June is India's off-season:
Delhi and the north are hot, while the south and northeast are drenched. If you don't mind battling the heat or the rain, now is an excellent time to take advantage of smaller crowds and lower pricing. Other cultural celebrations are taking place in Kerala,
Varanasi, and elsewhere throughout the month, rain or shine.
The weather
In Delhi and its surrounding areas is hot with some rain in June. The average maximum temperature is 102°F. The desert-like Rajasthan is much hotter, with temperatures reaching 105°F.
The monsoon season begins in many parts of India in June. This month is highly rainy in Kerala, Mumbai, Goa, and Kolkata. Rain and mist become increasingly common in the Himalayas during this time of year, with regular rain storms in July and August.
Crowds
Because of the weather, fewer overseas tourists visit
India in June than other months. South Indian tourist sites are mostly quiet. While North India is normally calm, it's worth noting that many schools, both locally and globally, are on vacation in June, which may result in more tourists than you'd expect.
What to Do
If you want to visit the Golden Triangle, June is a good month to go. Arriving early in the day to avoid the massive group tours, lineups, and heat of mid-morning is a smart choice for visitors visiting the
Taj Mahal.
While Kerala is damp in June, you'll be able to enjoy it without the crowds of the peak season. It is important to note that the Kerala monsoon does not mean nonstop rain; instead, showers occur frequently throughout the day. There is generally enough dry time in between to stroll around and explore. The most important thing to be careful of during the monsoon season is mud, which can make getting about difficult. Make sure you have everything you need.
Although Tamil Nadu is hot at this time of year, there will be minimal rain and few people. Summer is a great season to visit towns like Pondicherry and Chennai—plan your activities in the mornings and evenings to escape the heat.
What Should You Do?
Due to the monsoon season, several attractions in India may be closed. National parks in India, for example, are best visited between February and May. Despite the rain, most things go on as usual in Kerala. It should be simple to rent a houseboat or watch a kathakali dance performance. The weather in the Delhi region is pleasant, and attractions are still open. Rising Himalayan temperatures make regions of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir more accessible at this time of year. Of course, the country's iconic temples are open all year.
June festivities
The bad weather is no deterrent to India's myriad colourful festivities. There are numerous festivals in June; these are a few of the more interesting:
At Kerala's Kottiyoor Vaishaka Mahotsavam, elephants and worshippers walk through river water during the monsoon season. The rites done during this 28-day festival are dedicated to Lord Shiva and are performed in thatched huts.
The Shimla Summer Festival, in Himachal Pradesh, is in full swing this month. This harvest-themed celebration lasts five days and is preceded by a half-marathon. Musical concerts, folk performances, handcraft exhibitions, and a flower show are among the events.
Around June, the famous Hindu festival of Ganga Dussehra is celebrated in Varanasi and Rishikesh. On this day, the mythological descent of the holy Ganges River from heaven to earth is commemorated. Pilgrims gather by the river to worship and bathe in its waters.
Finally, the Buddhist holy month of Saga Dawa is usually in June. This important holiday is mostly observed in Tibet, but it is also observed with prayers and processions in the Indian state of Sikkim. Keep in mind that many religious festivals in India follow a lunar or lunisolar calendar, so dates might vary from year to year—check ahead of time to confirm specific dates.
