Best Time to Visit Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Varanasi is at its sunniest and driest in January–December.
The best time to visit Varanasi for sunny, dry weather is October–May — 8 months of the year fit our sunny profiles at this specific location. The drier stretch runs through November–May; the wetter half falls in June–October. At the city itself, monthly average temperatures range from 16.5°C / 61.7°F in January to 34°C / 93.2°F in May, with rainfall from 3 mm / 0.1 in (April) to 324 mm / 12.8 in (August). These are point-value climate normals sampled at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India's coordinates — usually more actionable for travellers than the country-wide average. Varanasi's climate is broadly Mediterranean-style. The full month-by-month table below lets you match your travel window against our five weather profiles.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.5°C61.7°F | 22 mm0.9″ | Sunny & Mild |
| February | 20.5°C68.9°F | 9 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Warm, Sunny & Mild |
| March | 26.3°C79.3°F | 10 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Hot |
| April | 31.3°C88.3°F | 3 mm0.1″ | Sunny & Hot |
| May | 34°C93.2°F | 11 mm0.4″ | Sunny & Hot |
| October | 27.3°C81.1°F | 38 mm1.5″ | Sunny & Hot |
| November | 22.5°C72.5°F | 6 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Warm |
| December | 17.6°C63.7°F | 4 mm0.2″ | Sunny & Mild |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Varanasi?
The best time to visit Varanasi for sunny, dry weather is January, February, March, April, May, October, November, December. At the city itself, the warmest month is May averaging 34°C / 93.2°F, and the driest is April with about 3 mm / 0.1 in of rain. These are point-value climate normals sampled at Varanasi's coordinates.
When is the rainy season in Varanasi?
The rainy season at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh runs through June–October, when monthly rainfall exceeds the annual median of about 22 mm / 0.9 in. The wettest single month is August (324 mm / 12.8 in).
What is the driest month in Varanasi?
The driest month in Varanasi is April, averaging about 3 mm / 0.1 in of rainfall. Temperature that month averages 31.3°C / 88.3°F.
What months should I avoid visiting Varanasi?
The least comfortable months for travel to Varanasi — based on point-value climate at the city — are January, February, July, August, September, November, December. These are the wettest or coolest months at this location. Rainfall peaks at 324 mm / 12.8 in in August, and the coldest month averages 16.5°C / 61.7°F.
Is Varanasi climate different from India overall?
Yes, usually. Our Varanasi figures are point-value climate normals sampled at the city itself, while our India figures are area-weighted averages across the whole country. The two can diverge substantially in geographically diverse or elevation-varied countries. The month-by-month table below reflects Varanasi specifically — usually the more actionable data for a traveller planning to spend time in the city.