Love it or hate it, Mumbai is an alluring city that has captured the imagination of Bollywood for years. The city where dreams can come true has a fantastic cityscape that is abutted by the sea and crashing waves all through the year. The best time to visit Mumbai is from October to February when the city has its winter. This is the perfect time for traveling and sightseeing as the weather is moderate and you can comfortably walk about the city as you explore its glory and mysteries.

Summer is not the best season to visit Mumbai as it can get hot and sweaty between March and May. The monsoon is a beautiful time to visit the city as everything gets a washed and clean look. But be warned; the rains can play spoilsport when it comes to shopping and sightseeing. But this is also when you can head out to the surrounding hills and forts for a trek. 

Whether you choose to brave the extreme heat or monsoon, or play it safe in winter, Mumbai will not disappoint. Its rich culture clashes beautifully with its modern side and you can enjoy all the many facets of this energetic city. Are you ready for Mumbai?

Summer Season (March-May) 

A coastal city, Mumbai during summer is muggy and sticky. It’s best to avoid the city during these three months.

Monsoon/ Autumn Season (June-September) 

Mumbai is inundated during the monsoon. The city gets refreshed, undoubtedly, but when it is being lashed by heavy rain, it could get impossible to head out for sightseeing. If you like trekking, this could be a good time to visit. The gushing waterfalls and green hills make for a beautiful break from urban cityscapes.

Winter Season (October-March)

Mumbai is a coastal town and the best time to escape the high humidity is in the winter months. The temperature rarely goes below 10°C and the weather is perfect to walk around the city, exploring its many secrets. Winter is also when the city hosts several cultural events drawing the crowds with it.

Mumbai During Summers (March to May) 

Temperature: Avg. of 38 degrees high to 25 degrees low 

Weather: Avoid Mumbai during the harsh months of summer. We cannot stress this more. The humidity and heat saps one's energy and enthusiasm, and what is the point of visiting a new city if all you do is spend your time indoors. Of course, if you are a budget traveller and you think you can manage with the humidity, then there is no better time than summer to visit Mumbai. The weather might be unpleasant, but the city has much to offer you between March and May.

Make Mumbai your base and head out to cooler destinations like Lonavala and Khandala. Head out to the beach and spend a day giving yourself a tan. If theme parks and water parks are your things, Essel World and Water Kingdom offer an entertaining respite from the heat. Head out to Bandra Bandstand, the Worli sea face or Marine Drive and watch the sunset on a beautiful day as the cool breeze ruffles your hair. The area also has plenty of restaurants and cafes for you to spend an idyllic evening out with friends. Explore street foods and do give your taste buds a chance to enjoy the local 'chuskis' or 'golas' (locally-made, fresh ice lollies). 

Significant events: Weather in summer of Mumbai is hot and humid and doesn't offer much opportunity for outdoor activities or festivals. The city dwellers celebrate Mahashivratri which is a religious festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. Temples are decorated and devotees stay awake all night, singing devotional songs. An interesting bit to know is that they serve 'bhaang' (pot-laced milk) during this festival and it is legal to consume it. Another household festival is Gudi Padwa, which is the Hindu New Year. This isn't the same as celebrating the New Year in public but is a private family celebration. People thank the gods for the year gone and pray for prosperity in the coming year as well. Keep your camera ready as this is when you will get an opportunity to capture beautiful rangoli designs, gudi flags and decorations that mark this festival.

Why you should visit now: Since nobody visits Mumbai in the summer this is great time to get some good deals.

Know before you visit: It's not just hot, it's also humid. That makes the weather doubly exhausting. 

Tips: Wear plenty of sunblock. Keep hydrating yourself. 

Mumbai During Monsoon Season (June to September) 

Temperature: Avg. of 30 degrees high to 20 degrees low

Weather: The monsoon in Mumbai isn't just a season; it is a celebration – of life, greenery and slightly better weather. Every day is an event and the monsoon is a living breathing person who occupies time and space in everyone's mind between June and September. The temperature drops a little but it continues to be humid; a little more. The showers are heaviest in July and the rain almost comes to an end by September. Everyone portrays the rain as a romantic season, and it is, but it can get inconvenient to move about and there are almost negligible opportunities to go sightseeing within the city.

But the weather of Mumbai in monsoon is great if you enjoy the greenery and allure of nature. Head out to the nearby areas during the rainy season and you will see lush green hills, mystical forts, and gushing waterfalls.

While the real magic of the monsoon in Mumbai lies outside the city, within, you can do what the locals do – head out to Marine drive and get sprayed by the mighty waves. Sip on a cup of hot 'cutting chai' while gorging on a plate of piping hot 'kanda bhajji' (sliced onion fried in batter) or roasted corn.

Significant events: If you decide to brave the monsoon and visit Mumbai during Monsoon, do try and coincide your trip with the Ganesh Festival, which is an elaborate, one-of-its-kind, ten-day, city-wide festival. Huge pandals (tents) are erected in the city and massive idols of Lord Ganesh are placed within these spaces. There is music, dance and prayer every day. On the last day of the festival, city roads are blocked for a long, colourful and festive procession that ends at the Arabian Sea where the idols are immersed in the water. Coming along the heels of Ganesh festival is Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of lord Krishna. Kids dress up as Krishna and Radha, his consort. There are street games, the most attractive of which is the human pyramid. There are competitions to see which group can build the tallest pyramid and break the pot of buttermilk hanging high up in the air.

Why you should visit now: Monsoon is also not peak tourist season and you can get some amazing deals on hotels. The monsoon offers you plenty of excellent opportunities for photography when everything is shrouded in clouds and every surface reflects the cityscape. 

Know before you visit: It doesn't rain in Mumbai; it pours. Carry an umbrella, wear a jacket and still keep plenty of spare clothes.

Tips: Eat and drink at clean places. Drink only bottled water. Avoid eating uncooked food.

Mumbai During Winter Season (October to February) 

Temperature: Avg. of 35 degrees high to 10 degrees low

Weather: Winter is when Mumbai is at her best. The weather is pleasant and the air is clear to be able to view the beautiful city in its entire glory. Winter in Mumbai does not mean coats and boots. You can wear cotton clothes and carry a thin jacket or shawl for the evening when it could get slightly cooler. Overall, winter is the best climate to visit Mumbai. You can walk the city from corner to corner, and explore all its hidden mysteries. Winter is a great time for street shopping and for seeing all the major attractions of the megapolis. 

Significant events: Winter is a time for fun and festivals in Mumbai. Of course, there is a wonderful Christmas and a very colourful New Year, but there are some other events that are unique to the city.

The month of January sees the city spellbound by the two-day Banganga music festival. This is organized near Malabar Hills and it offers 48 hours of music and dance to art aficionados. This is an opportunity for shopping and photography too. In February, art lovers can also enjoy the Mumbai International Film Festival held at the National Centre for Performing Arts. This is when short films, documentaries and other non-commercial cinema get a captive audience in the city. For many years now, the ministry of culture and tourism is organising the Elephanta Festival on the island of Elephanta, near Mumbai. Once again, dance, art and music get a platform and the hurried people of Mumbai get a chance to unwind and relax. If you are in Mumbai in winter, you cannot miss the famous Kala Ghoda Festival. This nine-day festival is an explosion of art, dance, music and theatre. There are several workshops and you can go home with exclusive pieces made by talented artists only for this festival. 

Why you should visit now: The weather doesn't get any better in Mumbai than during the months of winter. The sun is warm and the days are pleasant. 

Know before you visit: Winter is a popular season with tourists and you will need to book your tickets in advance to get a good deal. 

Tips: You don't need typical woollens for winters in Mumbai. Pack light and keep plenty of space to carry back the incredible shopping that you will do here.

Mumbai is India's commercial capital and the city buzzes with energy all hours of the day and night. For you to truly understand what makes it tick, you need to make a holiday to the city of dreams. Browse through our Mumbai Tour Packages and you will get answers to all your Mumbai queries. Do make the most of the tips and handy hints that will help you have an amazing holiday when you are here. We can assist you with tickets, your visa application and even Indian currency needs. At Thomas Cook, we are a one-stop solution to all your travel needs and here you can get all the help that you need for your upcoming trip to Mumbai.