When to Go

When to Go

It's best to visit Delhi between mid-October and March. Autumn and early spring yield mild, sunny days. The crowds are thinner than in the winter, and the temperatures are such that most people are comfortable in shirt sleeves. The heat is intense from April until the monsoon arrives in July, after which rain and intense humidity add to the misery. Despite the reputation for heat, the city gets downright cold in late-December and January, with temperatures near freezing. But homes and hotels here are built for the heat: marble floors and drafty interiors don't provide much relief from the cold, so pack accordingly. If you'll only be in Delhi a few days, note that the Red Fort and most museums are closed on Monday, and the Jama Masjid is closed to non-Muslims on Friday.