Best Time To Visit Guwahati: How To Plan A Perfect Trip
Guwahati, the largest city in Northeast India, is a vibrant cultural hub situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River. It is one of the top places to visit in Assam and a gateway to the region, rich in heritage, with a blend of traditional Assamese culture, natural beauty, spiritual significance and modern influences.
The city is home to the famous Kamakhya Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, and is surrounded by lush tea gardens, producing the world-renowned Assam tea. There are many Places to Eat in Guwahati that offer delicious local cuisine, with popular dishes like momos and thukpa. The city also has a variety of markets and shopping centers, like the Guwahati Market and Fancy Bazaar, where you can find local handicrafts and souvenirs.
The city is also a hub for education and research, with prestigious institutions like IIT Guwahati and Guwahati University, and has several national parks and wildlife sanctuaries nearby, making it a perfect blend of culture, nature, and modernity.
Best Time to Visit Guwahati
Planning a trip to Guwahati? Timing is everything! Deciding whats the ideal time to visit Guwahati depends on two things – a. The weather in Guwahati and b. The activities you want to do in Guwahati.
The best time to visit Guwahati is from October to April when the weather is mild and pleasant, and exciting festivals like Bihu take place. This period offers comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
There are many things to do in Guwahati during winter, the city becomes lively with traditional music, dance performances, and colorful processions during festivals like Magh Bihu which takes place in January, and Saraswati Puja, providing a glimpse into Assam’s rich cultural heritage
Avoid the hot and humid summer months of May and June, as well as the heavy rainfall of the monsoon season from July to September. If you can’t make it during the best time, December to February offers cooler temperatures, making it a good alternative for exploring the city. By understanding the seasons, you can plan your trip to Guwahati at the right time and make the most of your holiday!
Weather Wise Guide for Guwahati
Guwahati Weather Guide
- March to May – 30C
- December to February – 11C
- June to October – 20C
Condition of Weather in Guwahati in Winter Season (October to March)
Winter is the best time to visit Guwahati, with pleasant weather and exciting events. Although it can get a bit chilly, the Magh Bihu festival in January is a highlight, with delicious food and cultural celebrations. Don’t forget to pack warm clothes, woolens, and an umbrella, as it may rain occasionally in one of the best season to explore Guwahati.
What To Expect In This Guwahati Travel Season?
- Onset of winters
- Pleasant mornings and chilly evenings
- Festive season
- Intermittent rain showers
- Temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C
- Costly hotels/resorts and homestays
Best Things to Do in Guwahati during Winter
1. Explore the Kamakhya Temple
Visit the divine Kamakhya Temple atop Nilachal Hill and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. The cool winter weather makes it an ideal time to visit Guwahati and explore the temple complex and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
2. Take a Brahmaputra River Cruise:
You can enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the Brahmaputra River, soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings. Many operators offer sunset cruises and dinner cruises, providing a memorable experience during winter evenings and hence making winter the best season to explore Guwahati.
3. Visit Assam State Museum:
Don’t forget to explore Assam’s rich history and cultural heritage at the Assam State Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of handicrafts, including sculptures, manuscripts, textiles, and tribal crafts, making it a fascinating indoor activity during winter.
4. Indulge in Tea Tourism:
You can also go on a guided tour of tea estates near Guwahati, such as Bordoloi Tea Estate, to learn about the tea-making process and sample Assam’s famous tea amidst the winter landscapes of lush green tea gardens.
Best Cuisines to Enjoy in Guwahati during Winter
- Assamese Fish Curry
- Pork Dishes
- Momos and Thukpa
- Assamese Pitha
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Condition of Weather in Guwahati in Monsoon Season (July to October)
Guwahati’s monsoon season brings heavy rainfall, making it challenging to explore the city. The roads are often clogged, and the downpours can be relentless. While it’s not the best time to visit, the lush greenery and scenic views are still worth appreciating. It can also be the ideal time to visit Guwahati for indoor activities and relaxation, making it the best season to explore Guwahati and its serenity and peace.
What it is not an ideal time to visit Guwahati?
- Torrential rains and downpour
- High humidity
- Lush green surroundings
- Budget-friendly stays
- Temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C
Best Things to Do in Guwahati during the rainy season
1. Enjoy a Spa Day: Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at one of Guwahati’s luxury spas. Indulge in rejuvenating massages, facials, and wellness treatments to unwind and de-stress amidst the rainy weather.
2. Explore Indoor Markets: Wander through indoor markets like Fancy Bazaar and Pan Bazaar, where you can shop for handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. These bustling markets offer a vibrant atmosphere and shelter from the rain.
3. Take a Cooking Class: Enjoy the rainy season by learning to cook traditional Assamese cuisine. Many cooking schools and culinary centers in Guwahati offer hands-on cooking classes where you can learn to prepare authentic Assamese dishes.
Best Cuisines to Enjoy in Guwahati during the rainy season
- Assamese Comfort Food like Xaak Bhaji (assorted leafy greens), Dal Pitika (mashed lentils), and Bhaat (steamed rice)
- Assamese Soups:
- Assamese Tea and Snacks: Enjoy a cup of hot Assamese Tea (cha) paired with crispy snacks like Pitha (rice cakes), Bor (fritters), and Sandoh Guri (fried dumplings)
- Hot Beverages: Indulge in hot beverages like ginger tea, masala chai, and hot chocolate to keep warm and cozy during rainy weather. These comforting drinks are perfect for enjoying indoors while listening to the soothing sound of raindrops.
Also Read: 14 Best Cafes In Guwahati To Sip And Socialise
Condition of Weather in Guwahati in Summer Season (April to June)
Summers in Guwahati can be pleasant, with tolerable temperatures and humid mornings. However, the evenings are comfortable, making it a ideal time to visit Guwahati to enjoy festivals like Bihu and the Ambubachi Mela at the Kamakhya Temple in June. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check for exciting deals and offers on Guwahati holiday packages and come here in the second best season to explore Guwahati.
What To Expect
- Moderate weather
- Pleasant summer evenings
- Bohag Bihu Festival celebration
- Temperatures ranging between 30°C to 40°C
- Stays, hotels, and resorts available at discounted rates
Best Things to Do in Guwahati during summer
1. Explore the Assam State Zoo: Spend a day exploring the Assam State Zoo, home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including the famous one-horned rhinoceros. The shaded pathways and lush greenery provide a cool escape from the summer heat.
2. Visit the Kamakhya Temple Early Morning: Beat the heat by visiting the Kamakhya Temple early in the morning. Witnessing the sunrise and participating in the temple rituals during the cooler hours of the day can be a spiritually enriching experience.
3. Take a Dip in the Brahmaputra River: Cool off with a refreshing dip in the Brahmaputra River or enjoy water sports activities like boating and kayaking. Several operators offer river cruises and water adventures that provide relief from the summer heat.
4. Enjoy Indoor Attractions: Beat the heat by exploring indoor attractions such as museums, art galleries, and shopping malls. Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra and Dona Planet are popular options for cultural enrichment and entertainment.
Best Cuisines to Enjoy in Guwahati during Summer
1. Assamese coolers like Aam Panna (raw mango drink), Bel Panna (wood apple drink), and nariyal pani (coconut water)
2. Assamese Fish Dishes like Masor Tenga (sour fish curry), Masor Jhol (fish stew), and Masor Khorika (grilled fish marinated in spices)
3. Assamese Snacks like Bora saul (Assamese sticky rice), and Chira (flattened rice) with yogurt
4. Assamese Sweets like Narikol Laru (coconut laddoos),
5. Tibetan Delicacies like Tingmo (steamed buns).
Also Read: 15 Places To Visit In Tawang: Journey Into The Heart Of Northeast
Guwahati Travel Season – How To Plan your best time to visit Guwahati?
Peak Guwahati travel season (October to April): This period is regarded as the best time to visit Guwahati and as such sees a surge in tourism due to pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Festivals like Bihu and Magh Bihu also take place during this time, adding to the city’s vibrancy.
Off Guwahati travel season (June to September): Monsoon rains make outdoor activities challenging, and the heavy downpour may disrupt travel plans. However, this season is the best time to visit Guwahati for indoor activities and relaxation.
The best time to visit Guwahati can depend on the type of activities you are planning to do on your vacation here. As you can read below, outdoor activities and sightseeing timings can be varying.
Best time to visit Guwahati for outdoor activities (October to April): The pleasant weather during this period makes it perfect for activities like hiking, trekking, and exploring the city’s natural attractions.
Best time to visit Guwahati for sightseeing (October to April): The comfortable temperatures and clear skies during this period offer a great opportunity to explore Guwahati’s cultural and historical attractions without any weather-related challenges.
1. Peak Tourist Season in Guwahati
The peak tourist season in Guwahati, which falls between October and February, is characterised by the highest demand for accommodations and tourist services. As a result, popular attractions are often bustling with large crowds and long queues in this Guwahati travel season.
Additionally, prices for accommodations and tourist services may be higher due to the surge in demand during the peak tourist season in Guwahati. To ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip, it’s essential to plan ahead and book your accommodations and tourist services in advance.
By doing so, you’ll be able to navigate the crowds with ease and make the most of your time in Guwahati. By planning ahead, you’ll be able to create memories that will last a lifetime and make the most of your time in this captivating city. Although the peak season might be the best season to explore Guwahati’s offbeat locations as they will be less crowded.
2. The Guwahati tourism months
Guwahati, the gateway to Northeast India, is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences. From October to April, the city is at its best for outdoor activities and sightseeing, with pleasant weather and vibrant festivals, while March to May is ideal for cultural events and temple visits.
June to September brings the monsoon season, perfect for enjoying waterfalls and natural beauty, and December to January brings winter weather, making it a great time to cozy up and enjoy the city’s warmth. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or adventure seeker, Guwahati has something for everyone, so plan your trip according to your interests and get ready to explore this captivating city! Therefore, every quarter of the year can be called as the Guwahati tourism months!
Also Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Shillong In June To Enjoy the Monsoon
– Plan according to the weather conditions
Guwahati’s weather varies significantly throughout the year. Plan your trip accordingly: pack light, breathable clothing for summer (Mar-May), warm clothing for winter (Dec-Feb), and waterproof gear for monsoon (Jun-Oct). This will help you make the most of your trip and enjoy the city’s attractions comfortably.
Also Read: 16 Best Things to Do in Tawang: From Monasteries to Trekking
3. Guwahati Travel Tips
Here are a few Guwahati travel tips to make your trip a smooth and enjoyable one!
- Plan ahead and book accommodations and tourist services in advance:
Book your hotels, tour guides, and transportation early to avoid last-minute hassles and ensure a smooth trip.
- Pack comfortable clothing and shoes for outdoor activities:
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and outdoor activities, allowing you to explore Guwahati’s attractions with ease.
- Carry umbrella or raincoat during monsoon season:
Be prepared for sudden rain showers during the monsoon season (June to October) by carrying an umbrella or raincoat.
- Try local cuisine and street food:
Indulge in Guwahati’s delicious local cuisine and street food, like momos, thukpa, and jalebi, to experience the city’s flavors.
- Respect local culture and traditions:
Be mindful of Guwahati’s rich cultural heritage and traditions, dress modestly, and remove your shoes when visiting temples or cultural events.
So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Guwahati! With its vibrant culture, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality, this city is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the famous Kamakhya Temple, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and soak in the breathtaking views of the Brahmaputra River. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just starting out, Guwahati has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket, pack your bags, and get ready to discover the magic of Guwahati!
Also Read: Top 10 Parks In Tawang That You Must Visit On A Road Trip!
What are the must-visit attractions in Bagalkot, Karnataka?
The must-visit attractions in Bagalkot include the Badami Cave Temples, Pattadakal, Aihole, and the Kudalasangama. These sites showcase remarkable historical architecture and provide insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
How can I explore Bagalkot's historical sites efficiently?
To explore Bagalkot’s historical sites efficiently, consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour. This way, you can gain deeper insights and navigate the sites effectively. It’s also a good idea to plan an itinerary that groups attractions close to each other on the same day.
What are the best times to visit Bagalkot for festivals and cultural events?
The best times to visit Bagalkot for festivals and cultural events are during the Banashankari Temple Festival in January, Mahakuta festival in February, and the Pattadakal Dance Festival in January. These events offer vibrant cultural experiences with traditional dance, music, and rituals.
Can I explore Bagalkot's attractions on foot or do I need transportation?
While some attractions in Bagalkot, like those within Aihole and Pattadakal, can be explored on foot, you will need transportation to travel between these sites and others like Badami and Kudalasangama. Renting a car or using local taxis is recommended for convenient travel across longer distances.
