Best Time to Visit Surat

The short answer: visit Surat between November and February. Temperatures stay under 34°C (93°F), nights cool to 15 to 19°C (59 to 66°F), and rain is almost zero, which is exactly the window when the city’s riverfront, temples, and markets are pleasant to explore on foot. If you want the full picture before booking, the Surat weather by month breakdown below shows why the other eight months are either too hot or too wet for most travellers.

Best Time to Visit Surat: November to February (Peak Season)

November through February is the best weather window and the busiest period for business and leisure travel. December and January are the coolest months, with highs of 30 to 31°C (86 to 88°F) and lows of 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F). Hotel rates rise 20 to 40% in this window, especially around Diwali (late October or November), Christmas, and the Uttarayan kite festival on 14 January. Book at least three weeks ahead for these dates, and expect most of the city’s neighborhoods guide and open-air restaurants to be at full capacity on weekends.

Best Time to Visit Surat: March to May (Off Season for Heat)

March to May is the cheapest window but the hardest on your body. April and May average 38°C (100°F) highs, with afternoons regularly crossing 42°C (108°F). You’ll find hotel rates at their lowest of the year and no crowds at Dumas Beach or the museums, but sightseeing after 11:00 becomes a chore. If you do travel now, stay near a pool, carry water, and plan indoor stops like the Science Centre and malls between noon and 16:00. Our things to do guide lists which attractions have air conditioning.

Best Time to Visit Surat: June to September (Monsoon, Avoid Unless Necessary)

Skip the monsoon unless your trip is business-only. July alone brings about 440 mm of rain and 14 to 15 rainy days, and waterlogged streets near the Tapti River can delay travel for hours. Flights into Surat International Airport (STV) face frequent diversions or delays during heavy squalls. One exception: late June to early July is Rath Yatra season, and the city celebrates it with large processions despite the rain. If you’re here anyway, follow our neighborhoods page for the covered markets and indoor temples that stay open. Our travel tips page has the practical details.

Best Time to Visit Surat: October (Navratri and Festivals)

October is a wildcard. The first half carries post-monsoon humidity and about 40 mm of rain, but the second half dries out and warms to 35°C (95°F). The reason to book October is Navratri, the nine-night garba and dandiya festival that usually falls in this month. Surat’s garba grounds run from about 21:00 to 02:00, and the weather is warm enough for all-night dancing. Accommodation sells out citywide during Navratri, so reserve months ahead if you want to catch it. See our events and festivals calendar for exact dates. See the full Surat guide for everything in one place.

Best Time to Visit Surat: Month by Month Summary

• January to February: Best overall. Cool nights at 15 to 17°C (59 to 63°F), no rain, clear skies. Book ahead for Uttarayan on 14 January.
• March: Warming fast to 36°C (97°F) highs. Still dry and workable if you limit midday activity.
• April to May: Hottest months at 38 to 42°C (100 to 108°F). Lowest prices, empty attractions, uncomfortable outdoors.
• June to September: Monsoon. 200 mm in June, 440 mm in July, 280 mm in August. Flooding and flight delays. Avoid for leisure.
• October: Transition month. Navratri garba festival is the draw; humidity drops in the second half.
• November to December: Peak season returns. Dry, mild, and the best time to use the where to stay guide to pick a hotel near the riverfront or Dumas Beach.