Rishikesh, nestled at the Himalayan foothills along the Ganges, enjoys a humid subtropical climate with three main seasons. Summers are hot but tempered by river breezes, monsoons bring lush greenery and heavy rain, and winters are cool and dry. The city’s pleasant weather, spiritual atmosphere, and adventure opportunities make it a year-round destination.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Rishikesh experiences significant seasonal variation, shaped by its elevation (around 350–530 metres) and proximity to the Himalayas. Summers (March–June) are hot, with daytime highs of 35–40°C and nights cooling to 16–25°C. Early summer is ideal for adventure sports, but May and June can feel sultry, especially under direct sun. The Ganges and hilly terrain help moderate the heat, and evenings are often pleasant.
The monsoon (July–September) brings dramatic changes, with heavy rainfall – especially in July and August, which can see over 400–600 mm of rain per month. Days are warm (31–34°C), humidity soars, and frequent showers transform the landscape into a lush, green haven. While monsoon festivals add vibrancy, outdoor activities like rafting may be restricted due to river conditions. October and November mark a return to clear skies and comfortable weather, with highs of 27–30°C and cool nights.
Winters (November–February) are cool and dry, with highs of 19–25°C and lows dropping to 5–10°C. Nights can be chilly, especially from December to January, but days remain sunny and ideal for sightseeing, yoga, and hiking. Annual rainfall ranges widely (1,400–2,100 mm), with most precipitation during the monsoon. Rishikesh enjoys abundant sunshine outside the rainy season, and winds are generally light, though mountain breezes can feel brisk in winter and after storms.
| Average climate data for Rishikesh, India | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 19 | 22 | 27 | 33 | 36 | 36 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 30 | 25 | 21 | 36 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 6 | 8 | 12 | 18 | 21 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 17 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 59 | 48 | 45 | 22 | 42 | 133 | 440 | 393 | 198 | 54 | 10 | 30 | 1,474 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 15 | 16 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 60 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
The best time to visit Rishikesh is from October to April, when temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is low, and the air is clear. These months are perfect for yoga retreats, river rafting, hiking, and spiritual festivals, with crisp mornings and pleasant days for outdoor exploration.
The least favourable time to visit is from July to September, during the monsoon. Heavy rainfall can disrupt travel, cause slippery trails, and limit adventure sports like rafting. May and June can also be uncomfortably hot for some, especially during midday.
Rishikesh has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers (up to 40°C), a rainy monsoon (July–September), and cool, dry winters (down to 5°C at night). The weather is generally pleasant, but summer and monsoon can be extreme.
October to April is the best time to visit Rishikesh, with clear skies, mild temperatures, and low rainfall. These months are ideal for adventure sports, yoga, and sightseeing.
Yes, Rishikesh receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon (July–September), especially in July and August, when monthly totals can exceed 400 mm. The rest of the year is mostly dry and sunny.
Winter nights in Rishikesh can drop to 5–8°C, especially in December and January. Days remain mild and sunny, with highs of 19–25°C. Warm layers are recommended for evenings and early mornings.
Most adventure sports, like rafting and hiking, are best from October to early May. Rafting is usually suspended during the monsoon due to high river levels and safety concerns.
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm days, a jumper or jacket for cool nights (especially in winter), and rain gear for the monsoon. Sun cream and sturdy shoes are essential for outdoor activities.
Rishikesh attracts visitors year-round, but crowds peak during spring (March–April) and autumn festivals. The monsoon and peak summer are quieter, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is May (36 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (19 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 28.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is June (24.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (6 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 16 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (439.5 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is November (9.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,474 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is August (15.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is November (0 days). Over the whole year there are 60.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 9.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is January (Average sunshine: 5.9 h). Over the whole year there are 7.3 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are May, June, July and August (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 8.5.
