When is the absolute best time to visit Delhi?

Late February through mid-March. Pleasant 18-28°C weather, lowest pollution of the dry months, moderate prices, fewer wedding crowds.

Is Delhi safe to visit in summer (April-June)?

Yes, but plan around the heat — sightseeing 6-10 AM and 5-9 PM, midday indoor activities (museums, malls, your apartment). Stay hydrated. Heat exhaustion is real for unprepared travellers.

How bad is Delhi pollution?

Bad October-February. Worst in first 2 weeks of November. AQI often crosses 300 (vs WHO's 50 limit). Carry N95 masks; limit outdoor time during peak smog days.

Best Time to Visit Delhi: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)

"Best time to visit Delhi" is a question with one obvious answer (October-March) and a lot of nuance worth knowing. Below is a month-by-month breakdown — temperature, what to wear, festivals worth planning around, and where Delhi's hotel/apartment prices peak.

October — the entry into peak season

Weather: 22-32°C daytime, 18-22°C nights. Low humidity, clear skies.
Pollution: Starts rising in late October as crop burning begins in neighbouring Punjab/Haryana. AQI 100-200 (moderate).
Prices: Rising. Wedding season kicks off — hotels +20-40% vs September.
What's on: Dussehra, Karva Chauth, Diwali (varies by year, often Oct-Nov).
Verdict: First half excellent. Second half watch pollution.

November — best month, with caveats

Weather: 15-25°C daytime, 10-15°C nights. Crisp, clear, postcard Delhi.
Pollution: Worst month of the year. AQI often 300-500 in first 2 weeks (smog from Diwali fireworks + crop burning). Improves by month-end.
Prices: High. Wedding season + tourist peak.
What's on: India International Trade Fair (Pragati Maidan), wedding functions everywhere.
Verdict: Visit late November to dodge worst pollution. Bring an N95 mask.

December — winter charm, but cold

Weather: 8-22°C daytime, 4-10°C nights. Foggy mornings (sometimes flight delays).
Pollution: Better than November. AQI 100-200.
Prices: Christmas-New Year week is peak. Most expensive week of year for hotels.
What's on: Christmas (Khan Market, Connaught Place light up), Delhi NCR Marathon.
Verdict: Beautiful but cold for visitors used to warmer climates. Carry layers.

January — coldest month

Weather: 7-20°C daytime, 4-8°C nights. Foggy mornings.
Pollution: Moderate. AQI 150-250.
Prices: Drops after January 5. Mid-range hotel rates.
What's on: Republic Day (26 Jan), Rajpath parades, Jaipur Literature Festival (day trip).
Verdict: Lower tourist crowds, decent prices, good for heritage tours.

February — Delhi at its best

Weather: 12-26°C daytime, 8-14°C nights. Spring starting.
Pollution: Improving. AQI 100-180.
Prices: Moderate.
What's on: Holi (late Feb/early March), Surajkund Crafts Mela, Garden Tourism Festival (Lodhi Garden).
Verdict: Best all-round month. Pleasant weather, fair prices, festivals.

March — last hurrah before heat

Weather: 18-32°C daytime, 14-18°C nights. Spring blossoms.
Pollution: Best of the year. AQI 80-150.
Prices: Moderate, rising in April.
What's on: Holi, Garden of Five Senses spring flowers.
Verdict: Beautiful — book outdoor activities. Last bearable month before summer.

April — heat warning

Weather: 25-38°C daytime, 18-24°C nights. Dry heat.
Pollution: Moderate. AQI 100-200 (dust storms common).
Prices: Drop significantly mid-April.
What's on: Khajuraho Dance Festival, exam season (Delhi University quiet).
Verdict: Visit only with morning/evening sightseeing plans. Skip midday outdoors.

May — peak summer

Weather: 30-43°C daytime. Some 46°C days.
Pollution: Moderate.
Prices: Low season. Best deals of the year.
What's on: Mango season begins, indoor cultural events.
Verdict: Only for travelers with strong tolerance for heat. Pool hotels make sense.

June — start of monsoon

Weather: 28-42°C, humidity rising. First rains end of month.
Pollution: Low (rains wash air clean).
Prices: Low.
What's on: Mango festival, monsoon-prep events.
Verdict: Avoid first half. Last week okay if you love rain.

July — peak monsoon

Weather: 25-35°C. High humidity, heavy rain.
Pollution: Excellent (lowest AQI of year, 50-100).
Prices: Low. Best monsoon deals.
What's on: Lush Lodhi Garden, monsoon-cuisine festivals (kachori, pakora).
Verdict: Underrated. If you don't mind getting wet, Delhi is at its greenest.

August — continued monsoon

Weather: 25-33°C, humid, rainy.
Pollution: Low.
Prices: Low.
What's on: Independence Day (15 Aug), Janmashtami, Raksha Bandhan.
Verdict: Same as July.

September — transition month

Weather: 24-34°C, humidity decreasing in second half.
Pollution: Low.
Prices: Rising end of month.
What's on: Ganesh Chaturthi, pre-Navratri sales.
Verdict: Pleasant late September. Worth it for the in-between weather.

What to wear by month

Month	Day	Evening
Oct	Light cotton, breathable	Light layer
Nov	Long sleeves	Sweater + jacket
Dec-Jan	Layered cottons	Warm jacket, scarf
Feb	Cotton + light layer	Light jacket
Mar	Cotton	Light layer
Apr-Jun	Loose cotton, hat, sunglasses	Cotton
Jul-Sep	Quick-dry cotton, umbrella, sandals	Light cotton

Pollution navigation

If visiting Oct-Feb, pack:

N95 mask (good ones; not surgical masks)
Eye drops (smog stings eyes)
Asthma inhaler if you have any respiratory history
Check AQI daily — apps like AirVisual, IQAir

Where to stay

Year-round, our 16 South Delhi apartments all have:

Air conditioning + heating
HEPA-rated air purifiers in winter months (Oct-Feb)
Fast WiFi for indoor work days

For specific neighbourhoods, see Hauz Khas vs Chattarpur for a deeper breakdown.

Related: 48-hour Delhi itinerary.