The Best Time to Visit Bengaluru, India

India › Best Time to Visit Bengaluru
Updated: January 13, 2022

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When is the Best Time to Visit Bengaluru?

• Map of Bengaluru Hotels & Neighborhoods

The best months to experience Bengaluru are between the end of November through March. These periods bring cooler and drier conditions with average temperatures ranging between 16°C to 30°C. As the city prioritizes business over tourism, airfare and accommodation pricing peaks only during specific exhibitions and events.

• Most Suitable Time for Sightseeing: Unlike other urban areas in southern India, average daylight temperatures are comparatively comfortable, avoiding the stifling heat and humidity seen elsewhere and the violent monsoons that batter coastal places like Mumbai, Goa, and Chennai. However, it does rain for more months each year than these locations, peaking in September and October, so the best months for outdoors activities are December to March.
• Preferred Conditions for the Environment: Unlike coastal areas such as Mumbai and Chennai, Bengaluru is less affected by the monsoon storms and scorching heat that precede the downpours. The climate here has a reputation for being among the most pleasant in India, but comfortable ocean breezes are absent and pollution levels can escalate greatly. The mildest and driest months stretch from November through April.
• Best Time for Honeymoons: December to April. During these months, the weather is warm, without being uncomfortable, and it’s rarely wet.
• Best Time for Nightlife: December to April. The prime time to enjoy the city’s lively nightlife is the dry season when rain is uncommon and the temperatures are mild after dark – sometimes, even a little chilly.
• Best Time for Savings: May through November. Bengaluru is not a major tourist destination with a peak season, but hotel rates and airfares are likely to be most affordable during the months when temperatures are highest and rain is most abundant.

Bengaluru Travel Seasons

• Peak Period (December to March): These 4 months offer consistently warm conditions without excessive heat or moisture, and a little chill after dark when a lightweight outer layer may be needed. Bengaluru is unaffected by large tourist volumes and higher accommodation rates around Christmas/New Year since it does not rely heavily on visitors.
• Transition Seasons (April, June, and November): Good times to visit as daytime and night temperatures are pleasantly warm and infrequently disagreeable. During these changeable months between hot and wet seasons, it does rain, but not as intensely as other times.
• Low Season (May, and July to October): These months experience heavier rainfall amounts. While downpours are not as intense as areas like Mumbai or Chennai, road flooding can still occur in city streets. Temperatures remain pleasant overall, though May tends to be a bit warmer.

Bengaluru Weather by Month

• Weather conditions in Bengaluru during January: One of several consecutive months perfect for visiting. Average temperatures are a mild 28°C and a coolish 16°C overnight (this equals the lowest temperature for the year, which locals will complain about). Almost no rainfall is recorded, so many outdoor events are organized during the month.
• Bengaluru Weather in February: Average temperatures during the day and night rise slightly from the previous month, but with negligible rain, it’s still ideal for exploring.
• Bengaluru Weather in March: For the first time in the year, average daytime temperatures surpass 30°C, but are still mild overnight at about 20°C. Slight increase in humidity and rain, but neither as uncomfortable as later in the year.
• Weather Conditions in Bengaluru During April: The conclusion of winter is marked by higher average rainfall than the prior 4 months. Continuing the trend of gradually increasing temperatures each month since the beginning of the year, this is the warmest month, nonetheless only around 34°C. Noticeably more humid, though, as the wetter months loom.
• Bengaluru Weather in May: The city sees a slight increase in average monthly rainfall as the brief pre-monsoon arrives and departs, but being further inland, it avoids most of the mid-year monsoon impacting coastal regions in the state. Nothing too heavy this month, bringing relief to locals. Not overly hot, though humidity becomes more evident.
• Bengaluru Weather in June: Average rainfall decreases a little between the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods. Temperatures fall noticeably to an average of 29°C and a pleasant 20°C overnight. However, the humidity remains constant.
• Bengaluru Weather in July: The daytime and overnight temperatures are similar to June, but rainfall increases slightly from prior months` norms. Rains have fallen for over 3 months now, so water may pool in some areas.
• Bengaluru Weather in August: Daytime and overnight temperatures remain stable, but the humidity and rain linger in the build-up to the coming wettest months. Third-highest amount of rain this month.
• Bengaluru Weather in September: Peak month for rainfall averaging 185mm, but nothing compared to Mumbai in July (700-800mm). Temperatures stay mild, but humidity is among the worst for the year, though not nearly as bad as Chennai.
• Weather in Bengaluru, India during October: The fifth consecutive month featuring nearly identical temperatures of around 28-29°C during daylight hours and approximately 20°C overnight. Slight decrease in average precipitation levels, but flooding caused by several months of rain could impact bus and train travel.
• Bengaluru Weather in November: Rainfall has reduced by almost two-thirds from the previous month as the cool, dry winter – prime travel season – begins. Daytime temperatures remain similar to prior months, around 27-29°C, but nights are noticeably cooler.
• Bengaluru Weather in December: The mild, dry days continue with plenty of sunshine, negligible rain, and the lowest temperatures of the year: about 27°C during the day and a comparatively cooler 16°C after dark.

Bengaluru 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.

Bengaluru in January

• New Year’s Day (1st) – Celebrated by families and acquaintances. Usually some concerts.
• Lohri (13th) – Traditional harvest ceremony dedicated to fire and the Sun God celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close. “Til rice” or sweet rice mixed with jaggery and sesame seeds is the customary dish of the festival.
• Chitra Santhe Art Fair (early January) – Held over several days at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath gallery.
• Makara Sankranthi/Pongal (14th or 15th) – Makara Sankranthi is principally celebrated in Western India, while Pongal is celebrated in South India. Both festivals mark the conclusion of winter. Makara Sankranthi features abundant kite-flying, while Pongal involves 3-4 days of house cleaning and decorating, paying homage to farm animals, exchanging gifts, and visiting families and friends. Sweet rice pudding is partaken during Pongal.
• Vasant Panchami (date varies between January and February): Hindu ceremony where devotees dressed in yellow place books and instruments before Saraswati, the Goddess of Knowledge, seeking blessing and celebrating the arrival of spring.
• Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates India adopting its constitution on January 26th, 1950. Huge parades are held in Delhi, with less formal celebrations elsewhere. It is a national holiday when government offices and many visitor attractions close. Consider viewing the spectacular floral display at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens around this date.

Bengaluru in February

• (Maha) Shivaratri (changeable, February/March) – Day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva and ceremonies in temples. Public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
• Holi (changeable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the arrival of spring. Nearly everyone – including unsuspecting foreigners – has colored water and/or powder applied to them.

Bengaluru 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 (date may change, March/April) – Celebrates Lord Rama’s birth. 9 days of music, dance, fasting, and feasts, and reading of the Ramayana (epic story). One day is a public holiday when most government offices and some tourist attractions may close.
• Bengaluru Karaga (changeable, March/April) – Around 9-10 days of traditional music and dancing, and parades of individuals dressed as the opposite sex. Centered mostly around the 800-year-old Dharmaraya Swamy Temple.
• 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) – A traditional start of the Hindu New Year, marked by family visits, raising of a special flag, and spring cleaning.

Bengaluru in April

• Vaisakhi: (generally the 13th or 14th) Another spring festival that also marks the New Year as per the Sikh calendar. Music, dance, wrestling and wearing of traditional attire are abundant.
• 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.

Bengaluru in May

• Vesak/Buddha Purnima (changeable, April/May) – Solemn festivals at temples marking the birth and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

Bengaluru in June

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Bengaluru 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.

Bengaluru in August

• Celebrated on the 15th of August, Independence Day commemorates India gaining freedom from British rule in 1947. It`s a patriotic time when government buildings are decorated and ceremonies held, especially in Delhi. Families also reunite on this national public holiday closing most businesses and attractions. Check out the flower extravaganza at Lalbagh Garden around this date.
• Parsi New Year (17th August) – Observed by Zoroastrians who follow the ancient religion. Bengaluru has a nearly century-old Fire Temple on Queens Road.
• Janmashtami (date varies, August/September) – Honors the birth of Lord Krishna with food gifts, fasting periods, and ornate architectural decorations. A public holiday results in some government and tourist site closures.
• Varamahalakshmi (changeable) – Ancient celebration throughout the state when married women provide offerings and pray for their husbands and families to Goddess Lakshmi.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (alterable, August/September) – Up to 10 days of celebrations for the birth of the highly-respected elephant-headed God, Ganesha. Bengaluru Ganesh Utsava, 11-12 days of musical occasions including renowned national artistes and bands, is held in the city every year.
• (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.

Bengaluru in September

• Navaratri (date varies, September/October) – Nine days of passionately celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over a demon, or Lord Rama over Ravana. 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.

Bengaluru 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.

Bengaluru in November

• Bangalore Literature Festival (early November) – Weekend of readings and writings for book-lovers. Authors come from across India and around the globe.
• 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.

Bengaluru 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 as well as all tourists, though perhaps not as boisterously as in parts of the Western world.
• Kadalekal Parishe (variable, December/January) – Also referred to as the Nut or Groundnut Fair, this traditional festival celebrates the (hoped for) harvest of these well-liked nuts. At the 16th-century Temple of Sacred Ox.