There are three main seasons in India; cool, hot and monsoon. The best time to visit India is during the cool season from late October to April when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, temperatures are mild and there is very little rain. Bear in mind cool does not necessarily mean cold; typical daytime temperatures hover around the low to mid twenties in January, though evenings can be distinctly chilly.

India's hot season is regarded as April to May and October to November when it can get really hot and humid in some areas, particularly the south and the cities. The monsoon sweeps across India from June to September bringing heavy rain in most parts. 

India has festivals throughout the year which may help you decide when you wish to visit. There is a wide variety of festivals which reflect the culture and traditions of the country and the fact, that people from many religions call India home. 

Diwali falls in October or November, it is marked throughout the country with candles in houses, lights and fireworks.

Holi falls in March, most popular in the north but is celebrated everywhere. Festival goers throw coloured paint at each other. Some have coloured water filled balloons and water guns. Fires are lit and singing and dancing is popular.

Dussehra falls in September and October throughout the country. There are dedicated markets and burning of effigies. 

The Sankranti Kite Festival in January coincides with the International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad. There are many kites flown all day making for a spectacular sight.

The Pushkar Camel Festival is held in November. Thousands of camels are sold and there are also races and dancing and competitions including a cricket match.

Rajasthan and North India are a popular choice for first time visitors to India. It places you straight into Indian culture, with the colours, buzz and excitement associated with the country. The cities burst with life, well-known sights are waiting for you and beautiful old maharajah escapes, in the countryside, give you wonderful itineraries to start your love affair with India. 

The best time to visit Rajasthan and North India is October to March. In October, day time temperatures will be around 30 degrees, in January these will dip to the low twenties, making sightseeing very pleasant. It can sometimes be a bit foggy in the morning and a little cooler in the evenings. July to September is monsoon season; it will be hot and humid with heavy rains.

The former British Raj capital of Kolkata has beautiful colonial architecture as well as the headquarters of Missionaries of Charity and final resting place of Mother Teresa. It is a welcoming bustling city with many markets and temples to visit. 

Warm all year around, the best time to visit Kolkata is normally in the winter when temperatures generally remain around 28 degrees. Rain is heavy between June and September but there can be sunny days too.

Mumbai is the largest and most affluent city in India and the heart of the Bollywood film industry. There are also significant reminders from the British Raj. The Chowpatty beachfront and the sweeping curve of Marine Drive are the city's most popular promenades - perfect for a spot of people watching as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.

Temperatures in Mumbai are steady throughout the year at around 30 degrees. There is barely any rain from October to March, making it an ideal time to visit. June to September is the monsoon season with July and August being very wet.

With the best beaches in the country, Goa has been welcoming tourists searching for sun and golden sand since the 1960's. It remains popular today with great food and markets and a relaxing vibe.

Goa is warm all year around. There is hardly any rain from October to April, making it a good time to visit Goa. June to September is extremely rainy and the sea gets very rough and all the beachside cafes and restaurants close down during this period. Goa is very popular at Christmas and New Year, so do plan a long way in advance if you want to visit at this time. 

Cochin is a thriving port with a mix of religions and cultures and the architecture reflects historic British, Portuguese and Dutch influences. Time spent on the backwaters for a night or two promises to be relaxing and offers a view of local life. The highest tea growing region in India is in Munnar with lovely countryside and hiking. During the monsoon, Munnar will be very lush and green, offering a different insight to the area. The south has several stunning temples including the Meenakshi Amman Temple complex in Madurai. Tropical Kerala also has over 400 miles of glorious coastline with Kovalam, Marari and Neeleshwar the most popular beach destinations.

Kerala and Southern India is warm all year around, temperatures in winter are around the mid twenties and in summer the mid thirties. June to August is rainy and sometimes rain continues later into the year. Away from the coast humidity before the monsoon hits can feel excessive. December to March is the most popular time to visit Kerala and Southern India, so it is best to plan your trip early.

Varanasi, on the banks of the sacred Ganges, is an important pilgrimage spot for Hindus and Buddhists. Narrow alleys lead to the waterfront ghats where families congregate to wash in the Ganges or cremate their loved ones. It is a spiritual experience for many. 

Varanasi can be cooler in winter, but this is the most popular time to visit. Temperatures are likely to be around 20 degrees. In summer, between April and June, Varanasi will be very warm, possibly getting to 40 degrees so this is the least popular time to plan a trip. However, Varanasi comes to life during the monsoon from July to September. Water levels on the Ganges are at their highest and therefore boat trips are incredible. It takes some planning to travel during the monsoon but is very rewarding. 

The foothills of the Himalayas provide a cooler climate and beautiful scenery. As the British escaped to the highlands in summer, there are many colonial era buildings to visit in the hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling. The Golden Temple of Amritsar is the most important pilgrimage spot for Sikhs who bathe in the holy waters and the Dalai Lama has his home in Dharamsala.

The Indian foothills can be visited all year around. From October to April nights are extremely cold and from December to February the daytime temperatures also drop considerably. Expect hot water bottles and electric blankets! However, the mountain views at this time are spectacularly clear. The most popular time to visit the foothills of the Himalayas is March to June, and September to November. At this time other parts of India can be incredibly hot making this area a great choice. During the monsoon in July and August the rain can cause landslides, making travel tricky and road closures common.