Best Time to Visit Gujarat
What is the best time to visit Gujarat?
The best time to visit Gujarat is during the winter season, i.e. between October and February. Since it is a dry region and experiences high temperatures and humidity; visiting the state in the beginning of monsoons (July) may also be a good idea especially in the regions that receive less or no rainfall. During these months, the weather is plesant with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 29°C, and visitors can comfortably explore the vibrant cities, historical sites, and wildlife sanctuaries without the discomfort of extreme heat. Additionally, this period coincides with major festivals like Navratri and the Rann Utsav, offering a rich cultural experience. Conversely, the summer months from March to June are less favorable due to the intense heat, with temperatures soaring above 40°C, but there are some places worth visiting like the Saputara Hill Station and the natural reserves that provide quite some respite in the scorching heat.
Peak Season (November - February)
Weather: In Gujarat, hill regions like Saputara enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C, while low lying areas such as Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat experience temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.
Popular Destinations: Heritage walks & historical sites in Ahmedabad, Rann Utsav in Kutch, Wildlife Safarin in Gir National park, Boating in Saputara Lake, beaches of dwarka, Kite festivals in Ahmedabad.
Note: Pre-booking is recommended, tourist spots can be crowded, so plan your visits early in the day. Book tickets and passes in advance to avoid long queues.
Shoulder Season (July - October)
Weather: Coastal areas like Surat, Daman, Dwarka experience mild and humid conditions with temperatures of 25°C to 30°C, inland regions like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot are warmer ranging from 25°C to 35°C, while hill regions like Saputara are cooler with temperatures around 20°C to 25°C.
Popular Destinations: Coastal destinations like Dwarka, Somnath, and Porbandar are popular for their scenic beaches and religious sites. The hill station of Saputara offers lush green landscapes, waterfalls, and boating facilities on the Saputara Lake. Explore the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks like Gir National Park, Blackbuck National Park, and Marine National Park.
Note: Check weather forecasts and road conditions before planning outdoor activities, as heavy rainfall may lead to road closures in some areas.
Off Season (March - June)
Weather: Coastal regions like Dwarka, Porbandar, and Diu experience daytime temperatures of 25°C to 35°C, dropping to 20°C to 25°C at night, while inland cities like Ahmedabad and Vadodara see daytime highs of up to 40°C and nighttime lows of 25°C to 30°C.
Popular Destinations: Visit Saputara and Wilson Hills for lush greenery and waterfalls during the rainy season, Explore the Rann of Kutch during the monsoon season for its unique landscape and cultural experiences.
Note: Pre-booking is recommended, especially during festive seasons like Navratri and Diwali. Stay hydrated and carry sufficient water, especially during outdoor activities.
More about Best Time to Travel to Gujarat
Gujarat in Winter (November - February)
Popular Destinations to Visit
- Bhuj: Explore the historic Aina Mahal and Prag Mahal, and shop for local handicrafts in the bustling bazaars.
- Junagadh: Climb the Girnar Hills for a spiritual and adventurous trek, and visit the Uparkot Fort and Mahabat Maqbara.
- Patan: Admire the architectural marvel of Rani ki Vav, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the Patola silk weaving tradition.
- Modhera: Visit the Sun Temple, an exquisite example of Solanki architecture, and enjoy the Modhera Dance Festival.
- Mandvi: Relax on the serene Mandvi Beach, visit the Vijay Vilas Palace, and explore the shipbuilding yards.
- Kutch: Attend the Rann Utsav, a cultural festival featuring local music, dance, crafts, and the breathtaking white salt desert.
- Gir National Park: Go on a wildlife safari to spot Asiatic lions and other wildlife.
- Dwarka: Visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, a major pilgrimage site, and explore the coastal charm of this ancient city.
- Somnath: Visit the Somnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva, and enjoy the serene beaches.
- Saputara: Enjoy boating on Saputara Lake, trek in the surrounding hills, and visit the tribal museum.
- The festival of Navaratri which is a ten-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is celebrated every year in October. It signifies the rich culture of the region and is considered to be religiously important to the locals.
- The famous Rann Utsav is held between November and February on the desert of Rann and includes folk music, dance, games, entertainment, exhibitions etc. that keep the tourists entertained throughout their trip.
- Vautha Mela and Shyamlaji Mela are also celebrated in November.
- Sankranti and the Kite Festival are celebrated on 14th January every year.
- In the same month, Modhera Dance Festival is also held. Held at the Sun Temple in Modhera, featuring classical dance performances.
Pre-Booking: Highly recommended, especially during major festivals like Rann Utsav and Uttarayan, due to high demand.
Travel: Be aware of local travel advisories and road conditions, especially if traveling to remote areas like Kutch.
Gujarat in Monsoon (June - September)
Rainfall: The state receives a varied pattern of rainfall in its regions. The northern region is more dry and arid in comparison to the southern and areas like Saurashtra and Kutch receive less or no rainfall. However, the major cities in Gujarat like Ahmadabad, Jamnagar and Kutch receive some amount of rainfall during the peak season. Overall, the state receives an average annual rainfall of 800 mm and the temperature hovers around 35°C. The humidity at above 62% is extremely high and could be a mood spoiler for some.
Popular Destinations to Visit & Festivals
- Ahmedabad : Heritage walks, visiting the Sabarmati Ashram, exploring architectural marvels like the Adalaj Stepwell and Sidi Saiyyed Mosque.
- Saputara :Trekking, boating in Saputara Lake, visiting the Saputara Tribal Museum.
- Diu: Exploring Diu Fort, Naida Caves, and St. Paul's Church.
- Dwarka : Visiting Dwarkadhish Temple, Bet Dwarka, and Rukmini Devi Temple.
- Somnath: Visiting the Somnath Temple, and exploring the Prabhas Patan Museum.
- Gir National Park: Wildlife safaris to see the Asiatic lions (though safaris might be limited during peak monsoon).
- Vadodara: Visiting Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Gardens, and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.
- Statue of Unity: Viewing the world's tallest statue, boat rides, and exploring the nearby valley of flowers and tent city.
- Janmashtami: Especially grand in Dwarka, the birthplace of Lord Krishna.
- Tarnetar Fair: A vibrant cultural festival held in Surendranagar district in early September.
- Pre-booking is recommended, especially in popular tourist areas and during festival times.
- Carry waterproof clothing and umbrellas due to unpredictable rain showers.
- Be cautious of slippery roads and potential landslides in hilly areas.
- Use mosquito repellent and nets, especially in rural and forested regions.
- Check the local weather forecast and road conditions regularly.
- Avoid visiting at the beginning of the monsoon season due to water shortages.
- Water sports and beach activities are not advisable due to unsafe sea conditions.
- Most water sports facilities are closed for safety reasons during this season.
Gujarat in Summer (March - May)
The day-time temperature stays around 40°C while after sundown it hovers around 30°C, making it one of the hottest and driest states in India. There are, however, some locations that tourists can explore during summers. The southern region of Gujarat stays comparatively cooler than the north-western region.
- Summer season in Gujarat is dry and arid which begins in March and goes on till June.
- Coastal areas like Dwarka, Porbandar, and Diu experience temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
- Inland cities like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, and Surat have temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C.
- Hill stations like Saputara have relatively cooler temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
- Ahmedabad: Visit Sabarmati Ashram, Adalaj Stepwell, and Kankaria Lake. Enjoy shopping at Law Garden Night Market.
- Dwarka: Explore Dwarkadhish Temple, Nageshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, and Bet Dwarka.
- Saputara: Enjoy boating at Saputara Lake, trekking in the lush forests, and visiting Artist Village.
- Diu: Relax on the beaches, visit Diu Fort and St. Paul's Church, and indulge in water sports.
- Rann of Kutch: Experience the Rann Utsav, witness the White Desert, and explore local culture and handicrafts.
- Nature enthusiasts and animals lovers can spend hours observing the wildlife thriving in the sanctuaries. Blackbuck National Park, Gir Forest National Park, Vansda National Park are some of the reserves that one can visit during the season.
- Uttarayan (Kite Festival): Celebrated in January, but kite-flying continues into the summer months, especially in Ahmedabad and other cities.
- Modhera Dance Festival: Held at the Modhera Sun Temple in January, but dance performances are showcased during the summer months as well.
- Pre-booking is recommended for popular tourist spots and accommodations, especially during weekends and festivals.
- Stay hydrated and carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect from the sun.
- Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and seek shade when possible.
- Be cautious of heat-related illnesses and take breaks indoors if feeling overheated.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Best time to vist the Top Destinations in Gujarat
Events in Gujarat
International Kite Festival - Uttarayan
14th January - 15th January 2019