Mumbai

Most people will tell you November to February is the best time, and they're right. These winter months are when Mumbai becomes actually pleasant. Temps hover between 15-30°C, which locals call 'cold' while wearing jackets, and you're probably thinking it's perfect weather. Mornings are crisp, afternoons are warm but not brutal, and evenings bring this nice coolness that makes walking along Marine Drive or exploring South Mumbai actually enjoyable. This is peak tourist season for a reason—weather's perfect for everything from heritage walks through Colaba to beach visits at Juhu, from ferry rides to Elephanta Caves to evening strolls along the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Downside? Everyone else knows this too. Crowds are bigger, hotel prices shoot up, and you need to book well in advance. But if it's your first time in Mumbai, winter is your best bet. **Monsoon (June to September): For the Adventurous** Want to see a completely different Mumbai? Come during monsoon. The Arabian Sea goes wild, sending massive waves crashing against Marine Drive. The entire city gets absolutely drenched—we're talking torrential rains that can last for days. Yes, there's flooding in low-lying areas. Yes, local trains get disrupted. Yes, traffic moves at a crawl. Yes, you'll need umbrellas and waterproof shoes constantly. But there's something magical about monsoon Mumbai. The normally dusty, concrete jungle suddenly sprouts green everywhere. The brown Arabian Sea turns shades of gray and blue. Sitting in an Irani cafe watching sheets of rain cascade past the windows while you sip cutting chai and eat brun maska—that's peak Mumbai romance. The famous Mumbaikar resilience is on full display as millions keep commuting despite the deluge. Food tastes better—hot pakoras with chai on rainy evenings hit different. The city is at its greenest, air quality improves after each downpour, and hotel prices drop significantly. Plus, if you want to see Ganesh Chaturthi (Mumbai's biggest festival), that happens during monsoon. Despite the rain, the city goes absolutely wild with celebrations. Just come prepared with good rain gear, patience for delays, and the willingness to get soaked despite your best efforts. **Summer (March to May): The Rough Season** Summer in Mumbai is brutal. Temperatures hit 35-40°C, but it's the humidity that kills you. Stepping outside feels like walking into a hot, wet blanket. It's exhausting if you plan to walk around. The upside? This is the absolute cheapest time to visit. Hotels offer huge discounts, attractions are empty, and if your trip focuses on indoor stuff—museums, shopping in AC malls, food tours, indoor cultural events—summer can work. Early mornings and late evenings are still decent for outdoor activities. The beaches see more locals trying to escape the heat. If you must visit during summer, stay hydrated, plan indoor stuff during peak heat (noon to 4 PM), and save outdoor sightseeing for early morning or evening. **Shoulder Months: The Secret Sweet Spot** March, October, and November might be the actual best times if you time it right. October marks the end of monsoons—the city is clean, green, and fresh, but tourists haven't arrived yet. The humidity is dropping, and festival season begins with Navratri, Dussehra, building up to Diwali. March is the tail end of winter before summer heat kicks in—still pleasant enough but with fewer crowds than peak winter. These months offer the best of both: good weather and reasonable prices. **Festival Timing Matters** If you want to witness Ganesh Chaturthi (usually August/September), plan for monsoon. The 10-day festival is chaotic, overwhelming, and absolutely unforgettable despite the rain. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in February transforms South Mumbai into an open-air gallery. Christmas in Bandra is magical with midnight masses and festive decorations. Bottom line: November to February for comfort and conventional sightseeing. June to September for adventure, authenticity, and lower prices if you can handle rain. March to May only if you're getting great deals or don't mind heat. And those shoulder months? Might be the actual sweet spot.