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South Asia packs an astonishing range of climates into one region, from tropical beaches and steamy jungle to the highest mountains on Earth. That variety means there's always somewhere at its best, if you know where to look. This guide breaks down when to go where across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan so you can plan a trip around the finest weather.
Most of South Asia's weather is choreographed by the southwest monsoon, which sweeps in around June and retreats by September or October. Broadly:
The exceptions to these rules are what make clever planning so rewarding.
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India is really several destinations. For the north (Golden Triangle, Rajasthan, the plains) travel October to March, when days are clear and comfortable.
The south (Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu) is also at its best in winter. But for the Himalaya and Ladakh, invert the calendar and go June to September, when the high passes open and the plains are unbearably hot.
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Sri Lanka has two monsoons hitting opposite coasts. For the west and south, including Colombo, Galle and the tea hills, travel December to March. For the east coast beaches such as Trincomalee and Arugam Bay, go May to September.
Because one side is nearly always sunny, Sri Lanka is a superb year-round option, provided you route yourself to the right coast for the season.
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The mountain kingdoms share a rhythm. Autumn (October to November) delivers the clearest skies and sharpest peaks, ideal for trekking and festivals. Spring (March to May) is warmer and ablaze with rhododendrons.
Avoid the summer monsoon for classic Himalayan trekking, though rain-shadow regions like Ladakh, Mustang and Dolpo buck the trend and stay dry. Winter is cold but crisp and blissfully quiet at lower altitudes.
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There is genuinely no bad month to visit South Asia, only better and worse choices of destination within it.
With so many microclimates in play, the smartest way to travel South Asia is with people who live and breathe its seasons. Our small-group trips are timed to catch each region at its best, whether that's crisp Himalayan air, sun-drenched beaches or the buzz of a great festival. Tell us your dates and interests, and we'll match you to the ideal corner of the subcontinent.
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