The Best Time to Visit Mumbai, India

India › Best Period of Time to Go to Mumbai
Updated: January 13, 2022

See Also

• Recommended locations to reside in Mumbai
• Best Accommodations in Mumbai
• Mumbai Airport Hotels

When is the Best Time to Visit Mumbai?

• Mumbai Lodging & Neighborhood Map

The best time to visit Mumbai is during the dry season between mid-October and April. Daytime temperatures range from 30°C to 34°C, while evenings can be a cool 17°C in December-January. Airfare and accommodations may peak during holidays, festivals, and special events.

• Best Time for Sightseeing: From November to April, precipitation is negligible and sea winds temper the warmth (and humidity) which is not severe: about 30-32°C on normal amid the day. April and May are still hot but additional humid, with little relief overnight. Then, the monsoon rain falls, and maintains falling from June to September, with some residual rain in October.
• Optimal Timing for Weather: The predominant aspect that can influence travel plans is the monsoon from June to September, when heavy rainfall occurs on most days, waterlogging of roads is common, and severe cyclonic storms are possible. It is warm year-round, but substantially cooler overnight from December to March. In the build-up (April and May) to the wet period, humidity can become uncomfortable and nighttime temperatures can rise high. Therefore, the best time weather-wise is the dry winter from mid-October to April.
• Best Time for Honeymoons: The period from November to April offers simply the finest weather – negligible rain and cool sea breezes to alleviate the humidity.
• Prime time for nightlife: November through May. Visiting the many bars, pubs, and cafes along the trendier parts of the city is popular year-round, but undoubtedly more pleasant during drier months.
• The month of June through September is when hotel rates in Mumbai are most likely to be at their lowest point for tourists and business travelers. This period coincides with the monsoon season.

Mumbai Travel Seasons

• High Season (December to March): One can expect day after sunny day with warm to cool temperatures, without experiencing the humidity that develops later in the year, and regular coastal breezes. Even a touch chilly after dusk, when a lightweight jacket may be wanted. Though not as major a tourist destination as Goa, the Christmas/New Year period can become busy, however the city appears to be more chaotic than standard during 2 noteworthy festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi (August/September) and Diwali/Deepavali (October/November).
• Shoulder Season (April, May, October, and November): The 2 months (April and May) prior to the wet season are uncomfortably humid despite no rainfall. Rainfall can linger into early October and is negligible by November. The major 5-day nationwide festival of Diwali/Deepavali (changeable, October/November) – and the days preceding and succeeding – are extremely busy times for travel.
• Low Season (June to September): The heat and humidity of April and May subsides somewhat in June as the monsoon arrives. Heavy rain most days often causes streets to frequently flood, and severe storms may influence travel plans. The good news is fewer visitors usually equate to lower hotel rates.

Mumbai Weather by Month

• Mumbai Weather in January: It’s now deep into the dry winter season with virtually no rainfall recorded. While average daytime temperatures change little throughout the year (30-34°C), it is cooler overnight: 17°C, the lowest for the year. A great time to visit, but busier around the Christmas/New Year period.
• Mumbai Climate in February: The warm and dry days persist, averaging 32°C and tempered by regular coastal breezes. Still cool enough for a light jumper overnight and basically no precipitation.
• As wet weather holds off in keeping with ideal conditions, March temperatures in Mumbai remain consistently warm and devoid of excessive heat endured elsewhere.
• Mumbai Weather in April: While average daytime temperatures remain consistent at 33°C, it’s noticeably warmer overnight at 24°C. Virtually no rainfall for the entire month but humidity is steadily increasing as the monsoon season approaches.
• Mumbai Weather in May: During this month there tends to be little or minimal rainfall for around 6 months, however a few light showers are possible in May, especially later in the month, but nothing substantial enough to disrupt travel plans (average precipitation being 31mm). The most noticeable aspect is the humid atmosphere, providing little relief even at night, exacerbated by the year`s highest average temperatures of 34°C/27°C.
• Mumbai`s June weather typically brings a dramatic start to the rainy season as average monthly precipitation increases to 486mm. Some parts of the city may be unprepared or incapable of handling the rainfall, causing flooding of certain roads. While Mumbai avoids cyclones witnessed elsewhere along India`s coastline, severe tropical storms are common occurrences from now until late October.
• Mumbai Weather in July: Peak of the damp season as the normal downpour arrives at 731mm. Day by day downpours – and conceivable serious storms – may influence travel on the off chance that streets and railway lines become swamped, and no umbrella will satisfactorily manage the sheets of precipitation. Normal daily and nighttime temperatures drop a couple of degrees Celsius, yet it’s marginally recognizable.
• Mumbai Weather in August: Less rainfall than the previous month, but it still may impact travel plans. Mumbai doesn’t suffer from tropical storms like Goa or Chennai, but severe storms may still occur, so always be alert. Temperatures drop to a year-low of 30°C and a warm 25°C overnight.
• Mumbai Weather in September: Comparable day and night temperatures to the prior two months but rainfall decreasing by about half of July`s. Severe storms can still occur and parts of the city may remain waterlogged.
• Mumbai Weather in October: With only a tenth of the rainfall seen in July, the monsoon season will start to recede during this month, but effects may linger for the initial 1 or 2 weeks. Average daytime temperatures increase around 3 degrees to 34°C, matching the yearly high, however humidity levels could still remain elevated.
• At the start of the dry ‘winter’ in November, negligible rain is typical – and even less for the next 5 months. Equals the highest average daytime temperatures (34°C), though significantly cooler overnight (21°C), but never as cold and foggy as Delhi.
• Weather in Mumbai in December: Similar to November, pleasantly warm days and cool evenings (lowest annual temperatures average 18°C) prevail. With minimal humidity and virtually no rain, it`s an ideal time to visit.

Mumbai 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.

Mumbai 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)/Pongal – Comparable to Lohri, although celebrated more in Western India and Varanasi, indicating the end of winter with lots of kite-flying. Observed with great excitement around the Fort region north of Colaba. It`s celebrated as Pongal by people from South India, particularly Kerala, and is highlighted by bonfires, enhancing houses, paying regard to farm creatures which assist the farmers supply for their families, visiting families and acquaintances, and exchanging gifts. Sweet rice pudding, also referred to as Pongal, is cooked and consumed.

A stunning graphic novel (500 pages) about an orphan living in a Paris train station with a mystery to solve. In 2011 it was adapted as the equally wonderful film, Hugo.

• Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates India adopting its constitution on January 26, 1950. Huge processions in Delhi, less formal displays elsewhere. National holiday when government buildings and many tourist spots close.
• 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.

Mumbai in February

• Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (from first Saturday in February) – Mumbai’s premier cultural extravaganza, with 9 days of literary and arts events, music, and workshops. Mostly around Kala Ghoda and the Fort area north of Colaba.
• The Elephanta Festival (dates vary, usually February/March) features traditional performances over two or three days on Elephanta Island and at the Gateway of India monument from where ferries depart for the island.
• (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 (variable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the start of spring. Almost everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – is doused with colored water and/or powder. Particularly lively at Juhu Beach.

Mumbai in March

• Chaitra Navratri (variable, September/October) – The start of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. The 9th night is celebrated as Rama Navami.
• Rama Navami (changeable, March/April) – This Hindu celebration honors the birth of Lord Rama through multiple days filled with devotional songs, dances, fasting as well as feasting and recitations from the epic Ramayana text. Commonly declared a public holiday, most government and some tourist sites may close for the occasion.
• 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 with family visits, raising of a special flag, and spring-cleaning.

Mumbai 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.

Mumbai in May

• Maharashtra Day (1st) – Celebrates the formation of the Indian state of Maharashtra in 1960. Following a parade held at Shivaji Park in Dadar, the Governor of the state gives a speech.
• 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.

Mumbai in June

• Nothing notable is mentioned, and the weather precludes outdoor events.

Mumbai 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.
• Nariyal Poornima/Nariel Purnima (changeable, July/August) – Traditional ‘Coconut Festival’ celebrated on the same day as Raksha Bandhan. Fishermen paint boats and make offerings of coconuts to the Varuna, God of the Sea, to signify the (hoped for) end of the monsoon. Best around Colaba.

Mumbai in August

One of the best vineyard trips from New York City involves bicycling through the exceptional wineries located on Long Island`s North Fork region while also exploring the scenic beaches along The Hamptons coastline. This particular vineyard cycling excursion combines the pleasures of sampling fine wines with taking in the natural beauty of the area.

• Pateti/Parsi New Year (17th August) – Celebrated by followers of the ancient Zoroastrian religion known as Parsis. During their New Year, homes are visited, cleaned, and decorated, special meals are prepared, and offerings are made at fire temples.
• Janmashtami (changeable, August/September) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna with offerings, fasting, and decorations on buildings. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (variable, August/September) – Up to 10 days of festivities celebrate the birth of the greatly revered elephant-headed God, Ganesha. Experiencing the idol immersions at all major beaches in the city during their removal is an energizing (and noisy) encounter.
• (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.

Mumbai in September

• Navaratri (changeable, September/October) – Nine days of passionately celebrating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon. Lights and fireworks everywhere in the city, as well as colorful parades and cultural events. The 9th day is Dussehra.
• 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.

Mumbai 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.
• An emphasized hyperlink links to the site of the Mumbai Film Festival held in late October, lasting one week celebrating the city’s leading film industry through screenings and awards.
• 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, October/November) – Major 5-day festival of lights, candles, and fireworks. Busy travel period because it’s celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. One day is a public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close. Hundreds of people ignite firecrackers at night on Marine Drive.

Mumbai in November

• Guru Nank Jayanti (date varies) – Commemorates the birth of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, and is marked by prayers and parades over 3 days. A public holiday.

Mumbai in December

• Day of December 25th – Celebrated by all Christians and most visitors. Public holiday, when some government agencies and tourist attractions may close.
• New Year’s Eve on the 31st – Widely celebrated by Indians, especially more affluent communities, and all visitors. Fireworks throughout the city and parties at Juhu Beach.