October to March is the best time for most visitors — pleasant weather, clear sunrises and full boat services. Here's what each season is like.
Varanasi can be visited all year, but the season changes everything — from the temperature on the ghats to whether boats can run on the Ganga.
Pleasant days, cool mornings and clear sunrises. Boats run normally and the evening Ganga Aarti starts earlier (around 5:45 PM). December and January are cold and misty in the mornings — bring warm layers. Migratory birds arrive from around November. This is also festival season, with Dev Diwali on Kartik Purnima.
Hot afternoons, so plan the ghats and temples for early morning and evening. Sunrise boat rides are lovely and less crowded. The evening Aarti starts later, around 6:45 PM.
Green and dramatic, but the Ganga often floods and boat operations can be suspended by the administration. If you travel now, keep flexible days. See the monsoon boat ride guide.
Last updated: 8 October 2026 · All Varanasi guides
