Best time to visit Goa

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Goa

Best time of year to visit Goa

A period between November and March boasts pleasant weather and is considered to be the best time to visit Goa. At this time, the beaches are at their best, and carnivals, parties, and the Holi Festival are ready to take off. Hotels are overpacked during these months, so you'd better book in advance. April and May are extremely hot and humid but also less touristy and perfect for low budget trips. Winter and spring offer great opportunities for paragliding, kayaking, and fishing. Monsoon season from June to September is the worst time for beach-goers but the best time for nature explorers when all the magic of lush and non-crowded landscapes unveils. A few hours sunshine per day, waterfalls at their peak, lower prices, and perfect rafting conditions—what do you say?

21 THINGS TO DO IN GOA (JANUARY 02 - JANUARY 11)

Turtle Nesting Season

Turtle Nesting Season

November–April • nature

Witness sea turtles laying eggs and little hatchlings heading to the sea

Anjuna Flea Market

Anjuna Flea Market

October–March (Wednesdays) • activity

Your Indian adventure can't be complete without a visit to a flea market

Spice Plantations

Spice Plantations

September–June • activity

Don't miss your chance to smell the variety of spices and see how they are grown

Diving

Diving

October–May  • activity

A perfect way to enjoy the beauty of the blue waters of Goa and its amazing marine life

Silent Noise Party

Silent Noise Party

November–April (Saturdays) • event

Silent Noise Saturday attracts party goers to Palolem beach

Saturday Night Market in Arpora

Saturday Night Market in Arpora

December–April • activity

Have fun while night shopping for souvenirs

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning

October–May • activity

Share an unforgettable experience with someone very special while seeing India from an incredible height

Yoga

Yoga

all year round • activity

Seeking serenity and spiritual renewal? India is the perfect place for yoga!

Fishing

Fishing

October–May • activity

If you are an enthusiastic fisherman, you'll find a number of great spots and be able to try several different ways of fishing

Kayaking

Kayaking

October–May  • activity

A perfect way to relax, unite with nature, and observe the wildlife of Goa

Beach Season

Beach Season

November–March • activity

Enjoy your vacation on the most beautiful beaches of the world

Dolphin Watching

Dolphin Watching

October–May • nature

Enrich your trip to Goa with a fantastic dolphin adventure!

Winemaking

Winemaking

January • food

Visit Goa during the wine season and taste some great homemade varieties

Crocodile Watching

Crocodile Watching

October–May • nature

Overcome your childhood fears and check out these giant reptiles up close

Surfing, Kitesurfing, and Windsurfing

Surfing, Kitesurfing, and Windsurfing

January–May • activity

Add some more excitement to your vacation, surfing ocean waves

Sailing

Sailing

October–April  • activity

If you are looking for a perfect day trip, both silent and relaxing, sailing may be an excellent experience for you!

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

October–May • nature

Be amazed by the diversity and beauty of the world of birds

Buddha's Hand Fruit

Buddha's Hand Fruit

November–January • food

This extraordinarily shaped fruit can be found only in lower Himalayas, so don't miss your chance to try it

Canyoning

Canyoning

January–February • activity

Bored with idyllic beaches? Fill up your vacation with something a bit more extreme!

Guava

Guava

December–March • food

Guava in India is often eaten with cheese or ham

Crab Catching

Crab Catching

October–March • activity

Try crab trapping the ancient Goan way for an unforgettable experience

21 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE

Holi Festival

Holi Festival

out of rangeMarch 24–25, 2024 • event

Color, color everywhere. If your life is feeling grey and you are looking for something new and a bit more color check out Goa's Holi Festival

Goa Carnival

Goa Carnival

out of rangeFebruary 10–13, 2024 • event

Experience this fascinating and colorful event in Goa

Goa Tattoo Festival

Goa Tattoo Festival

out of rangeJanuary 20–22, 2023 • event

If you are an ink lover and fascinated with tattoo art, don't miss this event

Sao Joao Festival

Sao Joao Festival

out of rangeJune 24 • event

A festival in Goa that is celebrated with lots of joy and fun in a very special style

Maha Shivaratri

Maha Shivaratri

out of rangeMarch 8, 2024 • event

Immerse yourself in Maha Shivaratri—discover overall definition of the Hindu galaxy and honor Lord Shiva with the believers

Shigmo Festival (Shigmotsav)

Shigmo Festival (Shigmotsav)

out of rangeMarch 24, 2024 • event

Become a part of this major Hindu festival in Goa

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve

out of rangeDecember 31 • event

Head to Goa for one of the most exotic New Year Eves of your life

Paragliding

Paragliding

out of rangeMarch–June | October–November • activity

Remember dreaming of flying high like a free bird in the sky? Well, India is calling!

Litchi (Lychee)

Litchi (Lychee)

out of rangeMay–June • food

Discover the unique taste of the juicy Asian 'apple'

Easter

Easter

out of rangeApril 9, 2023 • event

Christians all over India celebrate Easter loudly and authentically

Mango Season

Mango Season

out of rangeFebruary–August • food

The king of fruit is in a season. Don't miss your chance to try it fresh and juicy

Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi

out of rangeSeptember 7, 2024 • event

One of the most important Hindu festivals welcomes everyone to join its colorful celebration

Kokum

Kokum

out of rangeMarch–May • food

This fruit can be grown exclusively in the territory of Goa

Rambutan

Rambutan

out of rangeMay–September • food

The strange appearance of this fruit doesn't affect its wonderful taste

Waterfalls at Peak Flow

Waterfalls at Peak Flow

out of rangemid-June–September • nature

An adventurous journey through lush green jungles and up hills—all for the gorgeous views!

Jamun

Jamun

out of rangeJune–July • food

This tasty fruit is very nutricious and healthy

Cashew Season

Cashew Season

out of rangemid-March–mid-June • food

Try these delicious nuts and even special local drinks made with them

Modak

Modak

out of rangeSeptember 19–28, 2023 • food

Have a proper taste of Ganesha's favorite special treat

Christmas Treats

Christmas Treats

out of rangeDecember 25–December 26 • food

If you visit Goa during Christmas time, it is a must to try special local sweets and enjoy some new flavours

Water Rose Apple

Water Rose Apple

out of range May–July | November–December  • food

Try these charming apples with a gentle scent and watery taste during the hot summer months.

Rafting

Rafting

out of rangeJuly–September • activity

Find a bit of excitment on a river adventure

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Goa weather in January

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January is the best time to visit Goa in terms of weather. The post-monsoon period has established its positions, and the weather is dreamlike. In January, the low risk of the tropical cyclone is gone, and you are unlikely to see a single raindrop. The sky is bright all day long: absence clouds and uninterrupted sunshine make January the sunniest month. The temperature is identical to December, but the heat is even less perceptible due to the low humidity that drops to 46% or lower. Hence, the days are pleasantly hot, dry, and cloudless—a perfect combination for a beach vacation. By the evening and at night, the temperature may decrease to 23°C (73°F), and a shirt or a light jacket would come in handy.

Goa weather in February

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The weather in February is as magnificent as it was in January. The post-monsoon season continues, taking all the responsibility for the ideal conditions in Goa. If you are looking for the time to come here for sunbathing and day-long swimming, February should be your choice. The days are hot, yet not sultry as the low humidity and a sea breeze moderate the heat. The evenings are pleasantly fresh, comfortable for long walks and sightseeing. During the entire month, there would be no rainy days and barely several clouds in the sky. Sunshine will accompany your days from the early morning until sunset. Hence, sunscreen and a hat won’t be excessive. Besides, as for the rest of the winter months, you might want to carry a light sweater or a shirt in your suitcase for late walks.

Goa weather in March

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In March, Goa gradually enters the hottest period of the year—the pre-monsoon season. So far, the changes are barely noticeable. The days are equally sunny and cloudless. But, by the end of the month, early mornings may get slightly foggy. Though the clouds disappear shortly after sunrise. However, the clouds don’t bring rain, and March is as dry as the winter months. The heat remains fair, yet occasionally the thermometer mark may crawl up to 34°C (93°F) in the afternoon. As the humidity is relatively low, an increase in temperature is not perceptible. You’ll notice that it gets hotter in Goa as a light jacket isn’t necessary anymore for evening walks. Even though the weather prepares to switch to the monsoon season, March still has beautiful conditions for a beach holiday.

Goa weather in April

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As the middle of the pre-monsoon period, April faces further deterioration of the conditions. The changes are not drastic, but more noticeable, compared to March. The days get hotter and hotter, and even the night temperatures are high: the thermometer never shows less than 25°C (77°F). The humidity increases and makes the heat more evident and somewhat bothersome. To refresh yourself, you can swim in the Arabian Sea. The water remains as warm as 28°C (82°F). Due to the higher humidity, April is cloudier. Besides, one-two light rainy episodes might occur, possibly, in the form of a thunderstorm. Even though the weather isn’t perfect in April, it’s still suitable for visiting Goa: the general conditions are tolerable, but the number of tourists decreases.

Goa weather in May

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May stands at the gate of the monsoon season in Goa and deals with all the drawbacks of the transition. The temperature and humidity keep on increasing, bringing up an uncomfortable mixture to the weather in Goa. Typically, the day temperature is over 35°C (95°F); in the worst cases, it may reach up to 40°C (104°F). The temperature decreases after sunset, but the nights are not refreshing. Magnified by the high humidity, the heat makes May the hottest month. Besides, in May, the amount of precipitation is ten times higher than in April. It rains for some 4-5 days a month, but a sudden, heavy thunderstorm might hit the coast. Under such conditions, May is not the best time to travel to Goa.

Goa weather in June

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The southwest monsoon hits Goa, and the weather deteriorates abruptly. It’s likely to rain two out of three days, and the abundant, torrential downpours could be day-long. In June, the amount of precipitation is 6-7 times higher than in May and reaches 870 mm (34 in) a month. Together with July, June is one of the wettest months in Goa. For these days, you should pack an umbrella or a raincoat or plan some indoor activities. The humidity increases, immersing Goa into thick morning fog and covering the sky with clouds for an entire day. You’d barely see the sun, and sunbathing in such conditions doesn’t seem feasible. Although the Arabian Sea is warm, monsoons make the waters rough and dangerous for swimming. Hence, June is unsuitable for beach holidays. Monsoon season prevails in Goa from June to September.

Goa weather in July

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The monsoon season in Goa is in full swing, making July one of the top-3 wettest months of the year in Goa. It rains almost every day, and torrential downpours bring over 995 mm (39 in) of precipitation to Goa in a month. The soil is muggy, and the risk of flooding increases. The humidity reaches 87%, making the air sticky and heavy. Compared to the winter and spring months, the temperature is a few degrees lower, but it doesn’t fall below the mark of 26°C (79°F) and remains way too hot for a comfortable stay. July is the most cloudy month, and the sun shows up for 3-4 hours daily at best. The sea is rough, and the beaches could be closed to prevent accidents. Similar to June, July has nothing to offer those who are looking for quiet, lazy hours on the coast.

Goa weather in August

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In August, Goa continues to live in the state of the monsoon season. The weather remains dreadful, but a slight improvement in conditions could be noticed. Compared to June and July, the amount of precipitation is half as much and is unlikely to exceed 520 mm (20 in). The rains are no longer an everyday issue—they occur every other day, leaving some room for relatively dry pauses. Even though the sky is cloudy most of the time, occasionally, the sun shows up. The Arabian Sea is still dangerous, and the majority of beaches are closed. In August, you won’t enjoy swimming and sunbathing, but you could use sunny pauses to explore nature, visit waterfalls, or go rafting.

Goa weather in September

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The monsoon season gradually approaches its end. The conditions are still far from perfect, but further improvement is evident. The amount of precipitation decreases to 250 mm (10 in) a month. Even though it rains as often as in August, the showers are less intense and torrential. The humidity is still as high as 86%, but due to the long pauses between rain, it gets easier to breathe. Besides, the days get sunnier. When it rains, the clouds keep on covering the sky. But when the shower ends, the sky clears up, and half of the day is sunny. In such periods of good weather, you may sunbathe. The sea calms down a bit, but it’s better to abstain from swimming. In September, other outdoor activities such as nature exploration or rafting are the preferable ones.

Goa weather in October

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October is a transition month when the last signs of the monsoon season are still present. Yet, the improvement in the weather conditions is undeniable. The post-monsoon season takes over Goa. The amount of precipitation drops to 125 mm (5 in) a month and equals the one in May. A few short and relatively light rainy episodes may occur throughout the month, but they are unlikely to be bothersome. After waiting out the rain, you can come back to your activities, be they swimming, sunbathing, sightseeing, or any other. In October, especially in its second half, the Arabian Sea finally calms down. Besides, the clouds are almost gone, and the sun appears more frequently up in the sky. By the end of the month, the post-monsoon period settles, and the beautiful weather lures visitors for beach holidays.

Goa weather in November

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The post-monsoon season settles in. The sky clears up, bringing day-long sunshine to Goa. The day temperature increases for several degrees. As the humidity decreases, the temperature of 30°C (86°F) doesn’t feel as scorching. Besides, the sea breeze tempers the heat. The water warms up, and being calm and waveless, entices to swim. The general improvement in the weather conditions makes Goa attractive for beach vacations, and plenty of tourists start heading this direction. However, the ideal weather might be interrupted by the tropical cyclone. It might spoil the conditions for a few days, or bring 1-3 heavy, yet brief showers. The deterioration in weather won’t last long and is unlikely to affect your holidays.

Goa weather in December

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In December, the post-monsoon weather is settled, and most days promise to be beautiful. By noon, the temperature may rise to 30°C (86°F), but a decrease in humidity makes the heat less perceptible. Besides, after sunset, the temperature drops, though it never gets lower than 24°C (75°F). Hence, you’d find a shirt useful for night walks. Typically, rain is not scheduled for this month, but tropical cyclones could still reach the coast of Goa and bring several rainy days. During the day, the sun never hides and makes December one of the sunniest months of the year. With no clouds in the sky and the sea of 28°C (82°F), Goa is a comfy place for sunbathing and swimming. That’s why, in December, it tends to be somewhat crowded with tourists.