Climate
Generally, India enjoys hot tropical weather that varies from region to region. Overall, December to February are the coolest months in the entire country. The period from March to May is quite hot, dry, and even dusty in many parts of the country. The monsoon season lasts from June to September when almost the entire country witnesses good rainfall, and even floods in some parts.
Western Himalayas - The States of Jammu and Kashmir (J and K), Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand lie amidst Western Himalayas. March to October is the best season to visit Srinagar, capital of J and K while July to August can be quite warm. Winters are generally cold and damp in this part of the country. Shimla, capital of Himachal Pradesh, is also a beautiful hill station and remains colder in winters. Winters are also harsh in places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Manali where it usually snows. Visiting Ladakh in winters is a good proposition if you are snow-lover. The road to Leh-Ladakh is open from June to October. Light- to medium-weight clothes are generally advisable in the months from March to October, while heavyweight warmers are best to enjoy winters in this part of the country. Weather in mountains is fickle; therefore, rainwear should, ideally, be carried along.
Northern Plains - This part of India has an extreme climate, i.e, extremely hot in summers (April to mid-June) and extremely cold in winters (November to February, even dipping to below freezing point in some areas). Lightweight clothes in summers and medium - to heavyweights in winters. Rainwear during monsoon season is advisable.
Central India - The Central India (State of Madhya Pradesh) has a relatively temperate summer season, but monsoons could be punishing. Temperatures at night, particularly during winters, fall dramatically. Lightweight clothes are ideal for most part of the year, while medium-weights may be required at times during winter. Rainwear is strongly advised during monsoons.
Western India - Summers in Western India are hot and humid, while winters are pleasant. Mostly, lightweights should be sufficient throughout the year. However, warmers may be needed during winter nights. Rainwear during monsoon is advisable.
Southwest - The period from November to March is the best time to visit South-western India. Temperatures are not extreme during summers, but excessive humidity can be sapping during the daytime. Lightweight clothing is best to enjoy this part of the country. There are also small hills in the Southwest India that require medium-weight clothing.
Southeast - Apart from usual monsoons that lash the country, Southeast India also experiences northeast monsoon between October and December. Both the temperatures and humidity remain high throughout the year. Lightweight clothes for most part of the year, along with rainwear during monsoon season are the advisable clothing.
Northeast - The best time to visit this stunning part of India is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant with little rainfall. At other times of the year, rains wreck havoc on this region. Advisable clothing varies from lightweight to medium-weight to heavyweight depending on the location and time of visit. Rainwear is advised throughout the year.
Required Clothing