Varanasi has a humid subtropical climate with three distinct seasons: a long, scorching summer from March through June, a monsoon season from July through September with heavy rainfall, and a mild, pleasant winter from November through February. For more detail, see our best time to visit Varanasi.The city sits at 81 metres (266 ft) above sea level on the banks of the Ganges River, and the combination of river humidity and urban heat makes summer temperatures among the highest in northern India. Here’s what to expect month by month, with actual temperature and rainfall data from the Indian Meteorological Department.
Varanasi Weather in January
January is one of the coldest months in Varanasi, with average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows dropping to 9°C (48°F). Early mornings along the ghats can feel colder due to river mist, with pre-dawn temperatures sometimes hitting 5°C (41°F). Rainfall averages 18mm across 2 rainy days. Sunrise is around 6:45 AM and sunset near 5:30 PM, giving about 10.5 hours of daylight. This is peak tourist season for domestic travellers and one of the best months for walking tours. Pack a warm jacket or heavy shawl for mornings and evenings, though daytime temperatures are comfortable in light layers, and see our things to do in Varanasi for more detail..
Varanasi Weather in February
February sees temperatures rising slightly, with average highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F). Rainfall remains low at 15mm across 2 days. The river mist persists in early mornings, creating atmospheric conditions for photography at the ghats. This is the last of the truly comfortable months before the heat builds. Expect 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine. Light cotton clothing works for daytime, with a light jacket for evenings, and see our Varanasi events and festivals for more detail..
Varanasi Weather in March
March marks the transition to summer, with average highs climbing to 33°C (91°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is minimal at 8mm across 1 day. By late March, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F). The Holi festival typically falls in March, bringing crowds despite the increasing heat. Sunshine averages 9 hours per day. If visiting in March, schedule outdoor activities for early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). Carry a water bottle at all times and wear a hat, and see our Varanasi neighborhoods guide for more detail..
Varanasi Weather in April
April is genuinely hot, with average highs of 39°C (102°F) and lows of 23°C (73°F). Daytime temperatures routinely hit 42°C (108°F) during heat waves. Rainfall is just 5mm. The dry, dusty heat can be intense for visitors not accustomed to it. Tourist numbers drop sharply, and hotel prices fall by 30 to 40 percent. If you visit in April, stay in an air-conditioned hotel, avoid outdoor activities between 11 AM and 4 PM, and drink at least 3 litres of water daily. Early morning boat rides at 5:30 AM are still pleasant and the best way to experience the ghats, and see our where to stay in Varanasi for more detail..
Varanasi Weather in May
May is the hottest month in Varanasi, with average highs of 41°C (106°F) and lows of 27°C (81°F). Peak daytime temperatures can reach 45°C (113°F) during heat waves that typically last 3 to 5 days. Rainfall is just 12mm. Humidity begins to increase toward the end of the month as the monsoon approaches, making the heat feel even more oppressive. This is the low season for tourism, with the fewest visitors and the lowest hotel rates of the year. Most walking tours suspend operations. If you must travel in May, book a hotel with a pool and reliable air conditioning, and see our Varanasi travel tips for more detail..
Varanasi Weather in June
June brings the arrival of the monsoon, though the first half of the month remains extremely hot with highs of 39°C (102°F) and lows of 28°C (82°F). The monsoon typically arrives between June 20 and June 25. Rainfall jumps to 110mm across 6 rainy days, mostly concentrated in the second half of the month. The humidity spikes to 70 to 80 percent, making the heat feel heavier even as actual temperatures begin to drop. Sudden dust storms (aandhi) are common in the pre-monsoon period. The Ganges water level begins rising noticeably.
Varanasi Weather in July
July is the wettest month, receiving an average of 300mm (12 inches) of rain across 14 rainy days. Temperatures moderate to highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of 26°C (79°F). Rainfall typically comes in heavy bursts lasting 1 to 2 hours, often in the late afternoon or evening, rather than all-day drizzle. Humidity stays around 80 to 85 percent. The Ganges can rise significantly, and some lower ghats may be partially submerged. Boat services may be suspended during heavy rain. The city takes on a lush green appearance, and this is a good month for budget travellers since hotel prices remain low.
Varanasi Weather in August
August continues the monsoon pattern with 280mm of rain across 13 rainy days. Highs average 33°C (91°F), lows 26°C (79°F). August 15, India’s Independence Day, is a public holiday. The humidity remains oppressive at 80 to 85 percent. The ghats can be muddy and slippery, so wear sturdy sandals or waterproof shoes. The Ganges is typically at its highest level in August. Despite the weather, domestic tourism picks up slightly for the Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami festivals.
Varanasi Weather in September
September sees the monsoon tapering off, with rainfall dropping to 190mm across 9 rainy days. Highs average 33°C (91°F), lows 25°C (77°F). Humidity remains high at 75 to 80 percent. By late September, rainfall decreases noticeably and the tourist season begins to pick up. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival often falls in September, drawing crowds to the ghats for idol immersion ceremonies. This is a transitional month where you can find good hotel deals before the peak season prices kick in from October.
Varanasi Weather in October
October is one of the best months to visit Varanasi. The monsoon recedes, rainfall drops to 40mm across 3 days, and humidity falls to 65 percent. Highs average 32°C (90°F), lows 20°C (68°F). The post-monsoon greenery is at its most photogenic, and the Ganges flows clean and full. October marks the beginning of the peak tourist season, with hotel prices rising 20 to 40 percent from September levels. The festival season begins with Navratri and Durga Puja, and the city buzzes with energy. Book accommodations at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
Varanasi Weather in November
November brings near-perfect weather, with highs of 29°C (84°F), lows of 13°C (55°F), and just 5mm of rain. Humidity drops to 55 percent. This is peak tourist season, coinciding with Diwali (October/November) and Dev Deepawali, when the ghats are illuminated with thousands of oil lamps. Sunshine averages 8 hours per day. The river is calm and the air quality is at its annual best. Hotel prices are at their highest, and the city is crowded. Book at least a month in advance for November travel.
Varanasi Weather in December
December is cool and dry, with highs of 24°C (75°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), and just 8mm of rain across 1 day. Early mornings on the ghats can be genuinely cold, with dense fog reducing visibility on the river until about 8 AM. Pack warm clothes for mornings and evenings. The Ganga Aarti ceremony continues year-round, but winter evenings feel especially atmospheric with the mist rising off the water. Christmas and New Year bring a surge of international visitors. Fog can cause train and flight delays, so build buffer time into your travel schedule.
Varanasi Weather: Monthly Averages at a Glance
Here is a quick-reference table for planning your trip to Varanasi. All temperatures are in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Rainfall is in millimetres.
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rainy Days | Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23 / 73 | 9 / 48 | 18 | 2 | 7 |
| Feb | 27 / 81 | 12 / 54 | 15 | 2 | 8 |
| Mar | 33 / 91 | 17 / 63 | 8 | 1 | 9 |
| Apr | 39 / 102 | 23 / 73 | 5 | 1 | 10 |
| May | 41 / 106 | 27 / 81 | 12 | 1 | 9 |
| Jun | 39 / 102 | 28 / 82 | 110 | 6 | 7 |
| Jul | 33 / 91 | 26 / 79 | 300 | 14 | 4 |
| Aug | 33 / 91 | 26 / 79 | 280 | 13 | 5 |
| Sep | 33 / 91 | 25 / 77 | 190 | 9 | 6 |
| Oct | 32 / 90 | 20 / 68 | 40 | 3 | 8 |
| Nov | 29 / 84 | 13 / 55 | 5 | 1 | 8 |
| Dec | 24 / 75 | 9 / 48 | 8 | 1 | 7 |
