Like any other vibrant region of India, Gujarat has plenty to offer the eager traveller, opening up its treasured past and bejewelled attractions to all those who visit it. If you are planning a trip to this state in Western India, November to February is the best time to visit Gujarat. The weather is pleasant and the warm sun makes the perfect companion when you are outdoors heading from one sightseeing spot to another in the nippy air. Gujarat during winter is the perfect holiday destination.After winter, the next best climate to visit Gujarat is the monsoon, from July to September. The land bursts with colour and it is joyful to traipse along lush green roads as one takes in the beauty of the state. Be warned; the monsoon has been known to play spoilsport as well. If it’s raining heavily, it might come in the way of you being able to go out and explore to your heart’s content.

We advise against visiting Gujarat during summer. The heat can get unbearable and you might not wish to step out of the confines of your air-conditioned hotel room.Irrespective of the season you choose to visit Gujarat, there is much to see and explore. Just make sure you come with enough time on hand to go to all the major attractions, natural and manmade.

Peak Season (November-February)

Winter in Gujarat is from November to February, with the temperature usually between 12°C and 29°C. The weather in the winter of Gujarat is comfortable enough for you to walk about outdoors enjoying the local sights. The coast and beaches might be a little cold in winter, but nothing should stop you from enjoying the rest of the state of Gujarat.

Low Season (March-June) 

Summer in Gujarat is a tough season, lasting from March to June. Temperatures are unforgiving, hovering between 29°C and 41°C. Sightseeing could be a problem since it is rather difficult to step out in the blistering sun. You can plan a hill station vacation instead and head over to Saputara for a peaceful and pleasant time. You can also go to Dwarka and Vadodara for temple-hopping to enjoy the cities at night.  

Shoulder Season (July-September) 

The monsoon in Gujarat arrives in July and lasts through till September. Temperature ranges from 27°C to 35°C, making it a pleasant change from the hot summer earlier. The weather of Gujarat in monsoon is thrilling. Soak your senses in the rain-washed land. Sit by the window and watch the rain come down on the parched ground, or watch it drench the already roiling sea. Head down to the wildlife sanctuary and experience the rainfall in the deep jungles of Gujarat. And when you are done, come back to a delicious hot Gujarati meal. 

Gujarat in Winter (November to February)

Temperature: Avg. of 29 degrees high to 12 degrees low 

Weather: If you can handle a bit of a nip in the air, then you will love winters in Gujarat. Winter is also the best time to explore Gujarat, as the temperature is just right for sightseeing and walking around the region. With a minimum of 12 degrees and a maximum of 29 degree Celsius, you can be sure never to have to worry about it becoming uncomfortable. What brings you to Gujarat? Perhaps it is the wildlife in Gir National Park that appeals to you. Or it is the colourful and vibrant festivals that you wish to experience? If you have a taste for history, Gujarat also has numerous archaeological sites. Champaner Pavagarh Archaeological Park and Dholavira being some of them that are best visited in winter. Gujarat tourism is in its elements in winter, and this is the best time to book sightseeing tours and cultural excursions in the major cities and beyond. 

Significant events: The biggest winter festival of Gujarat, Rann Utsav, is most awaited and is a deeply cherished event. The festivities embody a celebration of life and the rich culture of the Kutch and Gujarati people. Celebrated for over two months, you cannot miss the rich colours and vibrant energy of the barren lands of the Rann if you are visiting Gujarat in winter. Another famous festival in January is the International Kite Festival. You will be mesmerized by the levels of enthusiasm that the place erupts in. Shop and offices shut, and everyone takes to the rooftops, roads and open spaces to fly kites and celebrate Uttarayan or Makar Sakranti. It isn’t just a fun activity; there are serious challenges and competitions among neighbours and localities. And when you are satiated with the kites and the Rann Utsav, you can take time out to travel to Modhera for the 3-day dance festival held at the Sun Temple of Modhera. 

Why you should visit now: With the fantastic weather as a backdrop, Gujarat offers a platter of glorious festivals and a rich culture to feast on. 

Know before you visit: You might think Gujarat will have mild winters. But it can get nippy at night, so carry enough woollens with you.

Tips: Arrange private transport in advance. Unbelievably long distances and lack of public transport can make moving about tricky, especially during tourist season. 

Gujarat in Monsoon (July to September) 

Temperature: Avg. of 35 degrees high to 27 degrees low 

Weather: Gujarat in the monsoon is a beautiful place. While the rainfall itself varies from region to region, it does quench the thirst of the land, leaving it breathtakingly scenic. The rain is moderate to heavy across the state, and it comes and goes with irregularity. The Gulf of Cambay and the Saurashtra region receive scanty rainfall. The Rann of Kutch, the salt desert, faces water-shortage due to poor rainfall; and the northern sections of Gujarat receive the most rainfall of the state. Gujarat in the monsoon is less crowded and you can enjoy some of the sights and destinations peacefully without being jostled by other tourists. Do include a visit to Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Dwarka, Saputara, Jamnagar and Rajkot when you visit Gujarat in the monsoon.

Significant events: You would think the monsoon means a rain-soaked land and a subdued people. However, the Gujarati penchant for celebration and activities continues throughout the year. The Monsoon Festival is one such event organised by Gujarat Tourism to make tourists aware of the richness of Gujarat and its culture. Head over to the enchanting hills of Saputara in Gujarat to participate in adventure sports. Explore the stalls for the arts and crafts of the state, enjoy the many cultural shows and get a taste of delicious Gujarati cuisine. The Tarnetar Fair is actually a matchmaking event attended eagerly by the young men and women of Gujarat. But with its highlight being traditional music, dance, art and crafts, and costumes, Gujarat has been attracting crowds from across the world since years, and its popularity is only growing. The festival, held at Tanetar village near Thangadh, spans for three days and has something for every member of the family.Finally, the festival that everyone has been waiting for is here! Navratri is everything it promises to be and more. This 9-day festival of dance and traditions is a peek into the bright and colourful culture of Gujarat. If you are in Gujarat during the Navratri season, do grab an opportunity to participate in it. 

Why you should visit now: The monsoon is a welcome respite from the hot summer, turning the dry land into a green paradise. And with fewer tourists around, you’ll get to enjoy all the tourist spots better. 

Know before you visit: Always carry an umbrella with you as you never know when it might rain. 

Tips: Skip the tented accommodation at Tarnetar as the prices are through the roof. Look for homestays instead.

Gujarat in Summers (March to June) 

Temperature: Avg. of 41 degrees high to 29 degrees low

Weather: Avoid visiting Gujarat in summer if you can. The weather is hot, dry and also humid, making daytime extremely uncomfortable. Nights are no better – the temperature might be low, but the humidity will get to you. However, Gujarat has its lone hill station at Saputara that you can escape to. It has lakes, lots of activities and a pleasant climate throughout the year. Be warned; it throngs with people, locals and tourists alike. 

Significant events: One would have thought that the hot summer months would see the people of Gujarat sitting indoors. However, the number of festivals events held during this time will leave you breathless.

If you wish to learn more about the tribal lifestyle and culture of Gujarat, we recommend adding the Dang Darbar Fair to your list. It is held in the Saputara hills and the lush green forests provide the perfect backdrop to lose yourself in the history of the original dwellers of this land. Summer is a great time to experience Holi, India’s festival of colours. It is celebrated with as much enthusiasm in Gujarat as it is in the rest of India. It marks the agriculture season and it time for festivities and great cheer. Bonfires are lit the previous night to signify the victory of good over evil. Dancing, music and lots of delicious food mark the event.

The Chitra Vichitra Fair, named after the sons of king Shantanu, Chitravirya and Vichitravirya, is another important tribal festival of Gujarat. The festival is organised in the village of Gunbhakhari at the confluence of the rivers Sabarmati, Akul and Vyakul. The beautifully decorated temple is a sight to behold and so are the people dressed in their traditional attire. Do not leave Gujarat without feasting at the famous mango festival. With over 1000 varieties of sweet and juicy mangoes to sample, you really can’t afford to miss festival held at Sasan Gir, Junagadh.

Why you should visit now: The land may be hot, but it more than makes up with beautiful festivals and colourful celebrations. And you will find it slightly less crowded than the peak tourist season of winter.

Know before you visit: The weather can get very dry. Keep rehydrating yourself. Wear sunblock and carry an umbrella when you step out during the day. The hot summer sun can be harsh.

Tips: Keep your camera ready all the time. This is the season for festivals and bright costumes. Pictures taken in the bright sunlight will be stunning.

Now that we have whetted your appetite for Gujarat, do browse through our Gujarat Tour Packages . Get all of your Gujarat trip needs fulfilled here, all at Thomas Cook.