ECO Mobility

Best Time of the Year to Take a Road Trip: Seasonal Guide

Updated on
Share:

One of the best methods to fulfill your passion for adventure and escape monotony is to take a road trip. The greatest method to get away from stress and chaos is to just pack your bags, turn on your engines, and drive away. To break up the monotony, you should definitely take one of the most favored road excursions in India on this list. 

Understanding India’s varied temperature and weather patterns is essential when organizing your travels there in order to guarantee a memorable experience. From the sun-drenched beaches of South India to the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the north, India is a country of extremes. The activities you can engage in, the festivals you can attend, and the natural beauty you can take in are all greatly impacted by the time of your trip. Whether you’re interested in the Taj Mahal’s architectural wonder, Delhi’s bustling streets, Rajasthan’s desert vistas, the country’s national parks’ abundant wildlife, or the tranquil backwaters of South India, the ideal time to visit India differs depending on your destination. 

We often make plans without actually traveling. These seasonal road excursions in India with the perfect car can satisfy your desire. We hope that the abundance and variety of options will finally entice you to get out of your rooms and go to the road!

India’s Climatic Diversity and Climate Maneuver

The three main seasons of India’s climate are summer, monsoon, and winter. This simplification, however, scarcely captures the variety of microclimates seen throughout the country. The Indian climate is as diverse as its cultural fabric, ranging from the scorching temperatures of the Thar Desert to the freezing Himalayan regions. Planning your trip, whether it’s to the snow-covered hills of Kashmir or the sun-drenched beaches of Goa, requires an understanding of this climatic variation.

Best Time for a Road Trip in Winters in India (December – February):

India’s winters differ from one region to another, with the north seeing significantly lower temperatures. While the weather is more comfortable in the southern and coastal regions, the Himalayan regions endure freezing temperatures and a lot of snowfall. In regions like Ladakh and Gulmarg, temperatures can drop below freezing; in hill stations, they can reach 10 to 15°C; while in cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, they can reach 17 to 26°C.

The northern states of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh have a lot of snowfall, which makes them perfect for winter activities like snowboarding and skiing. Snow-covered hill stations like Manali, Shimla, and Mussoorie become winter wonderlands with breathtaking scenery.

Popular Destinations to Visit in Winter in India:

 

  • Himachal Pradesh: Take part in snow-related activities in Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala and and Solang Valley winter sports while soaking in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas. You can enjoy the snow covered roads to these popular regions with an SUV car from a car rental for a safe and sound trip.
  • Uttarakhand: For snow activities and expansive vistas of the Himalayas, travel to the hill stations of Nainital, Mussoorie, and Auli. Trek to Har ki Dun and Kedarkantha. You’ll get to see the beautiful landscape that these places hold during these freezing winters.
  • Jammu and Kashmir: Discover the winter allure of Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam in the middle of snow-capped scenery in Jammu and Kashmir. Explore the ice Dal Lake and have fun skiing in Gulmarg. Do not forget about your safety and get a chauffeured car rental to these places to avoid any inconvenience in these hilly roads.
  • Rajasthan: Discover the state’s ancient palaces and forts. Experience the royal legacy of Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Jaipur while exploring in good weather. Explore Jaisalmer’s desert scenery and go to the Pushkar Camel Fair. When talking about the road trip, you can enjoy a serene view while you travel from Delhi to these places with your ideal luxury cars for a comfortable and relaxing journey.
  • Goa: Who doesn’t love beaches and the beautiful sunset that the beaches offer in every season? You do not feel that scorching heat of the beaches, yet feel the cold and warmth of the water and the rides on the beaches. Enjoy the beach parties and the water sports in the amazing winters. You can plan the trip during the Sunburn Festival, as it is one of the main attractions of this destination during the winters.
  • Kerala: One of the most popular tourist destinations for people during this season. Discover the serene backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom and take in the cultural splendor of the Kochi Carnival.

Things to Remember:

  • Since renowned places like Shimla and Manali tend to grow congested during the busiest times of the year, plan your vacation well in advance.
  • To avoid last-minute headaches, especially in distant places where options may be limited, book accommodations in advance.
  • Bring warm gear, such as gloves, jackets, and thermals, particularly if you’re traveling to an area with below-freezing weather.
  • Keep abreast of weather forecasts and road conditions to be ready for any travel difficulties brought on by snowfall or road closures.
  • To avoid altitude sickness, especially while traveling to high-altitude locations like Leh-Ladakh, bring the required drugs and drink plenty of water.
  • When visiting isolated communities or places of worship, observe local traditions and dress modestly. 

Popular Destinations to Visit in Spring in India (February – March) 

Weather & Temperature: India’s spring, which usually lasts from February to April, is a pleasant time of year. It’s the perfect time of year to take in the beautiful weather, see colorful events, and explore the blossoming landscapes. As nature awakens with vibrant blooms and a sense of regeneration, this time of year signifies the end of the winter chill and offers a restorative experience. 

Popular Destinations to Visit:

Every traveler may enjoy a variety of experiences in the spring, from hiking in the Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh to camping in the stunning settings of Rishikesh and Dharamshala. In Goa and Kerala, visitors can also explore water sports and go beach hopping. Safaris are available to wildlife enthusiasts in national parks like Bandhavgarh and Ranthambore. Your car rental partner with a trained chauffeur would make your trip more fun and enjoyable as he will guide you to the perfect places and would navigate you through the best routes.

  • Kashmir: Experience the tranquil splendor of Dal Lake and the blossoming tulip gardens in Srinagar.
  • Darjeeling: Take in the expansive Himalayan views while exploring the tea gardens.
  • Munnar: See the carpet of Neelakurinji flowers in Munnar, which blooms once every twelve years.
  • Udaipur: Enjoy the colorful Gangaur Festival, which honors the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, while visiting the City of Lakes.
  • Jaipur: Take in the vibrant Holi celebration, which is enjoyed throughout the city with excitement and fervor. 

Things to Remember: 

  • Expect crowds at well-known tourist locations, so schedule lodging and activities in advance.
  • Be ready for unexpected weather shifts, particularly in hilly areas.
  • For exploration throughout the day, bring comfortable shoes, light clothing, and sunscreen.
  • It’s a good idea to bring a lightweight jacket because nights might get chilly.
  • Travel arrangements may be impacted by local festivals and events, so keep that in mind.
  • Look for deals on lodging and activities during certain seasons. Even it becomes difficult to get the choice of your car since the busy season increases the demand and the rates. 

Popular Destinations to Visit in Summer in India (April – June) 

India’s summer months run from the end of March to June, with highs of 25°C to 45°C (77°F to 113°F). Due to the intense heat in most parts of the country and the tendency for people to travel to mountainous areas, there are more people and more affordable costs. 

Rainfall: While some areas stay dry, others get pre-monsoon rains. Coastal regions that receive moderate to heavy rainfall during this season include Kerala, Goa, and Mumbai.

Popular Destinations to Visit:

  • Exploring the northern areas, such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, is best done in the summer. Perfect for hiking in the Himalayas, places like Manali and Shimla provide a break from the intense heat of the plains.
  • The other locations that provide cool respites from the summer heat include Munnar, Ooty, Darjeeling, and Mussoorie.
  • Water sports like jet skiing, scuba diving, and snorkeling are available at beach destinations like Goa, Kerala, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
  • Summertime is a great time to see animals at wildlife sanctuaries like Jim Corbett, Ranthambore, and Bandipur National Parks.
  • This warm and adventurous season is the perfect time to take in colorful celebrations like the Khajuraho Dance Festival and the Mewar Festival in Udaipur.
  • Take in Shillong’s Cherry Blossom Festival. All these can be experienced beautifully when you travel by road as it enhances the beauty of the road and the place. Make your trip more comfortable and luxurious with the right chauffeur driven car.
  • Go to cultural events such as the Ooty Summer Festival in Tamil Nadu or the Mysuru Dasara in Karnataka.
  • In Puri, Odisha, the well-known Rath Yatra takes place in June or July.
  • Discover the cultural celebrations such as Vasant Navratri in North India and Bihu in Assam.
  • In May or June, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, celebrates the Ganga Dussehra. 

Things to Remember::

  • Make reservations for lodging and tickets well in advance, particularly for well-known tourist locations.
  • Be ready for extreme temperatures in central and northern India, pack light, breathable clothing, and drink plenty of water.
  • Due to intense heat waves, stay away from North India’s plains, which include towns like Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.
  • High humidity levels in coastal regions can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.
  • To avoid the hottest parts of the day, schedule your activities for the early morning or late afternoon. Your ideal car rental is always ready with their cars right at your doorstep.

Popular Destinations to Visit in Monsoon in India (July – September) 

Coastal towns experience temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F and 95°F) during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. On the contrary, hilly areas experience lower temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. India receives between 300 and 660 mm of rain on average each year. In general, July or August are the wettest months of the year. 

While Rajasthan and Ladakh receive little rainfall, the Western Ghats, which include Kerala, and northeastern areas like Meghalaya receive some of the nation’s most. It goes without saying that due to the heavy rains (some locations receive torrential showers), high humidity, and landslides and floods in some areas that impair interstate, intercity, and intra city transport, one must be completely prepared to tour India during this time of year.  

Popular Destination to Visit: 

Munnar, Chikmangalur, Coorg, Ooty, Wayanad, Kodaikanal, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Coonoor, and so on are some of the top destinations in India to visit during the monsoon season. India’s top visited states from July to October are Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. A paradise for hikers and environment lovers, the majority of hill stations, including Lonavala & Khandala in Maharashtra, Munnar in Kerala, Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu, Coorg in Karnataka, and Mussoorie in Uttarakhand, enjoy a plenty of rainfall. During the monsoon season, some of the most thrilling excursions, treks, and nature walks are planned. For those who want to become intrigued, however, an exciting journey in the middle of nature is guaranteed with your rented car. 

  • Kerala’s backwaters: Take a houseboat trip through tranquil waters and verdant surroundings. See the breathtaking Athirappilly waterfalls.
  • Goa’s beaches: Take in the splendor of Goa’s beaches in the monsoon season, when there are less tourists and more lush vegetation.
  • Western Ghats: Take in the peace and quiet of the Western Ghats jungles.
  • See the vibrant flowers blooming in Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers against the backdrop of the mist-covered mountains.
  • Discover coffee farms, waterfalls, and verdant scenery in the “Scotland of India,” Coorg, Karnataka.
  • See Jog Falls and other natural beauties in Karnataka. 

Things to Remember: 

  • Be ready for a lot of humidity and rain. There may be landslides in some places, particularly in the Himalayan region. Hence, the right driver can take you through the perfect route and make your travel even better.
  • In addition to offering accommodations at nearly half the cost, hotels and resorts allow visitors to experience deep forests, verdant meadows, and even a walk among clouds as they ascend higher in the sky.
  • However, the coastlines are a no-go due to the intense rain, powerful currents, and the complete lack of opportunities for swimming, water sports, beach exploring, and sunbathing.
  • In India, it rains a lot from June to September and occasionally until mid-October. It may not appear like tourism is at its peak, but for individuals who want to travel on a tighter budget, this can be excellent news.
  • Be flexible with your travel arrangements and frequently check the weather prediction. Be ready for obstacles and delays in transit because of flooding and severe weather. 

Popular Destinations to Visit in Autumn in India (October – November) 

In the fall, temperatures start to drop in most of India, going from comfortable to slightly cold. Temperatures in the lowlands and coastal regions range from 20°C to 30°C, while those in the northern mountainous parts range from 10°C to 20°C. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities and tourism because it is usually dry with clear skies. 

Popular Destinations to Visit: 

  • Discover Arunachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Dehradun’s stunning landscapes, where the weather is nice and the vistas are amazing.
  • See the royal palaces and forts at Jaipur, Udaipur, and Jodhpur, where there are cultural celebrations going on and the weather is pleasant.
  • Enjoy the tranquil route of Bangalore to Coorg, where the climate is ideal for various activities.
  • Trek through the Western Ghats or the Himachal Pradesh valleys of Spiti and Lahaul to take in the breathtaking autumnal scenery and expansive vistas.
  • Take in Rajasthan’s Pushkar Camel Fair.
  • Discover the wonders of Agra and Delhi’s architecture with a cab that would make your trip more premium and comfortable. 
  • Go to Gujarat for the Navratri festival or West Bengal for the Durga Puja events.
  • For a chance to see tigers and other wildlife, visit India’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, like Ranthambore and Bandhavgarh. 

Things to Remember: 

  • Peak Season Rush: As India’s most popular travel season, autumn brings throngs to well-known locations. Booking lodging and transportation in advance is advised.
  • Weather Variability: Even while the days are nice, the evenings can get cold, particularly in the steep areas. Bring layers and warm clothes with you.
  • Festival Crowds: Because festivals like Diwali draw sizable crowds, make sure to factor in extra time for traffic and noise levels when planning your itinerary.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and other places of worship, and respect regional traditions and customs, particularly during religious holidays. 

Every season in India has a different road trip experience to offer. There’s never an ideal season to take a road trip in this amazing country, whether you’re chasing the spring blooms, avoiding the summer heat, embracing the monsoon romance, soaking in the golden beauty of autumn, or enjoying the cozy warmth of winter.

You may make your road trip a treasured memory by being aware of the seasonal differences and picking the ideal location for each season. Thus, prepare your stuff, fill up your car, and begin on a journey to discover India’s diverse and expansive landscapes—one road trip at a time. 

Social media & sharing icons powered by UltimatelySocial
Scroll to Top