When to Go

When to Go

Most visitors come to Goa in mid-winter, and because December and January are popular months for scoring beach time and joining the party scene, lodging prices go sky-high and the beaches, roads, and restaurants are packed. Those who come in October, November, or early spring enjoy gorgeous weather and Goa's beauty without being part of a crowd. Early February visitors can join in the added excitement of Carnival. The monsoon stretches from the end of May to October, during which most beach-shack restaurants close due to torrential rains, heavy winds, and violent surf. On the plus side, those who venture to South India in August often find the cooler temperatures, rock-bottom prices, and lush countryside worth the occasional drenching.