The best time to visit Chitrakoot is between July and March when the weather is pleasing and not very hot. Ideal season for a visit is in the monsoon season, especially from August onwards.
While the summers are the least advisable for a trip, the winter season is also not a good one for a visit, courtesy the fog, which makes a road trip extremely dangerous. The months of October and November see the highest tourist influx to the region.
The beginning of winter is a pleasant time to visit Chitrakoot, as the weather is great in November and December. With clear skies and balmy days, Chitrakoot is a delight in December. However, January and February bring fog and chills to the region, so it is recommended that you check with local authorities before visiting Chitrakoot as the fog hampers visibility and driving becomes difficult. If you plan on visiting Chitrakoot in winter, book your accommodation beforehand as the highest number of tourists visit this region during these months.
October/November sees the festival of Navratri, a nine-night celebration that culminates with Dussehra, a festival commemorating the triumph of the Hindu Goddess Durga over evil. The entire city comes alive with festivities during this time, with beautiful idols being painted and taken out in processions. A few weeks after Dussehra comes Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Chitrakoot is famous for its grand celebration of Diwali, with the entire district being decked up with lights and oil lamps. Deep Daan rituals are also held. A stunning firework show lights up the region at night, and special prayers are conducted to commemorate the return of the Hindu God Ram to Ayodhya after defeating the Demon King Ravana. Stroll by the Mandakini River and be part of the festivities of Diwali.
In January, Makar Sankranti is celebrated with enthusiasm and pomp by the locals. This harvest festival is dedicated to the Sun, thanking him for a good bounty. Kite flying events are also held on a small scale. After Mahashivratri in January/February, the much-awaited Ramayan Mela is held for an entire week. This is the most popular festival in Chitrakoot, with competitions, art and dance shows and folk performances being held every day. Prominent leaders also address the events. Be part of the celebrations and rejoice with the locals as you indulge in the riot of colours and joy! The local fairs and carnivals set up during Ramayan Mela are a delight to be in, with games and local market stalls. Buy handicrafts and souvenirs for your loved ones too.
Chitrakoot in Summer (March - June)
The scorching summer does not spare Chitrakoot, as the maximum temperature soars to 47°C between March and June. With a minimum temperature of 29°C, the nights are comfortable, but the weather is still balmy and hot. Summer is not a very good time to stay at Chitrakoot as the unbearably hot weather is not conducive to travel at all. Sightseeing is exhausting as it gets too hot to move around during the day.
While March and the first two weeks of April are comparatively pleasant, May and June are best avoided. Summer is the off-season time when prices come down in hotels and resorts. If you're a traveller on a tight budget, you can visit Chitrakoot in March and April to avail offers and visit nearby sites too.
Ramnavami is a festival celebrated in April, to commemorate the birth of the Hindu God Ram. In Chitrakoot, the celebrations are even more spectacular because of the special significance attached to the town. From the streets lining the temples to the central market, every lane is decorated, and festivities ring in the air as the townsfolk gather to celebrate the divine birth of the Lord. Don't forget to try the unique delicacies and sweetmeats during this time!
Chitrakoot in Monsoon (July - October)
Monsoon in Chitrakoot is pleasant and comfortable, as the showers are minimal and the weather is cold. June and July see the maximum rainfall, with average precipitation rates. August, September and October are the best months to visit Chitrakoot in the monsoon. Following the rains, the entire area comes alive with lush, dense vegetation and rivulets. The region looks breathtakingly beautiful after the monsoon, and nature looks its best in this time. Visibility is not very impaired too. It is advisable to take umbrellas and raincoats while visiting Chitrakoot in the monsoon. With temperatures ranging between 28°C and 35°C, it is decidedly more comfortable than the harsh summers.