Goa is a popular beach destination in India. As it is affected by the monsoon from June to October, the best times to visit Goa are from November to April with less rain and better weather.
The Best Times to Visit Goa
While the best times to visit Goa are from November to April weatherwise, this can depend on your Goa holiday purposes, budget, and weather preferences.
For the finest weather conditions, sightseeing experiences, and water activity conditions, December to February is the best period. You can expect a prefect beach time with sunny, dry, and warm weather.
For the best times to visit Goa for your honeymoon or family trip, consider November to early December and March to April. These are times with relatively few tourists and good weather. Of course, December to February is also a great time if you don't mind crowds.
You can expect lower prices from May to October, which is the rainy season, with 30–50% off offered by many hotels and flights.
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The Worst Time to Visit Goa
For a good travel experience, June to August is best avoided, as these months see extremely heavy rain (0.5–1 meters of rain per month!) with less than 4 hours of sunshine per day and averaging 20 rainy days each month. Torrential rain storms are accompanied by strong winds.
Many attractions like national parks and restaurants will close during this period.
If you want a favorable price and don't want to be affected so much by the rains, you may consider traveling in May, September, and October, which are at the transition months of the monsoon with only moderate to high rainfall and around 10 days of rain per month. Or you could consider the drier regions in India, like Rajasthan.
Monthly Weather in Goa
| Month | Low/High | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 24/30°C (74/87°F) | 0 |
| February | 24/31°C (75/87°F) | 0 |
| March | 25/32°C (77/89°F) | 1 |
| April | 26/32°C (79/90°F) | 3 |
| May | 27/32°C (81/90°F) | 8 |
| June | 27/30°C (80/86°F) | 23 |
| July | 26/28°C (79/83°F) | 27 |
| August | 26/28°C (78/83°F) | 24 |
| September | 26/29°C (78/85°F) | 15 |
| October | 26/31°C (79/88°F) | 9 |
| November | 25/31°C (78/89°F) | 3 |
| December | 24/31°C (76/88°F) | 1 |
Monsoon Season in Goa (June to October)
GoaFrequent showers and occasional hurricanes hit Goa during its monsoon season. June to August suffer huge quantities rainfall, and June/July is the peak.
The abundant rainfall makes the Dudhsagar Waterfalls flow at their most spectacular. In June, there will be one of the important festivals in Goa — Sao Joao Festival. People jump into streams, wells, and ponds, which signifies the happiness of St John the Baptist when Jesus was born, and they pray for a good monsoon and harvest.
The rainy season in Goa might discourage some people from going on holiday there, but during this period, Goa is relatively cool at 29°C (84°F) compared to the 35°C (95°F) temperatures in other parts of India, so many locals choose to escape the heat there.
Lower prices, few tourists, and lush shades of green are the advantages of traveling in Goa in the monsoon if you don't mind the disruption of your plans by storms. What you should note is that on heavy rainy days with strong winds, some attractions and restaurants close.
Dry Season in Goa (November to February)
Goa's dry season features comfortable summer temperatures and clear, sunny weather. It is the best time of the year to visit Goa.
The perfect weather is suitable to for all kinds of sightseeing and activities, like swimming, snorkeling, hiking, photography, and more.
In Christmas and New Year, Goa will be embraced by a strong festival atmosphere. The sound of carols echoes from the walls of the churches. Parties on the beach and bars, music, and fireworks are also indispensable elements of the celebrations.
Accordingly, the perfect weather brings a rise in prices. Accommodation is in high demand, especially from late December to February. If you are planning a trip in this peak season, it is better to book one or two months in advance.
Hot Season in Goa (March to May)
Baga Beach, GoaIn Goa's hot season, you can expect less crowding than during the dry season and rainless weather until late May. This is also a good time to visit Goa, especially between March and April.
Most of the time is suitable for water activities, sunbathing, and sightseeing. At the end of May there is some monsoon influence, but not much.
One of Goa's biggest festivals, Shigmo Festival (Goa's version of Holi) falls in March or April. The processions with traditional Goan dances and modern floats are the highlight.
You can expect reasonable prices during this period. Heat averaging 33°C (91°F) in the middle of the day is an unavoidable element of the hot season. Remember to bring some sun protection. It could be a good idea to wait to go out until after 3 or 4 pm.
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