Varanasi

October to March offers the most comfortable conditions for walking and boat rides. December and January can be cold and foggy at dawn, so carry a warm layer and accept that river visibility may vary. Festival dates bring extraordinary atmosphere alongside extreme crowds. April to June is intensely hot. The monsoon from July to September raises the Ganga, may submerge lower ghat steps and can suspend or alter boat services. Always follow current river and local safety advice.