Best time to visit the Golden Triangle

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Best time to visit the Golden Triangle

For a glistening Golden Triangle, get up early. Sunrise at the Taj Mahal, Jaipur turning pinker with the dawn, breakfast at Delhi’s Chandni Chowk… all memories that are still glowing.

With a lot of walking to be done, the best time to visit the Golden Triangle is October to mid-April, with temps between 22-32°C. Freezing spells can hit Delhi January and February, due to a Himalayan influence, while May and June can scorch at 45°C. Monsoon, even if only in short bursts, can lead to floods July to September. October and November are festival time, with Diwali always a delight, as is March, when Holi, brings the famous colour throwing fests.

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The Golden Triangle Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

220

AUG

257

SEP

126

OCT

NOV

DEC

Our India Golden Triangle Vacations

MONTH BY MONTH GUIDE

The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; for the rest of the week it is open sunrise until sunset. Sunrise is not as busy as sunset. The Taj Mahal is having its very first clean up in its history. Consequently there are certain sections that are covered in scaffolding, although it is being cleaned bit by bit. It is predicted to be finished by 2019, but many have their doubts about that. Rajasthan is a desert state so it gets seriously hot in April, May and June. However, this is when the wildlife comes out to waterholes in Ranthambore. You need to keep really well protected against the sun, and keep well hydrated. If you are considering including Ranthambore National Park in your itinerary, be aware that the park is closed during the monsoon months of July, August and September. Delhi’s temperatures are most tolerable during February and March, October and November, but it also gets crowded. It can be foggy during December and January, with cold snaps too leading into February. The city is really stifling in April, May and June, with everyone taking a big sigh of relief when the rains come in July. They last through until September, which doesn’t make for the most pleasant sightseeing. There are big celebrations all around the country on Republic Day, 26 January. New Delhi definitely knows how to party, with three days of marching bands, parades and just about everything on a float. Diwali, the great Festival of Light, is all sparkle and splendour, falling in either October or November.

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Responsible Travel recommends

Steph Millington from our Golden Triangle vacation supplier, Intrepid:

“Your best bets weather wise are October to November or February to March but be aware, these are the most popular times to travel so tourist attractions become busier. Heat and humidity during the summer months of April to June can be particularly oppressive, with temperatures reaching 45°C.”

Guy Marks, co-director at one of our tailor made vacations experts, Tribes Travel:

If you want to include Ranthambore National Park on your Golden Triangle itinerary, go as late in the dry season as you can, depending on your tolerance to the heat. So, it’s good from February to March, and better in early April, but usually unbearably hot by 15th April though!”

Festivals & events

Did you know about...?

The Taj Mahal by night

If you are lucky enough to be at the Taj Mahal for a full moon, or two days before or after it, it is possible to do a nighttime visit to the great Mausoleum, between 8:30pm and 12:30am. Tickets are available 24 hours in advance.

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Written by Catherine Mack

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Photo credits: [Page banner: Rawpixel.com] [Temp chart intro: Priyambada Nath] [Steph Millington quote: Kapil.xerox ] [Guy Marks quote: Wildnest Travel & Photography] [Festivals & events: ptwo]

Best time to visit the Golden Triangle