Rishikesh at a glance, month by month
The seasons in Rishikesh
Autumn
Best timeClear skies, a calm river after the monsoon and comfortable days. Rafting is in full swing and the aarti is at its most atmospheric.
Winter
Good, coldSunny days and cold mornings and nights, with occasional fog. The river is very cold, so rafting is shorter and quieter.
Spring
Best timeWarm days, green hills and the International Yoga Festival, usually in March. A very good time for every activity.
Summer
Hot, busyHot afternoons and big holiday crowds, but the cool river makes rafting popular. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and evening.
Monsoon
AvoidThe Ganga rises and turns muddy, rafting is closed and landslides can block hill roads. July also brings the Kanwar Yatra crowds.
Rishikesh month-by-month details
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5° to 19° | Low | Low | Cold mornings and fog on some days. Good for yoga and quiet walks. |
| February | 8° to 23° | Low | Medium | Pleasant days. Rafting season picks up. |
| March | 12° to 28° | Low | High | International Yoga Festival, usually in March. Book stays early. |
| April | 17° to 34° | Low | Medium | Warm and dry. Good rafting conditions. |
| May | 21° to 38° | Low | High | Hot afternoons, summer holiday crowds. |
| June | 24° to 37° | Rising | High | Hot and humid; pre-monsoon showers late in the month. Rafting ends by 30 June. |
| July | 24° to 33° | Very heavy | Medium | Monsoon and Kanwar Yatra. Rafting closed; heavy traffic. |
| August | 24° to 32° | Very heavy | Low | Monsoon continues. River high and muddy. |
| September | 22° to 32° | Moderate | Low | Rain eases. Rafting usually reopens in the second half of the month. |
| October | 17° to 31° | Low | Medium | Clear skies and calm river. One of the best months. |
| November | 11° to 27° | Low | Medium | Pleasant days, cool evenings. |
| December | 6° to 22° | Low | Medium | Cool and sunny; busy around Christmas and New Year. |
Temperatures are typical ranges and vary from year to year. Rafting dates are set each season by the local authorities.
What to pack for Rishikesh
Winter (Dec - Jan)
- Warm jacket for mornings and evenings
- Sweater or fleece
- Warm socks
- Light layers for sunny afternoons
Summer (Apr - Jun)
- Light cotton clothes
- Cap, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Sandals that grip on wet ghats
Rafting and ghats
- Quick-dry clothes and a spare set
- Footwear with straps
- Waterproof pouch for your phone
- A scarf or shawl for temples
Best Time to Visit Rishikesh: FAQs
Which is the best month to visit Rishikesh?
October, November, February and March are the most pleasant, with clear skies, open rafting and comfortable temperatures.
Is rafting open in winter?
Yes. Rafting runs from about September to the end of June. Winter water is very cold, so operators often run the shorter stretches.
Should I visit Rishikesh in July?
Most travellers avoid July and August. Rafting is closed, the river is in flood and the Kanwar Yatra brings very heavy crowds and traffic.