Best Time to Visit Varanasi: Complete Travel Guide for an Unforgettable Experience

Varanasi – the holy city of India is located at the banks of river Ganga. Varanasi also known as Banaras and Kashi is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlings of Lord Shiva at the prestigious Kashi Vishwanath temple.

Not just a home to a Jyotirling Temple, Varanasi is famous for its other ancient and prominent temples, sacred ghats, vibrant old markets making the world’s best “banarasi” sarees and amazing food which you might not find at any other place. The city is also known as the world’s oldest city and is deep rooted in cultural spiritual traditions.

People from all around the world, especially the devotees of Lord Shiva visit this place every year in huge numbers.

Choosing the best time to visit Varanasi is very important so that your spiritual journey to the city is fruitful and comfortable.

While, Varanasi is accessible throughout the year, yet months from October to March are considered a suitable time to visit the city as the weather is pleasant during these months as compared to the remaining part of the year.

Best time to visit Varanasi

If you want to enjoy grand spiritual celeberations and a pleasant weather, then October – March is the best time to visit. The weather is cool and the sun is also not harsh, so you can explore the ghats, temples, enjoy the boat rides and explore the lanes of Banaras comfortably. 

The months from October- March also mark the winter months India and its also the festival time in India. The most important festival – Diwali comes around during these months and the city is a delight to be in during this time. All the ghats and sky is lit with lights and diyas like no other city. Also, the world famous ‘Malaiyo’ ( a traditional sweet dish of Banaras ) is also available during this time only.

October to March – the best time

The weather remains cool for all the sightseeing. Although during the months of December and January, the weather is specifically cold with temperatures reaching around 5°C. You must carry proper woollen clothes with you, if you wish to visit during these two months. 

During the rest of the months the temperature is around 20°C – 25°C, making the weather very pleasant and your journey a surreal one. One of the most memorable experience will be the early morning sunrise boat ride and the evening sunset boat ride which is accompanied with the Ganga Aarti.

Dev Deepawali

This festival is celebrated approximately 15 days after the festival of Diwali, with specific dates announced by the head preiest of the Kashi Vishwanath temple. 

If crowd is a no problem for you, then you should definitely visit Varansi around this time of the year. The city is in its full glory with all the ghats lit by diyas and sky with fire crackers and drone shows depiciting stories of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama.

Travelers visiting Varanasi during Dev Deepawali can enjoy:

• Beautifully decorated ghats
• Special Ganga Aarti ceremonies
• Cultural performances
• A divine atmosphere along the river

Tip: Book well in advance as hotels, flights are expensive during this time and they sell out fast. So, book in advance to get the best rates.

April – June

These months are the summer months for Varanasi with temperatures reaching 40°C along with humidity. So, this might be uncomfortable for some.

If you plan to visit Varanasi during these times then the best you can do is explore the city in mornings and evenings to avoid the scortching sun during the day. Also, if you want to avoid the crowd then April-June is a good time to visit.

July- September

These are the monsoon months for Varanasi. The ghats and the entire city looks beautiful during this time. 

The only problem comes when sometimes it rains so heavily that the entire gets drenched in the waters of Ganga. So before you make a plan during this time, look at weather forecast before making the bookings.

Mahashivratri

This festival is celebrated in Varanasi like no other because Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva. So, the city witnesses grand processions, temple decorations, and special prayers at the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple. If you are also a bigtime devottee of Lord Shiva, then you should come to Varanasi around this time but with well planned bookings.

Tips for Planning Your Varanasi Trip

• Book hotels and travel packages early during festival seasons.
• Wear comfortable footwear as many areas near the ghats have narrow lanes.
• Start sightseeing early to avoid crowds.
• Keep some time aside to explore local markets and try traditional Banarasi cuisine.
• Respect local customs while visiting temples and religious places.