Aarti, visiting temples during less crowded times, exploring local cafes and shops during rain breaks

Varanasi in August

Visiting Varanasi in August is quite the experience, as the city is in the midst of the monsoon season. The weather is humid and the Ganges often swells with the rain. Despite the frequent showers, the spiritual aura of Varanasi remains undiminished, offering a unique blend of mystic serenity and vibrant life. The rains also bring a refreshing respite from the intense heat of the previous months.

• Average Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Days of Rainfall: 15 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Raksha Bandhan festival, evening Ganga Aarti, exploring the monsoon-fed waterfalls nearby

Varanasi in September

Visiting Varanasi in September is a unique blend of spiritual ambiance and natural beauty, as the city is less crowded and the Ganges River swells with the monsoon rains. The weather is transitioning from the heavy rains of monsoon towards a more temperate pre-winter season, making it a reflective and serene time to explore the ancient city.

• Average Temperature: 30°C / 86°F
• Days of Rainfall: 10 days
• Season: Wet season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Evening Ganga Aarti, boat rides on the Ganges, visiting flooded ghats

Varanasi in October

Visiting Varanasi in October is a truly vibrant experience, as the city begins to cool down from the scorching summer heat. October marks the transition from the rainy season to the more temperate dry season, making it a perfect time to explore the ancient city comfortably. You'll witness the city gearing up for various festivals, which adds a festive charm to the spiritual ambiance of Varanasi.

• Average Temperature: 25°C / 77°F
• Days of Rainfall: 3 days
• Season: Transition from wet to dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Attending the Ramleela performances, evening Ganga Aarti, boat rides on the Ganges during sunrise or sunset

Varanasi in November

Visiting Varanasi in November is a truly vibrant experience, as the city transitions from the heat of summer to a more temperate winter. It's a fantastic time to explore the spiritual heart of India without the extreme temperatures that characterize other months.

• Average Temperature: 20°C / 68°F
• Days of Rainfall: 1 day
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Dev Deepawali festival, Ganga Mahotsav, boat rides on the Ganges, temple visits

Varanasi in December

Visiting Varanasi in December offers a serene experience as the city enjoys mild weather, perfect for exploring its rich cultural tapestry. The Ganges River shimmers under the cool winter sun, and the spiritual ambiance is heightened by the various festivals and rituals that take place during this time.

• Average Temperature: 15°C / 59°F
• Days of Rainfall: 1 day
• Season: Dry season
• Cost: Moderate
• Activities: Ganga Arti ceremony, Sarnath visit, Dev Deepawali festival

Special Events in Varanasi to Look Out For

Ganga Mahotsav

• Date: Typically in November (dates vary slightly each year)
• Description: A cultural festival that celebrates the rich heritage of Varanasi with music, dance, and arts performances along the ghats of the Ganges. The festival culminates in the grand Dev Deepawali, the festival of lights, where thousands of lamps illuminate the river.

Dev Deepawali

• Date: The fifteenth day of the Hindu month of Kartik (usually November)
• Description: Often referred to as the Diwali of the Gods, Dev Deepawali is celebrated 15 days after Diwali. The ghats of Varanasi light up with millions of diyas (oil lamps), creating a mesmerizing sight.

Maha Shivaratri

• Date: February or March (depends on the lunar calendar)
• Description: A major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. In Varanasi, it's celebrated with great enthusiasm; devotees fast and offer prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most famous Shiva temples in the world.

Ramlila

• Date: September-October (during the Hindu month of Ashvin)
• Description: A dramatic folk re-enactment of the life of Lord Rama, culminating in the defeat of Ravana. The performances are held over a month and are particularly spectacular in Varanasi.

Buddha Purnima

• Date: April or May (on the full moon day of the Vaisakha month)
• Description: Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gautama Buddha. Special prayers and events are held at Sarnath, just outside Varanasi, where Buddha first taught the Dharma.

Nag Nathaiya

• Date: Typically in November or late October
• Description: Celebrated at the Tulsi Ghat, this festival re-enacts a famous episode from the life of Lord Krishna where he tames the serpent Kaliya. Young boys dressed as Krishna jump into the river, adding drama and excitement to the festivities.

Hanuman Jayanti

• Date: March or April (on the full moon day of the Chaitra month)
• Description: Celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman with special prayers and ceremonies, particularly at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple in Varanasi, which is festooned with flowers and lights for the occasion.

Pro Tips for Traveling to Varanasi

• Cash Over Cards: Always have cash on hand in Varanasi, as many small shops, rickshaw drivers, and street vendors do not accept credit cards.
• Tipping Practices: Tipping is generally expected; aim for about 10% at restaurants, and a small tip for rickshaw rides and personal services is appreciated.
• Drink Safely: Stick to bottled water, and avoid ice in drinks to prevent waterborne illnesses.
• Dress Conservatively: When visiting religious sites or older parts of the city, dress modestly to respect local customs.
• Try Street Food: Sample local delicacies like chaat, kachori, and the famous Banarasi paan.
• Negotiate Rides: Always negotiate the fare before getting into an auto-rickshaw or hiring a boat on the Ganges.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful when attending ceremonies or taking photos on the ghats; always ask for permission before photographing people.
• Use Public Boats: For a different perspective of the ghats, use the public boats for a cheaper alternative to private boat rides.
• Stay Hydrated: Varanasi can be very hot, especially in the summer months, so keep hydrated, but remember to only drink bottled or purified water.
• Explore Beyond the Ghats: Visit other parts of the city like Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon, for a broader understanding of the area's religious significance.

Varanasi Travel FAQ

Do I need a visa to visit Varanasi?
Yes, you'll need a visa to visit Varanasi if you're not an Indian citizen. Most tourists opt for an e-Visa, which is convenient and can be applied for online. The e-Visa is available for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years. Make sure to apply at least four days in advance of your trip.

What currency is used in Varanasi?
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the currency used in Varanasi. It's wise to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and in areas that don't accept credit cards. ATMs are widely available, but it's a good idea to exchange some money before you arrive or at the airport.

What should I pack for a trip to Varanasi?
Pack light and comfortable clothing suitable for a hot and humid climate. Include modest attire for temple visits (shoulders and knees should be covered). Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect against the sun. A good pair of walking shoes is essential, as you'll likely do a lot of walking. Also, consider bringing a scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites.

Do I need to speak Hindi to visit Varanasi?
It's not necessary to speak Hindi to visit Varanasi, as English is commonly spoken in major tourist areas and hotels. However, learning a few basic phrases in Hindi can enhance your experience and help you connect with locals.

Is Varanasi safe for tourists?
Varanasi is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to exercise common sense and stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with street food to avoid stomach ailments. It's advisable to avoid isolated areas at night.

Is Varanasi accessible for those with disabilities?
Accessibility in Varanasi can be challenging due to uneven roads, crowded streets, and limited wheelchair ramps. Some newer hotels and major attractions have made efforts to improve accessibility, but it's best to check in advance and plan accordingly.

What type of outlet is used in Varanasi?
In Varanasi, and throughout India, the power sockets are types C, D, and M. The standard voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. It's a good idea to bring a universal adapter if your devices use different plugs.

What are some cultural norms to be aware of in Varanasi?
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering temples, and always ask permission before taking photos of people. It's also customary to leave a small donation at temples.

What is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best time to visit Varanasi is during the cooler months from November to February when the weather is pleasant. Avoid the monsoon season from July to September due to heavy rains and potential flooding.