How awful would travel to India during the monsoon be? I've wanted to make this trip for years and it's finally hit me that getting away during that ideal Nov.-Feb. window isn't going to work. Mid-summer to early fall would work for me, but I know that's not the best time to travel there. In particular, I picture Rajasthan, with a drier climate than the rest of the country, coming into bloom during the monsoon and maybe even being doable?

Yes, you gotta this right. November to February is ideal time to explore any region of India with soothing climate and lower temperature. But if this window doesn't suit you, Rajasthan, Ooty, Shillong can be best pick for you to viist in Monsoon Month.

One person’s travel hell is another’s nirvana, as you well know. I’ve slow-traveled in India several times but never during monsoon so no help at all.

But here’s something fun & it might even help. Read Alexander Frater’s Chasing the Monsoon. A great read.

Thank you, both.

Stefanroth, those other two smaller places look intriguing, but out of the way. I've always wanted my India trip, whenever it happens, to focus on Rajasthan. I'm glad you agree it would be manageable.

MmePerdu, that looks like a great read. I'll order the book. I actually enjoy Costa Rica during the rainy season, but I realize when you travel somewhere, you spend a lot more time outdoors and are much more exposed to the elements.

July - September may not be an ideal time to travel to any part of India affected by the monsoons. However, in Rajasthan, 15 September on wards can be termed as fine weather! July will be warm & humid. August will not be that bad. The plus point is that it is off-season and the hotel tariffs are reasonable! Of course, the Tiger reserves will be closed during this time.
Happy travels!

I have never been to India, so no personal knowledge. However, I can tell you that Jaisalmer has far more arid conditions than other parts of Rajasthan so lower humidity. I have heard it is a magnificent place to visit. if I were to travel that time of year to Rajasthan, I would definitely have that on my itinerary even if it means going out of my way.

Thanks to you both.

Shelemm, other people have also told me "Don't miss Jaisalmer." It looks a bit out of the way, but you all say it's well worth it.

Vp_singh, I can carve out about 24 days, sometime during July, August, or September. It sounds like the later I can make it during those months, the better.

A very many years ago we were in Rajasthan in December, so I can't answer your actual question. But I'll add, "Don't miss Mount Abu". Given its higher elevation it might get the monsoon rains full on, but the Jain temples are truly spectacular, and it will be a little cooler, along with some scenic beauty.

Sadly, we did miss Jaisalmer, a travel regret perhaps. We spent more time in Jodhpur than originally planned. On the other hand, we had a wonderful couple weeks in Rajasthan, and there is no shortage of wonders.

Thank you, Nelson. I'll give Mount Abu a look. Jainism is a faith we in the West sure don't hear much about.

Traveling to India during July–September is possible but you need proper planning because of the monsoon.

Rajasthan can be a better option compared to many other regions since rainfall is usually lower. However, you should still expect humidity and occasional showers.

If you are looking for scenic beauty, Kashmir and parts of Himachal Pradesh are very beautiful during this time because everything becomes green and fresh.

Just make sure to keep buffer days in your itinerary and check weather updates before moving between cities.