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Panaji, the capital of Goa, has a tropical monsoon climate with a long dry season from October to May and a heavy southwest monsoon from June to September. Daytime highs stay between 29°C and 33°C all year, but rainfall swings from 0mm in January to 995mm in July. The figures below are monthly averages recorded at Dabolim Airport (GOI), roughly 30km south of the city centre. For an overview of the whole destination, see the Panaji travel guide, and check best time to visit Panaji for the ideal trip window.
Panaji Weather by Month: The Numbers
The table below lists average monthly highs, lows, rainfall, and rain days for Panaji. July is the wettest month by a wide margin, while January and February see almost no rain at all.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.6 | 19.6 | 0 | 0 |
| February | 31.5 | 20.5 | 0 | 0 |
| March | 32.0 | 23.2 | 1 | 0 |
| April | 33.0 | 25.6 | 12 | 1 |
| May | 33.0 | 26.3 | 115 | 4 |
| June | 30.3 | 24.7 | 870 | 22 |
| July | 28.9 | 24.1 | 995 | 27 |
| August | 28.8 | 24.0 | 515 | 13 |
| September | 29.5 | 23.8 | 250 | 14 |
| October | 31.6 | 23.8 | 125 | 6 |
| November | 32.8 | 22.3 | 30 | 3 |
| December | 32.4 | 20.6 | 15 | 0 |
Panaji Weather by Month: December to February (Peak Season)
December, January, and February are the coolest and driest months. December averages a high of 32.4°C and a low of 20.6°C with 15mm of rain, and nights cool enough for dinner outdoors. January is the driest month of the year at 0mm, with a low of 19.6°C, and February stays dry at 0mm with a high of 31.5°C. The Arabian Sea sits around 27 to 28°C, so swimming is comfortable. This is peak beach season and hotels fill up, so book ahead using the where to stay in Panaji guide.
Panaji Weather by Month: March to May (Pre-Monsoon Heat)
March stays dry at just 1mm of rain, but the high climbs to 32°C and humidity starts to rise. April brings 12mm and a 33°C high, and by May the temperature peaks around 33°C with 115mm of pre-monsoon showers; inland areas can touch 35 to 36°C. Humidity sits above 80% in May, which makes afternoons feel heavy. If you travel in this window, plan outdoor sightseeing for mornings and carry water; the things to do in Panaji guide lists museums and churches that offer air-conditioned breaks.
Panaji Weather by Month: June to September (Southwest Monsoon)
The monsoon arrives in the first week of June and delivers about 90% of Panaji’s annual rainfall over four months. June records 870mm across 22 rain days, and July is the wettest month with 995mm and 27 rain days; downpours are heavy and near-daily, and the high drops to 28.9°C. August brings 515mm and September 250mm as the monsoon tapers off. Beach swimming is off-limits during these months because of rough seas and lifeguard closures, but hotel rates drop sharply. The Panaji events and festivals calendar lists Sao Joao and other celebrations that run through this season.
Panaji Weather by Month: October and November (Post-Monsoon)
October eases out of the rains with 125mm over about 6 days, and the high climbs back to 31.6°C. November is mostly dry at 30mm and marks the real return of beach weather, with a high of 32.8°C and clear skies. The landscape is at its greenest in October, and November is the start of the tourist season before prices peak in December. See the Panaji neighborhoods guide to decide where to base yourself.
Panaji Sea Temperature and Sunshine Hours
The Arabian Sea off Panaji stays warm all year, from about 27°C in January and February to 29 to 30°C in May. Sunshine averages 9 to 10 hours a day from November to February, drops to 3 to 4 hours in July and August at the peak of the monsoon, and recovers through October. Relative humidity runs 70 to 90% year-round, highest in July and August. Pack for humidity regardless of month; the Panaji travel tips guide has a full packing list.
