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When is the Best Time to Visit Agra?
The months of March, October, and November provide the best conditions for visiting Agra with moderate temperatures ranging from 15°C to 34°C and lower precipitation. This shoulder season allows travelers to take advantage of better airfare and accommodation deals compared to peak tourist seasons.
- Best Time for Seeing Attractions: Ideally, avoid 3 climate factors: (1) the heat (April, May, and June), intensified by manufacturing pollution and traffic fumes; (2) rainy weather (mid-June to September), which may temporarily flood roads and rail lines; and (3) fog (December to February), which sometimes impacts plane and train travel and can obstruct views of the Taj. Therefore, the best months to sightsee are March, October, and November.
- Best Period for Climate Observation: October to March is the cool and dry winter season when rainfall is negligible and temperatures are low – even cold, certainly overnight. Fog can cause problems, however, from December to February, possibly affecting Taj views and travel plans, while a lower level version of the kind of pollution haze found in Delhi can be unpleasant during these 3 months.
- The most opportune times for honeymoons are March, October, and November. These months circumvent the hottest and wettest parts of the year as well as the cooler months when fog is commonly seen.
- Best Time for Nightlife: October to mid-June. When the weather is either dry and mild or dry and warm – either way, it avoids the rainy season.
- Optimal Time Period for Cost Savings: April to September. The peak times for crowds at the Taj Mahal, and increased lodging rates and airfares, are the cooler and drier months, whereas April to September is always warm and, later, often wet.
Agra Travel Seasons
- Peak Season (December to February): Understandably, the milder days (which can still be somewhat cold at midday) and chillier nights bring in more travelers than the hot and wet seasons. However, fog can interfere with plane and train travel, and the haze from pollution can be unpleasant. Agra is especially crowded during Christmas/New Year, so pre-booking lodging and train/plane tickets is advised.
- Shoulder Season (March, October, and November): These months avoid the heat, rains, and surprisingly cold and foggy winter during the peak season. Days – and most nights, too – are pleasantly warm, rather than hot and humid. With less fog or pollution haze, and fewer tourists, it’s an ideal time.
- Low Season (April to September): By late March, even locals start feeling the heat as temperatures quickly hit 40°C for 3 months leading up to the rainy time of year. During the monsoon, the streets are cleaner and gardens lush, but water-logging of roads is not uncommon and travel plans may be disrupted.
Agra Weather by Month
- Conditions in Agra during January: The dry, cool winter continues in stark contrast to the heat and rains later on. Fog can cause delays for trains and planes, and the regular air pollution haze may be uncomfortable for some. Average daytime temperatures are a pleasant 21°C, but a very chilly 7°C overnight. Additionally, this month sees large crowds due to the Christmas/New Year vacation period.
- Weather in Agra during February: More cool and dry days but the frequent fog and occasional air pollution haze starts to lift. Average temperatures see a pleasant rise to 26°C during the day but remain cool at 10°C overnight.
- Agra Weather in March: On average, temperatures continue rising as the hot season approaches – quickly reaching about 32°C during the day but still somewhat cool at night around 15°C. Dry, with no rain forecast for this month, and virtually nothing since October.
- Agra Weather in April: Official start of the hot months. Average daylight temperatures rise by numerous degrees to an uncomfortable 38°C and overnight to about 21°C. Beginning of the development to the impending monsoon but negligible rain still. The moisture can be uneasy and thunderstorms are not unusual.
- Humidity increases in May, raising chances of thunderstorms. On average, it is the hottest month, peaking over 41°C quickly in the morning and dropping only to 26°C after dark.
- Agra Weather in June: Another highly uncomfortable month; in fact, the year’s hottest on average, and still 28°C overnight. The oppressive heat is alleviated slightly as some rain falls, albeit modestly, and there’s a slight decrease in humidity.
- Official start of the monsoon, but rain doesn’t fall by the bucket load (like Mumbai) and the climate doesn’t attract cyclones (like Kolkata). Second-wettest month, so water-logging is possible in areas with poor drainage – even sidewalks outside 5-star resorts.
- Agra Climate in August: Most astounding downpour for the year as normal temperatures drop to 34°C yet still hover at 26°C during evenings. Water-logging may submerge streets and railroad tracks yet the rain isn`t as obstructive as other Indian urban areas. Stickiness is still a variable, yet not as unpleasant as the couple of months before.
- Weather in Agra During September: Daytime temperatures remain steady at approximately 34°C on average. Some rain still falls, but less than the prior two months, while flooded roads and railway tracks are possibly at their worst after several months of heavy downpours. Later in the month, overnight temperatures decrease and rainfall lessens.
- Weather conditions in Agra during October: It is one of the best periods for travel as the wet season should have concluded. Fields are lush and green and the atmosphere is clean and fresh. Daytime temperatures still average around 34°C but it is significantly less humid and noticeably cooler at night: about 18°C, which may be a little chilly for those unaccustomed to it.
- The official start of the comfortable and dry winter in Agra – 4 months of pleasant weather ideal for traveling. Daytime temperatures typically drop to an agreeable 29°C and even as low as 12°C at night, so bring a jacket.
- Weather Conditions in Agra during December: Second-coldest month on average after January, with daytime temperatures averaging around a pleasant 23°C although some complain about this warmth, and nights dipping to a rather chilly 8°C that most take issue with. Fog can induce delays for planes and trains as wind patterns transition between the desert and mountains regions, so dress appropriately for varying conditions.
Agra Holidays, Events, and Festivals
India has the world’s second-largest population of Muslims (following Indonesia). Dates for these 4 major festivals vary annually as per the Islamic calendar. Each is a public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
- Eid-al-Fitr – The conclusion of Ramadan is celebrated with up to three days of feasts, music, and dance at mosques and in people`s homes.
- Eid Mulid-un-Nabi (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) – Celebrated with spiritual services and processions.
- Muharram/Ashura – Commencement of the Islamic New Year.
- Eid al-Adha/Zuha (Bakr-Id) – Commemorates Ibrahim`s willingness to sacrifice his son. Mainly goats are ritually slaughtered and shared with family, friends, and those in need.
Agra in January
- New Year’s Day (1st) – Celebrated by friends and family. Generally some shows around the city.
- Lohri (13th) – Traditional harvest festival dedicated to fire and the Sun God and celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. Public holiday so some government offices and tourist attractions may close. “Til rice” or sweet rice mixed with jaggery and sesame seeds is the traditional dish of the festival.
- Makara Sankranthi (14th or 15th) – Similar to Lohri but celebrated more in western India and Varanasi, marking the end of winter with widespread kite flying.
- Vasant Panchami (date may vary, January/February) – Hindu ceremony where devotees dressed in yellow place books and instruments before Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, to receive blessings, and to celebrate the arrival of spring.
- Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates the adoption of the nation`s constitution on January 26, 1950. Large parades in Delhi, smaller elsewhere. National public holiday when government offices and many attractions close.
Agra in February
- (Maha) Shivaratri (variable, February/March) – Day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, with ceremonies at temples. Public holiday, when some government workplaces and tourist attractions may close.
- Holi (date varies, February/March) – Vibrant celebration of the start of spring. Nearly everyone – including unwitting foreigners – is doused with colored water and/or powder.
- Taj Mahotsav (from the 18th to the 27th) – Numerous cultural happenings, such as parades of elephants and camels, as well as handicrafts and food stations. Throughout ten days at Shilpgram along the Taj East Gate Road, roughly half a mile from the Taj Mahal.
Agra in March
- Chaitra Navaratri/Rama Navaratri (variable, March/April) – The beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. The 9th night is celebrated as Rama Navami.
- Rama Navami (variable, March/April) – This commemorates Lord Rama’s birth. 9 days incorporate music, dance, fasting, feasting, and recitation of the Ramayana (epic tale). One day is a public holiday potentially closing most government facilities and some tourist attractions.
- Mahavir Jayanti (date varies, March/April) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, Jainism`s most revered teacher. Colorful rituals at temples and offerings to those in need. Public holiday, when some government workplaces and attractions may shut down.
- Easter (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated by the Christian minority. A few businesses may close on Good Friday.
- Gudi Padwa (changeable, March/April) – Traditional start of the Hindu New Year, celebrated by family visits, flying of a particular flag, and spring cleaning.
Agra in April
- Vaisakhi (usually 13th or 14th) – Another festival related to the onset of spring, as well as the start of the New Year according to the Sikh calendar. Abundant music, dancing, wrestling, and wearing of traditional costumes.
- Ambedkar Jayanti/Bhim Jayanti (14th) – Honors the birth of late Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a leading historical figure. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
Agra in May
- Vesak/Buddha Purnima (changeable, April/May) – Solemn festivals are held at temples marking the birth and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This is a public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close for the observance.
Agra in June
- Nothing notable is mentioned, and the rain across this part of India precludes outdoor events.
Agra in July
- Raksha Bandhan/Rakhi (dates vary, July/August) – A Hindu celebration emphasizing familial bonds, especially between siblings. Commonly called Brother-Sister Day, sisters tie colorful bracelets (Rakhis) on brothers’ wrists who give gifts in return.
Agra in August
- Museo Nazionale del Bargello – Former penal facility, now home to the finest collection of Renaissance sculptures in the city. Wander the peculiar building and encounter works by Donatello (including a David that was the first nude statue since antiquity), Cellini, and Michelangelo. (0.7 mile).
- Janmashtami (changeable, August/September) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with offerings, fasting, and decorations placed on buildings. Public holiday, when some government workplaces and tourist attractions may close.
- Kailash Fair (date varies, August/September) – Religious festival honoring Lord Shiva and attracting the devout from all parts of India. At the temple in Kailash, 8 miles west of Agra. Festive atmosphere, with plenty of food and clothing stalls, games, and shows.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (changeable, August/September) – Celebrations last up to 10 days honoring the birth of the highly esteemed elephant-headed God, Ganesha.
- (Haryali/Hartalika) Teej (variable, August/September) – 2-day celebrations for the arrival of the monsoon season and marriage of Goddess Parvati to Lord Shiva. Lots of dancing and praying, mostly by women and girls.
Agra in September
- Navaratri (variable, October/November) – Nine days devoted to enthusiastically commemorating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon, or Lord Rama over Ravana. Some participate through traditional dancing, others via fasting. In Kolkata, with fireworks, colorful processions, and cultural events. The 9th day is Dussehra.
- Ram Barat (date varies, September/October) – For around 3 days prior to Dussehra, celebrations and recreations honour the marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita with parades of elephants and horses accompanying much music.
- Dussehra (changeable, September/October) – Celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, and the general fight of good over evil. Praying at temples, offerings of exceptional food, and burning of Ravana’s effigies. Public holiday, when some administration offices and tourist attractions may close.
Agra in October
- Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2nd) – Sombre event commemorating the birth anniversary of the nation`s founding father, Mahatma Gandhi. National holiday when all government offices and many attractions close.
- Karaka Chaturthi/Karva Chauth (changeable, October/November) – Paying homage to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this occasion fosters kinship and togetherness. Fasting by married women and unique rituals also intend prosperous and healthy lives for their spouses.
- Diwali/Deepavali (variable dates, October/November) – A significant 5-day festival of lights, candles, and fireworks. Travel volumes increase as it is commemorated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. There may be closures or restrictions at some public sector locations and tourist sites on the day designated as a holiday.
Agra in November
- Guru Nank Jayanti (changeable) – Commemorates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and is marked with prayers and parades. It is a public holiday.
Agra in December
- Christmas Day (25th) – Celebrated by all Christians and most visitors. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may have restricted hours or be closed.
- New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated by many Indians and all visitors, but potentially not as vigorously as in Western cultures.
