When it comes to holidaying in India, August is not usually on anyone’s radar. August comes in the middle of the monsoon season in India, and you are likely to experience downpours throughout the country during this month. But the rains are not as heavy in August as it is in July. So, visiting India in August need not be avoided. In fact, there are a lot of win-wins too. As it is off-season, you are likely to find good discounts on flights, hotels, and attractions. Moreover, August is a month where you will get to see some interesting festivals and events happening around the country. If you are planning a trip to the country in August, you are likely to have many questions like where to visit in August in India, what to do there, what are the things to know about, and more. Here is a comprehensive guide on visiting India in August.
Is August a Good Time to Visit India?
Ideally, the best time to travel to India is between October and March. But if you want to enjoy monsoon in India, August is a good time to visit. Rain enhances the beauty of the landscapes of the country, especially of the hill stations. Also, the northern belt does not receive as much as rainfall as the southern belt of India. It is also a great time to visit if you are not fond of crowds. As it is not tourist season, most popular attractions in the country are less crowded. August is also the best time to go to India if you are on a budget. You can make the most of the monsoon deals and discounts that hotels and airlines may offer during this time.
Weather in India in August
Rainfall is common in India in August. The Southern states like Kerala and Goa get a lot of rainfall, while the rain is usually less in the northern states. Northeast India also faces heavy rainfall during this month. When it is not raining, it is usually cloudy and overcast, with little sunshine in the interim, especially at the end of the month. Sometimes, by the end of August, you will also experience rain along with sunshine. The temperature remains high during August, and it is generally hot and humid in India during this month. In fact, August is the most humid month of the year in India.
- Temperature: 21-degree C to 35-degree C
- Humidity: 62.1% to 99.7%
- Chance of Rain: Above 90%
- Daylight: 13+ hours
- Sunrise: 5.40 AM
- Sunset: 7.14 PM
Things To Do In India In August
The rains in India add a different kind of beauty to the whole place. Watching the rainfall is one of the best things to do in India in August. But you cannot travel across the world just for that. Of course there are indoor attractions as well. Although you will not find the world’s largest museum in India, the country has several interesting museums too. Then there are temples, art galleries, and shopping malls as well. We present to you the best things you can do in India in August.
Go Trekking
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the rain-kissed landscapes of India, trekking is the best way of doing it. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, you will find plenty of moderately challenging treks to difficult trails to satisfy the trekking enthusiast in you. Some of the best treks to enjoy in the country in August include Valley of Flowers Trek in Uttarakhand, Hampta Pass Trek in Himachal Pradesh, Harishchandragad Trek and Singhad Trek in Maharashtra, Great Lakes Trek and Tarsar Marsar Trek in Kashmir, and more. Trekking in August can be risky too, so it is always best to go on a guided trekking tour along with a group.
Indulge in Ayurvedic Massage Treatments
India is synonymous to Ayurveda, and people from around the world arrive in the country to enjoy the benefits of the same. While you can enjoy Ayurvedic massage treatments throughout the year, getting them done during the monsoon season has immense benefits. Humidity helps in opening the pores of the skin, which leads to better absorption of the medicated oils in the body. Some of the Panchakarma treatments beneficial during this month are Virechana, Abhyanga, Basti, Pizhichil, and more. Kerala is where you will find the best Ayurvedic centers. But Ayurvedic centers are available all over the country. Check the authenticity of the place before you go to any Ayurvedic center for treatment.
Visit Spiritual Places
The world knows India as a country that is deeply spiritual. It is believed to be the land where religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism were born. A visit to this country would not be complete without visiting some of its spiritual places. Varanasi, flanked by the Holy River Ganga, is the most important pilgrimage site for the Hindus. The Ganga Aarti here that happens every evening is something not to be missed. Apart from this, Amritsar (Golden Temple), Rishikesh, Puri, Haridwar, Shirdi, Bodh Gaya, Madurai, etc., are other spiritual cities that you must visit in India.
Explore the Nightlife
While India is most popular for its culture and heritage, globalization has also influenced its lifestyle. The major cities of the country are known for their amazing nightlife. The country is home to numerous nightclubs, bars, pubs, and lounges, where you can party till the wee hours of the morning. One of the best places to party is Goa. Apart from the nightclubs, Goa’s annual Sunburn Music Festival is eagerly awaited by Indian and foreign music lovers alike. Some other cities that are popular for their party scenes are Mumbai, Bangalore, New Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, etc.
Visit a Hill Stations
Hill stations are prime winter destinations in India. But monsoon adds to the allure of the hill stations and is quite popular among Indians. The constant showers make the air cool and crisp. Also, the greenery is enhanced, and you will get to see waterfalls and streams all around the place. While nature walks are the best thing to do on hills stations in August, some places also offer monsoon adventure activities for those interested. Some of the best tourist places in India apt for a visit in August are Ooty, Coorg, Munnar, Nainital, etc.
Places To Visit In India In August
You may feel the list of places to visit in India are limited during the monsoon. But it is not so. Here are some places that are delightful to visit in August.
Kerala
If you enjoy greenery every time you step out, Kerala is one of the best places to visit in August in India. Verdant hill stations, dreamy backwaters, dense rainforests, gushing waterfalls, and sporadic rains that cool the air instantly are some of the things you can enjoy in Kerala in August. This is also the month when the state celebrates its most important festival, Onam (which sometimes falls in September as well). Hill stations like Munnar, Wayanad, Thekkady, Vagamon, Idukki, Ponmudi, and Thiruvambadi are the best places to visit during monsoon. Getting an Ayurvedic massage, savoring the delicious Ona-sadya, watching the boat race, and trekking make Kerala the best tourist place in India in August.
Rajasthan
Being a desert land, monsoon does not affect Rajasthan much as compared to the other states. The rains during August in Rajasthan can be intense but usually short-lived. Also, the weather is comparatively cooler than the summer months. All this makes it an excellent time for sightseeing. And there is lots to see in the beautiful city of Rajasthan. One of the best places to travel in August in India’s Rajasthan is Jaipur, the Pink City, famous for its forts and palaces. Udaipur, the City of Lakes, will add a romantic touch to your visit in August, making it one of the best places to visit for couples in India. Mount Abu is a popular place to visit in Rajasthan along with Bundi, Chuliya Waterfalls, and Bharatpur.
Uttarakhand
Although August is not considered the ideal time to visit Uttarakhand, there is a magical appeal to this Northern state of India during this time of the year. The regular showers add greenery, beauty, and color to the entire place, making it one of the best places in India in August. You will be mesmerized by the vibrant flowers, green landscapes, misty mountains, and beautiful waterfalls here. Mussoorie, Nainital, Valley of Flowers National Park, Auli, and Kausani, are a few of the places you must visit in Uttarakhand during this month. Jim Corbett National Park, home to an array of flora and fauna, is also an excellent place to visit in August.
Tamil Nadu
The southern state of Tamil Nadu is extremely hot during the summer months. August is a great time to visit Tamil Nadu, as the frequent drizzles bring relief from the scorching heat. If you like to watch heavy rains, Kanyakumari and Chennai are great places to spend time during this month. Tamil Nadu’s culturally rich cities like Thanjavur and Madurai are also interesting places to visit, as there are plenty of temples and ancient structures to see here. But the best holiday destinations in India during monsoon is Tamil Nadu’s hill stations, namely Ooty, Kodaikannal, Coonoor, and Yercaud.
Meghalaya
Meghalaya is of the best underrated places to visit in India in August. While the best time to visit India’s Meghalaya is between October and March, August will give you a different version of the place. Cherrapunji, a city in Meghalaya, is the place which receives the largest rainfall in the country. The torrential rain makes the place look more vibrant and beautiful. Apart from Cherrapunji, you can also visit Shillong, Dawki, Mawlynnong, Nongriat, and more. Meghalaya is the perfect place to go if you want to relax and enjoy the Indian monsoons while indulging in a little bit of trekking to take in the natural beauty of the place.
Events and Festivals in India in August
Festivals in India in August
August is the month when the festival season begins in India in earnest. Here are some of the festivals that you will enjoy if you are visiting this month.
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Janmashtami
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Grand celebrations are held in most Krishna temples, especially in Mathura, which is believed to be the birthplace of the Lord. The celebrations are commemorated with Dahi Handi, where groups of people form large pyramids to break an earthen pot containing curd and butter, an activity associated with the mischievous Krishna. Raksha Bandhan: Raksha Bandhan is a festival that celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a sacred thread called Rakhi on their brothers’ wrists, while the latter promise to protect the former. It is also a norm for brothers to give a gift to their sisters.
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Onam
Events in India in August
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Independence Day
The major event that happens in India in August is Independence Day. On August 15’ 1947, India became independent from the long rule of the British. The main event happens at New Delhi’s Red Fort where the President of India hoists the Indian flag and addressees the nation. Apart from this, flag hoisting happens across the country, including in schools, offices, residential buildings, etc.
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Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race
Snake boats are iconic vessels native to Kerala. Today, these long boats are used for the snake boat race that happens at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. It takes several men to row a single boat and watching the competition is quite exciting. Watching this boat race is one of the best things to do in Kerala in August and something you should not miss.
Travel Tips to Visit in India in August
Visiting India in August will give you a different kind of experience. It is important to be prepared for certain things while visiting the country. Here are some of the travel trips for visiting India in August.
- Mosquitoes are rampant in India during monsoon. Hence, it is important to apply mosquito repellent whenever you go out. You must also take vaccinations for malaria and dengue before visiting the country.
- Do not drink tap water in India. Filtered water is available at most airports, train stations, and other public places, where you can refill your bottles. Otherwise, stick to packaged drinking water.
- Avoid street food and water during the monsoon season. Stick to good restaurants and cafes while eating out in August.
- Be aware of scamsters and pickpockets. Avoid lonely areas and streets at nighttime.
- If the city you are in is on red alert for rain, do not venture out unnecessarily.
Things to Know Before Visiting India in August
What to Wear in India in August?
As it is usually quite humid in India in August, it is best to stick to cotton and linen clothes. Make sure you wear clothes that cover your arms and legs to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible. As for footwear, wear water-resistant shoes when you are stepping out.
What to Pack for India in August?
Apart from your regular clothes, you must pack a raincoat. An umbrella would also be helpful, but raincoats work much better for heavy rain. Universal chargers, insect repellent, sunscreen, water resistant shoes, wet wipes, sanitizer, ear plugs, first aid kid, essential medicines, etc., are few other essentials you need to carry while traveling to India in August.
Where to Stay in India in August?
As it is shoulder season or off-season in August in India, you can stay at good hotels at half the rates. You will easily find luxury hotels, affordable hotels, and modest inns in the country. Homestays are also common in several states like Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra. You will also find Air BnBs in most major cities in the country.
Getting Around in India in August
Trains and flights are the best way of traveling from one state to another in India. For local traveling, there are buses and local trains as well. Auto rickshaws, taxis, and private cars are also available in most major and minor cities. Several cities and towns have Uber and Ola services as well.
FAQs About India in August
Q. Do I need a visa to visit India?
Yes, most foreigners will need an Indian visa while visiting the country. Most foreign nationals are eligible to apply for India tourist visa online.
Q. Why is it a good idea to travel to India in August?
If you do not mind the rain, August is a great time to visit India. As it is off-season, you will get amazing discounts on hotels and flights during this month.
Q. What are the precautions I need to take while visiting India in August?
- Apply insect repellent day and night.
- Pack a raincoat
- Apply sunscreen while stepping out during the day.
- Beware of pickpockets at crowded places
- Do not drink tap water
- Take the necessary vaccinations
Q. Is it possible to step out in India in August?
Yes, it is possible. While August is still monsoon season in India, the rains are considerably less in this month as compared to July. You will easily find days with no rain, making it possible to explore the outdoor attractions.
Conclusion
Many may not consider August as the ideal time to visit India. But the month has its advantages. Rain makes the landscape look beautiful. Apart from this, you will find less crowds in most places, making sightseeing stress-free. Also, August is the perfect time to visit India if you want to enjoy a holiday in the country on a budget. Apart from this, India has several neighboring countries that you can visit. You can easily find a cheap country to visit from India if you do not want to spend too much money on another holiday. So, are you up to for a rainy holiday in India? We assure you that you will not be disappointed.
