Best Time To Visit Varanasi: A Seasonal Guide For Travellers

Varanasi, the land of deep faith and traditions evident at every ghat, is a magnet for spiritual seekers, intrepid travellers, and documentary filmmakers alike. This city is said to be one of the oldest cities in the world, and it is India at its most intense. Varanasi attracts tens of millions of visitors every year. We are sure you are also wondering about the best time to visit Varanasi so you can book your tickets to the land of spirituality.

In Banaras, pilgrims come from across the world to commune with the sacred Ganges and mark life’s great turning points: birth, marriage, and (most famously) death. Don’t be surprised if Varanasi turns out to be your favourite place in India. Or at least one you’ll never forget.

Best Time to Visit Varanasi

1. Varanasi in Winter (November – February) 
2. Varanasi in Monsoon (July – October)
3. Varanasi in Summer (March – June) 
4. Time to Spend in Varanasi

Varanasi in Winter (November – February) 

With an average temperature between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius, if you prefer it a little colder, the best time to visit Varanasi in winter is between November and February. It is a perfect time for taking strolls, sightseeing, and exploring the city beyond what meets the tourist’s eye, especially for foreign tourists from the west. The breeze brushing past you in the evening is perfect for relaxing by the holy river with a cup of refreshing hot tea. You can also set out for an early morning boat ride on the river and see the sunrise in all its glittering glory with calm waves accompanying.

What To Expect

1. Winter season
2. Peak tourist season
3. Dip in temperatures
4. Best time for strolls, sightseeing
5. The best time for attending the divine Ganga Aarti
6. Temperatures ranging from 5-15 degrees Celsius
7. Costly stays

Varanasi in Monsoon (July – October) 

Despite the torrential rainfall hampering tourism and travel, Varanasi also receives many visitors during the monsoon season, which has a charm and is another best time to visit Varanasi. Marked by the frequent downpours in July, this season lasts till the second week of October. The average temperature more or less stays between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius, thus bringing a welcome respite from the heat. The level of the Ganga river rises above the usual, alluring more people to the ghats, who sit there and enjoy the divine sight. Watching the Ganga during the peak of the monsoon is the best time to visit Kashi for a thrilling experience.

What To Expect

1. Pleasant weather
2. Cloudy and overcast skies
3. Moderate to high humidity
4. Budget-friendly stays
5. Temperatures range from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius

Varanasi in Summer (March – June) 

Summer in Varanasi lasts from March till the end of June when April and May are the hottest months and not the best time to visit Varanasi. Unlike any region in the northern part of the country, summer in Varanasi is characterised by weather devoid of humidity, with the sun blazing throughout the day, thus making the temperature rise as high as 45 degrees Celsius.

The average temperature rarely falls below 30 degrees Celsius, though the areas at and around the Ghats are preferably cooler. Before planning a trip here during summer, keep in mind that going outdoors for any activity is challenging. The hot, dry wind blowing across the region in the afternoons makes it more difficult to bear the extreme climatic conditions. 

What To Expect

1. Hottest time of the year
2. Festive season-Mahashivratri, Sakranti, Holi
3. Budget-friendly stays
4. Temperatures range from 30-45 degrees Celsius

Time to Spend in Varanasi

Now that you know the best time to visit Varanasi, Allocate at least four to five days, but stay longer if possible. While there are only a handful of must-visit sights, the city’s atmosphere has a strong allure that attracts visitors strongly and makes them stay longer than expected.

There might be the best time to travel to Varanasi, but there is no ideal time frame for spending there. With a little extra time, Varanasi is a great place for study, with classes in Hindi, yoga, Hindu mythology, Indian cooking, music, and many other subjects throughout the city.

Things to do in Varanasi

1. Tour Of The Oldest Temple
2. Explore The Ghats
3. Take Bath In The Ganges
4. Do yoga on the ghats
5. Boat Ride
6. Watch Evening Aarti
7. Taste Street Food

Tour Of The Oldest Temple

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of Varanasi’s most popular and sacred Hindu temples, and it is said to be a sincere dedication to Lord Shiva. It gracefully lies on the western bank of the river Ganges. Varanasi was once known as Kashi; hence, the temple’s name was inherited there. If Varanasi is a hub of temples, then Kashi Vishwanath Temple has to be the most visited temple in the whole city, and the best time to visit Banaras, Kashi Vishwanath temple is year long. 

Explore The Ghats

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the major Ghats in the beautiful city of Varanasi, which lies in the Ganges. As for directions, it is decently close to the popular Vishwanath Temple. To give a brief background of this spectacular Ghat, it is said that Lord Brahma created it in respect to welcome Lord Shiva. Some also believe that Lord Brahma is said to have sacrificed ten horses while Dasa-Ashwamedha Yajna was performed here.

Take Bath In The Ganges

Dashashwamedh Ghat is one of the major Ghats in the beautiful city of Varanasi, which lies in the Ganges. As for directions, it is decently close to the popular Vishwanath Temple. To give a brief background of this spectacular Ghat, it is said that Lord Brahma created it in respect to welcome Lord Shiva. Some also believe that Lord Brahma is said to have sacrificed ten horses while Dasa-Ashwamedha Yajna was performed here.

Do yoga on the ghats

Few locations are more motivating for yoga than Varanasi at sunrise when the day’s first rays illuminate the ghats. The wonderful Banaras Yoga School is one of many establishments that provide outdoor classes. It also hosts cultural walks with a yoga theme.

Boat Ride

Sunset Boat Ride on the Ganges is one of the top things to do in Varanasi. Your trip is incomplete without the soul-stirring ride on the quaint waters of the holy River. There is no more dramatic moment than soaking in the view of the setting sun on the River. Ask your rower to sing folk songs to make it even more memorable.

Watch Evening Aarti

There is no best time to go to Varanasi to witness evening the Ganga arti. One of the most spiritual things to see in Varanasi. You may have witnessed the magical experience in Rishikesh or Haridwar, so you already know how enlightening this experience in Varanasi will be for you. The ghats get crowded during the aarti time. So, make sure you reach on time. Don’t forget to buy aarti thali to enjoy the whole experience. When the sonorous sound of aarti falls on your ears, you feel true bliss.

Taste Street Food

The ghats of Varanasi are a little paradise for foodies. You will enjoy an endless variety of local street food in the streets of Varanasi. From crispy kachoris to spicy aloo puri, gorge on yummy local cuisine served with love. The best part is that the food in Varanasi is so cheap. You can get a plate of puri aloo for only ten rupees. Nobody ever starves in Varanasi. That’s for sure.

Plan Your Varanasi Trip with Tripzygo

The best season to visit Varanasi is from October to March, with the winter months of November to February being the best time to visit Varanasi. During this period, the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C, making it perfect for exploring the city’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. 

Traveling with Tripzygo enhances this experience, offering well-organized tours that allow you to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of Banaras. This season also coincides with significant festivals such as Dev Deepawali and Holi, which add a vibrant touch to the experience. So wait no longer and travel to the magically divine land of Varanasi.