Best Time to Visit Varanasi
Varanasi is considered to be the soul of India, just because it combines that great rhythm of modern life and takes breath with the ancient traditions. Respect for the banks of the Ganges has always been there, due to its sacred ghats, historic temples, and lively cultural programs. Well, if you are planning a tour of this old city, the best season shall undoubtedly make a tremendous difference to your tour. In this article, we will find out the best seasons for visiting Varanasi based on weather, festivals, and other local events, so that you can have the best from your tour.
1. Winter (October to March): Ideal Season for Excursion
Overview: Winter, among the cold seasons, is quite a good season to visit Varanasi. The climate is cool and pleasant from October through to March; otherwise, there are many attractions that one can explore in the city.
Weather:
Temperature: It is between 10°C and 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during the day. Sometimes during the night, it's quite cooler especially during December to January, and the temperature could go down to about 10°C (50°F).
Humidity: Humidity is quite low as compared to the summer and monsoon seasons so the air feels crisp and comfortable.
Why To Visit During Winter?
Viewing Comfortably: The cold climate will make your walk along the ghats, visit to the temples, and markets enjoyable. You can take boat rides on the Ganges and enjoy the street life of the city comfortably.
Festivals and Fairs: Some of the most important festivals in Varanasi come in the winter season.
Ganga Mahotsav - Ganga Mahotsav in November is a grand celebration to be enjoyed along with cultural performances, boat races, and religious ceremonies.
Dev Deepawali - This one again in November is a festival of lights where thousands of diyas light up the ghats and form a mesmerising sight.
Spiritual Activities: The evening Ganga Aarti seems even more beautiful with the coolers; such spiritual ceremonies seem to take place within a serene and cooler atmosphere.
Travel Tip:
Daytime temperature is not cold but nights get pretty cold. Bring in some warm clothes to keep you warm in the evenings.
Prepare Ahead: Winter is the busiest travel season. Therefore, you should book all the accommodations and travel plans in advance.
2. Monsoon (June to September): The Taste of Varanasi
It is also true that the monsoons, from June to September bring a unique taste of Varanasi to the travellers. Although the heavy rains and high humidity are not for many tourists' teeth, they will give you a different perspective on the city.
Weather:
Temperature: Fluctuating temperatures from 25°C to 35°C which means between 77°F to 95°F in a monsoon season. With this heat along with moisture, it can be pretty painful.
Rainfall: Varanasi during the monsoons witnesses heavy rains which may lead to floods in some locations. Rains add a vibrant green colour to the scenery.
Why Visit In Monsoon?
Fewer Tourist Interactions: The wet season is the period when not so many tourists come, therefore one gets to wander around the city and its main attractions with fewer tourists. It can also be highly restorative.
Beauty of the Views: Rains give a freshness and vibrancy to the city. However, in certain parts, the floods damage the ghats, yet they are relatively soothing and beautiful during these seasons.
Local Festivals: You can enjoy local festivals and celebrations which come close as community-based rather than major tourist attractions. This gives you a more real aspect of local life and its traditions.
Travel Tips:
Prepare for Rain: For heavy rain, it would be advisable to pack raincoats or umbrellas and water-proof shoes in order not to get wet. Prepare to be disrupted by major rains at times.
Check Weather Conditions: Monitor the weather and the flood situation before you venture out. Heavy rains might make some places inaccessible.
3. Summer (April to June): Hot and Colourful
General Tourist Season: April to June
Varanasi is hot and steamy during the summer months. It's not at all advisable, though still possible, to enjoy the city without proper planning.
Temperature: It's quite sizzling and summery at times ranging from 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F). The heat is quite burning with humidity.
Humidity: It is relatively humid, and one would feel suffocated by the weather.
Reasons to Travel in Summer:
Festivals: Summer is a colourful season for festivals. The festival of colours, Holi, is a festival celebrated with much enthusiasm in March. The city goes colourful with powder and water fights, and it eventually ends up being a highly vibrant and jovial scenario.
Experience of Daily Life: Summers help the tourists experience daily life. Having locals visit a local marketplace, talk to some of the residents, or participate in local functions.
Travel Tips:
Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and stay indoors when it gets too sunny. Wear light, lightweight clothes and a hat, which will protect you from the sun.
Protection: It will protect you from getting burned by the sun. Also, try to stay indoors when the peak heat is there.
4. Festival Times: Cultural Emergence
All the festivals and religious rituals in Varanasi are all richly ornate. A visit to the place during any of the important festivals brings an utterly new dimension to your visit and inspires understanding of the spirit of culture within the city.
Important Festivals:
Ganga Mahotsav (November): Five-day long festival; religious worship event for river Ganges with programmes related to cultural events like classical music, dance, and boat race. Last evening Aarti is a magic view when ghats are decorated with thousands of lamps.
Dev Deepawali (November): Dev Deepawali, or the "Festival of Lights," is held on the full moon night of Kartik Purnima. Thousands of oil lamps illuminate the ghats, and the bathing ghats are an intense visual treat. A combination of religious and cultural processions form an integral part of the festival.\
Holi (March): Holi, the festival of colours, is a big celebration in the city of Varanasi filled with colour, dance, music, and sweets. People play colours, dance, and celebrate music and sweets. It is a very happy and vibrant time of the year to visit and experience the festive flavour of the city.
Dussehra: September/October
The festival of victory over evil is marked by huge processions and classical performances. The city stages reenactments of the oldest Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
Travel Tips:
Plan ahead: Festivals are seasonal and attract a lot of visitors, so book your accommodations and other travel arrangements well in advance.
Take in the Festivals: Engage with the festivals of local people. It is a very good time to know the culture and celebration.
5. Shoulder and Off-Season: More Calm and Reflectional Visit
Summary: During shoulder and off-season, visits to Varanasi are quieter as many tourists are missing from this destination. This makes the quieter time perfectly suitable for travellers who prefer a more intimate experience of this city.
More Less Crowdy: Off-peak seasons mostly translate to lesser crowds, and you can walk around the attractions of the city or spiritual places with minimal crowd presence. It may even be a very quiet and peaceful experience.
Affordable Lodgings: Price in hotels and other travel expenses would be cheaper during off-peak seasons. A good chance to come at a rather cheap price.
Take your time exploring at the quiet period to visit less trendy attractions and take your time meditating and imbuing the spiritual atmosphere of Varanasi.
Be flexible. Be prepared for changing weather or other occurrences in the locality because there is every likelihood that off-peak times are less
predictable.
Conclusion
Varanasi is best visited at times that would suit your preferences and what you'd like to see in this ancient city. Be it cool, comfortable winters, the distinct charm of monsoon, a lively festival atmosphere in summers, or the silence of off-peak times, Varanasi is a treasure trove to experience all through the year.
So, while planning a visit to Varanasi, you must consider climatic conditions and festivals, along with a personal choice because each season is different and has much to offer, so no matter when you visit, you always find something memorable in that timeless city on the banks of the Ganges. Carry along a deeper appreciation for this incredible destination amidst Varanasi's rich history, spirituality, and cultural vibrancy.
Also Read:- Places to Visit in Himachal Pradesh
