Delhi

Delhi's climate extremes make timing crucial. Most people agree October to March is ideal—but within this window, each season has its own character. **Winter (November to February): Peak Season** Winter is Delhi's tourism sweet spot. November through February sees daytime temps between 15-25°C, perfect for the extensive walking required to explore monuments and markets. The sun shines bright but not scorching, and evening chill adds pleasant contrast to warm restaurant meals and chai breaks. December and January are coldest, with mornings occasionally dipping to 5-7°C. Locals bundle up in jackets, considering this genuinely cold (though visitors from colder climates find it refreshingly mild). Morning fog is common in January, sometimes delaying flights but creating atmospheric views of monuments emerging from mist. This is wedding season—if you're invited to an Indian wedding now, you're in for an unforgettable cultural experience. Winter brings major festivals too. The International Kite Festival in January sees colorful kites dotting the sky. Republic Day on January 26th features a grand military parade down Rajpath (tickets available but book early). Downside? Peak tourist season means crowds at popular monuments and hotel rates climb. Air quality becomes a serious concern November through January—a combination of crop burning, festival firecrackers, and weather traps pollutants, creating hazardous smog. Sensitive travelers should carry N95 masks and monitor Air Quality Index readings. **Shoulder Months (October and March): The Sweet Spots** October and March are arguably the best compromise. October post-monsoon sees Delhi washed clean, temps dropping from summer extremes to pleasant 20-30°C. Parks and gardens display their greenest foliage. Dussehra typically falls in October with elaborate celebrations. Diwali usually occurs in October or early November, transforming Delhi into a spectacular display of lights and fireworks. March marks spring's brief window before summer hits. Temps range 15-28°C—ideal for sightseeing. Holi typically falls in March, offering one of India's most photogenic celebrations (though be prepared to get drenched in colored water and powder). Brief flowering season sees gulmohar and jacaranda blooming across New Delhi's avenues. These months offer significantly better hotel rates than peak winter while avoiding summer's brutality. Crowds are manageable, air quality is better. If you have flexibility, October and March provide the best overall value. **Monsoon (July to September): For the Adventurous** Delhi's monsoon isn't continuous downpour—it's sporadic heavy showers mixed with humid sunny periods. Temps drop to 25-35°C (still warm but more bearable). Rains wash away dust and pollution. Gardens bloom. However, heavy downpours can flood low-lying areas, causing traffic nightmares that turn 30-minute journeys into two-hour ordeals. Outdoor sites become muddy. Humidity is high. Mosquitoes proliferate. If you're a photographer seeking dramatic storm clouds over monuments, or a budget traveler taking advantage of off-season rates, monsoon can work. Just pack a good umbrella, waterproof footwear, and patience. **Summer (April to June): The Challenging Period** Unless you have compelling reasons, avoid Delhi's summer. April starts warm at 30-35°C, but by May and June, temps routinely exceed 40°C, with spikes to 45°C or 48°C during heat waves. The 'loo'—hot, dry winds—blow across the northern plains, making afternoon hours genuinely dangerous. Heat exhaustion is a real risk. The city adapts through midday retreat. Shops and offices often close for extended lunch breaks. Markets are quiet during midday, coming alive after 5 PM. If you must visit during summer, plan monument visits for early morning (6-9 AM) or late evening, stay hydrated, and rely on AC spaces for hottest hours. Summer offers one advantage: absolute off-season means rock-bottom hotel prices, empty monuments, and a different perspective on how residents navigate their city's most challenging season. Mango season is another silver lining—May and June bring dozens of mango varieties to markets at peak ripeness. **Making Your Choice** First-timers prioritizing comfort: November to February despite crowds and air quality. Best balance of weather, value, and fewer crowds: October or March. Budget travelers: Monsoon season with proper planning. Summer: Best avoided unless circumstances require it. Remember Delhi's pollution is year-round but worst in winter. Check Air Quality Index forecasts and plan indoor activities for bad days.