Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges in northern India, has a humid subtropical climate with three main seasons: hot, dry summers, a lush monsoon, and cool winters. The city experiences dramatic temperature swings, high humidity during the rains, and abundant sunshine in winter and spring, making Varanasi a vibrant destination for spiritual, cultural, and outdoor experiences year-round.
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.
Varanasi’s climate is defined by its inland location and the influence of the Indian monsoon. Summers (March–June) are intensely hot and dry, with daytime highs regularly reaching 38–42°C and occasionally soaring to 45°C in May. Nights remain warm, rarely dropping below 25°C. Humidity is low early in summer but rises by June. Sunshine is abundant, with up to 9–10 hours daily in April and May, and UV levels are very high. Winds are generally light, but hot, dry breezes (loo) can blow in late spring, making afternoons particularly scorching.
The monsoon season (July–September) brings relief from the heat, with highs dropping to 32–34°C but humidity soaring above 75%. Rainfall is heavy and frequent, especially in July and August, with monthly totals of 180–230 mm and up to 23 rainy days. Downpours can cause waterlogging and disrupt travel, but the city becomes lush and vibrant. Sunshine is limited to 4–6 hours per day, and the Ganges River swells with rainwater. Autumn (October–November) is a transition period with pleasant temperatures (28–32°C), lower humidity, and clear skies, making it ideal for festivals and sightseeing. Winters (December–February) are cool and dry, with highs of 20–25°C and lows of 7–12°C. Foggy mornings are common, but days are crisp and sunny, with 7–8 hours of sunshine. Rain is rare, and humidity is comfortable. Winds are generally light, but occasional breezes keep the air fresh. Varanasi receives about 900–1,100 mm of rain annually and enjoys 2,800–2,900 hours of sunshine per year.
| Average climate data for Varanasi, India | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 23 | 26 | 33 | 38 | 40 | 38 | 34 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 29 | 25 | 40 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 9 | 12 | 16 | 22 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 20 | 14 | 10 | 9 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 19 | 18 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 106 | 307 | 292 | 247 | 32 | 9 | 5 | 1,059 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 52 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
| Average UV index | 6 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 9 |
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March, during the cool, dry winter and early spring. Temperatures are comfortable (10–25°C), humidity is low, and the city is alive with festivals and cultural events. These months offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, boat rides, and exploring the ghats and temples.
The least favourable time is from April to June, when Varanasi is at its hottest and driest. Daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C, making outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially hazardous. The monsoon months (July–September) also pose challenges due to heavy rain, high humidity, and occasional flooding.
Varanasi has a humid subtropical climate with hot, dry summers (38–45°C), a rainy monsoon season (July–September), and cool, dry winters (10–25°C). The city experiences dramatic seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall.
The best time to visit Varanasi is from October to March, when the weather is cool, dry, and comfortable. This period is perfect for sightseeing, attending festivals, and enjoying boat rides on the Ganges.
Summers in Varanasi are extremely hot, with daytime highs often reaching 40–45°C, especially in May and June. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for early mornings or evenings to avoid the intense midday heat.
Varanasi receives most of its annual rainfall (900–1,100 mm) during the monsoon season (July–September). July and August are the wettest months, with frequent heavy downpours and high humidity.
Humidity in Varanasi is moderate in winter and spring, but rises sharply during the monsoon, often exceeding 75–80%. Summers start dry but become more humid by June before the rains arrive.
Snow is unknown in Varanasi. Winters are cool, with lows of 7–12°C and occasional foggy mornings, but freezing temperatures are rare. Days remain sunny and pleasant for outdoor activities.
For winter, pack light layers for cool mornings and evenings. In summer, wear light, breathable clothing and use sun protection. During monsoon, bring an umbrella, waterproof shoes, and quick-drying clothes.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is May (40.2 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (23 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 32.1 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is June (27.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (9.2 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 19.3 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (306.6 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is December (4.8 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,059 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (14 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is December (0.5 days). Over the whole year there are 51.7 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 13.1 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 4 h). Over the whole year there are 6.9 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 month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 5). Over the whole year the average UV index is 9.3.
