Best Time to Visit South Asia
19 Jul 2024 Umesh Paneru
Many might wonder when the best time to visit South Asia is. South Asia is a region with diversity in geography and climate which makes it a worthy destination to explore throughout the year. The region captivates visitors across the globe through its mesmerizing landscapes, incredible natural beauty, amazing historical and cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, adventurous activities, unique culture and lifestyle of natives, exotic cuisine, and friendliness. Asia Experiences organizes tours to South Asian nations like Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Tibet (China).
Nepal Tibet Bhutan Luxury Tour 13 Days
Sri Lanka Nepal Bhutan Bangladesh Tours 20 Days
As mentioned earlier, there is a climatic variation in South Asia which makes it feasible to travel year-round. It depends on your preference of which part of the nation you want to travel to, what activities you want to do, and what type of travel you expect. We, Asia Experiences will prepare the itinerary and plan the program schedule that fits your preference. You also have the flexibility to customize it and ensure that all your preferences are considered. Come and join us and be part of South Asia tours to create unforgettable memories.
Nepal
High season- Best Time
The tourist flow is high from September to November as it offers the best views with clear skies, stable weather, mild temperatures (15°C to 25°C), and several vibrant festivals and events are held. In the higher altitudes, the average temperature ranges between -10°C to 8°C. It is the best time for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, day trips, sightseeing tours (city, village, etc.), cultural tours (Kathmandu Valley), Jungle Safari (Chitwan), and adventurous activities (Bungee Jump, Paragliding, Rafting, etc.)
March to May is also the high season and the best time to explore the beauty of Nepal. The weather is stable with warm temperatures (15°C to 30°C), blooming of the flowers, and lush greenery everywhere. For climbing mountains, it is the peak season where visitors can witness a huge inflow of mountain climbers while trekking in the Everest and Annapurna regions. In the higher altitudes, the average temperature ranges between -8°C to 14°C. This time is good for mountain climbing, hiking, trekking, sightseeing, day trips, Jungle Safari, and adventurous activities.
Shoulder season- Good Time
December to February months is shoulder season and is considered a good time to travel to Nepal. The temperature is cold with unstable weather and the temperature ranges between 7°C to 20°C. But, it offers clear surrounding views and the day temperature is warm. This time is best for Jungle Safari in the Terai region, short day hikes, and low-elevation trekking (Pokhara, Kathmandu Valley, etc.).
Low or Off-season- Average Time
June to August is low or off-season and is considered the average time to travel to Nepal. June to August are best for enjoying low-elevation trips, white water rafting, and short city and village tours as there is lush greenery everywhere. The temperature ranges between 18°C to 30°C. Expect to witness light to heavy rainfall during these months.
Bhutan
High season- Best Time
March to May and September to November are the high seasons in Bhutan to travel to. In the months between March to May, experience the clear views of the splendid Himalayas with the blossoming flowers covering the hillsides, mild temperatures (6°C to 17°C), and stable weather with low humidity and rainfall. On the other hand, from September to November months experience bright and sunny temperatures (12°C to 20°C) with amazing clear views. Some early snowfalls can be experienced in the northern region. Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, and Jakar (Bumthang Valley) are the best places to explore.
Shoulder season- Good Time
December to February months are shoulder season in Bhutan which is a good time to explore the beauty of Bhutan. At higher elevations above 3,000 m, expect heavy snowfalls. But, the lower regions are good to explore as the views are clear and the day temperature is mild with sunny weather. The average temperature ranges between 2°C to 15°C. There are fewer crowds during these times, hence ideal for visitors seeking a peaceful visit. For hiking, the central highlands, eastern regions, and southern regions are warmer. Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang Valley, Haa Valley, and Gangtey are suitable places to explore.
Low or Off-season- Average Time
June to August months are low or off-season in Bhutan where there is a risk of floods due to heavy rainfall. High humidity, roadblocks, and flight cancelations can be observed. The average temperature ranges between 12°C to 22°C. But, still, some places like Thimphu, Paro, and Punakha can be traveled during these times and the day temperature is average here.
India
High season- Best Time
The high seasons in India are from November to February. India has a diverse geography and there is a climatic variation in different regions. In the hilly regions, the temperature is between 15°C to 25°C with dry and cool weather. Likewise, in the coastal areas and northern plains, the temperature ranges between 25°C to 35°C. It is the best time to travel to popular destinations like the Golden Triangle (Delhi, Agra, & Jaipur), Varanasi, Goa, Kerala, Ranthambore (Rajasthan), Kolkata, Darjeeling, Gangtok (Sikkim), etc.
Shoulder season- Good Time
March, April, and October are shoulder seasons and a good time to travel to the northern hilly regions, coastal areas, and plains. The temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C (March & April) and between 15°C to 25°C (October) in the northern hilly regions. The temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C (March, April, & October) in the plains and coastal areas. These months offer awesome clear views and comfortable weather to travel to. Some popular destinations to travel to are Darjeeling, Nainital, Goa, Kerala, Shimla, Manali, etc.
Low or Off-season- Average Time
May to June and July to September months are low or off seasons in India where heavy rainfall, scorching heat, and high humidity are experienced. In May and June, most parts of India have a temperature between 35°C to 45°C. On the other hand, experience a temperature between 25°C to 35°C from July to September with light to heavy rainfall. Despite this, many places in India can be traveled during these low seasons such as Shillong, Gangtok, Goa, Cherrapunji, Kerala, etc.
Ladakh is the best time to visit as the weather is stable, the day temperature is warm, and offers clear skies, and bright sunshine. Ladakh’s temperature ranges between 15°C to 25°C during the day and 0°C to 10°C during the night from July to September. Ladakh’s temperature ranges between 10°C to 20°C during the day and -5°C to 5°C during the night in the months of May to June.
Sri Lanka
High season- Best Time
December to mid-April months are the high seasons and the best time to travel to the Southern and Western regions of Sri Lanka as the weather is warm and dry with stable temperatures. The temperature in the Southern region ranges between 26°C to 32°C and the temperature in the Western region ranges between 27°C to 32°C. It is best for city sightseeing tours, beach activities, and outdoor activities. The best places to explore are Colombo, Negombo, Galle, Yala National Park (Hambantota), Mirissa Beach (Matara), etc.
Shoulder season- Good Time
Mid-April to June and September to November months are considered shoulder seasons in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has a geographical diversity which makes it experience a climatic variation in different regions.
The northern regions, eastern regions, and central highlands in Sri Lanka are good times to travel in the months of mid-April to June. The weather conditions are hot & dry in northern and eastern regions with an average temperature between 28°C to 34°C. The weather conditions are cool & pleasant in Central Highlands with an average temperature between 16°C to 24°C. Some places to travel are Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, etc.
Some parts of southern and western regions and central highlands are best to travel in the months of September to November. In the southern and western regions, the weather conditions are warm with occasional showers with an average temperature between 27°C to 32°C. In the central highlands, the weather is mild with some rains with an average temperature between 22°C to 29°C. Colombo, Negombo, Galle, Kandy, etc. are some best places to explore for sightseeing and beach activities.
Low or Off-season- Average Time
July and August months are low or off-seasons in Sri Lanka where the eastern coastal beaches and some parts of northern regions can be explored. The weather is generally dry with some rains and the temperature ranges between 27°C to 32°C in the eastern coastal regions. In the northern region, the weather is generally hot & dry with an average temperature ranging between 27°C to 34°C. For sightseeing tours, historical city tours, beach tours, and water sports some best places to travel are Trincomalee, Jaffna, Mannar, Batticaloa, Arugam Bay, etc.
Bangladesh
High season- Best Time
November to March months are the high seasons in Bangladesh to travel with cool and dry weather with comfortable temperatures. The temperature ranges between 15°C to 30°C which makes these months best for exploring cultural, historical, & natural sites, sightseeing, beach tours, and outdoor activities. Some best places to explore are Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Sundarbans (Khulna), Chittagong, Paharpur, & Rajshahi.
Shoulder season- Good Time
April to May and September to October are shoulder seasons in Bangladesh to travel to. In the months between April to May, the weather is normally hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms or rainfall. The temperature ranges between 26°C to 35°C and good to explore the places from cultural & historical sites, tea states, natural beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant festivals. Explore Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Sundarbans, Chittagong, and Rangamati during these months.
September and October months offer cool weather with lush greenery landscapes with an average temperature range between 24°C to 32°C. This time is good for wildlife safaris, river cruises, sightseeing UNESCO Heritage sites, beach activities, and outdoor activities. Visit places such as Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet, Sundarbans, Barisal, Paharpur, Dhaka, etc.
Low or Off-season- Average Time
June to August months are low or off-seasons in Bangladesh where the average temperature ranges between 22°C to 32°C with lush greenery, heavy rains, and high humidity. There might be chances of frequent flooding limiting outdoor activities. In these seasons, the crowds are fewer which can be ideal for some budget-friendly visitors. Some places to explore are Sylhet, Bandarban, Rangamati, Bagerhat (Khulna), Paharpur, etc.
Tibet
High season- Best Time
May to September months are the high seasons in Tibet offering warm and mild weather in May, summer rains in June, occasional rains in August, and pleasant and cool weather in September. The average temperature ranges between 6°C to 23°C which is best for exploring beautiful landmarks in Tibet, trekking, and outdoor activities. The places to explore in Tibet are Lhasa (Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Barkhor Street, etc.), Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Namtso Lake, Gyantse, etc.
Shoulder season- Good Time
April, October, and November months are shoulder seasons in Tibet with cool, dry, and pleasant weather. The average temperature ranges between -2°C to 17°C in April and October and -7°C to 12°C in November. This time is good for historical and cultural sightseeing, natural lakes exploring, and enjoying local Tibetan cuisines. Visit places like Lhasa, Shigatse, Rongbuk Monastery, Yamdrok Lake, Everest Base Camp, etc.
Low or Off-season- Average Time
December to January months are low or off-season in Tibet as the weather gets colder and drier with a drop in temperature. During the nighttime, the weather gets very colder and experiences snowfalls, and the temperature ranges between -12°C to 14°C. Due to the weather and temperature, there are fewer tourists during these seasons. The sky is clear and offers picturesque beauty that looks surreal. Visit places like Lhasa, Shigatse, Gyantse, Yamdrok Lake, etc.
Note: In February and March, Tibet is closed to foreign tourists.
Seasonal Chart
| Countries/Region | Peak Season | Shoulder Season | Low/Off- Season |
| Nepal | Sep to Nov, Mar to May | Dec to Feb | Jun to Aug |
| Bhutan | Sep to Nov, Mar to May | Dec to Feb | Jun to Aug |
| India | Nov to Feb | May to Sep | Mar to Apr, Oct |
| Sri Lanka | Dec to mid Apr | Mid-Apr to Jun, Sep to Nov | Jul and Aug |
| Bangladesh | Nov to Mar | Apr, May, Sep, Oct | Jun to Aug |
| Tibet | May to Sep | April, Oct, Nov | Dec, Jan |
