The weather in India in March is warm, the crowds are less, and the month witnesses one of the most enjoyable festivals in India – Holi – the festival of colours! If you are planning a trip, the March temperature makes India a great holiday destination. Read on to find out about the weather in the country in March in detail. You can see some of our month long suggested tours for India that cover different regions.
Weather in India in March
March is a warm and dry month in most of India. With the average temperature rising slowly and the monsoon rain a few months away, the March weather is perfect to visit India. Being a shoulder season, the warmer weather of March signals the end of winter and the beginning of the summer. That is why, the tourist crowd in the country is relatively less.
The chances of rainfall are few, with the exception of some rain showers in the northeast.
Best places to visit in India in March
If you are traveling to India in March, we recommend visiting Northern India, where there is stunning scenery everywhere you look, and the temperatures are still pleasant. If you are visiting South India, we would suggest heading to the many tea plantations or national parks to avoid the heat.
If you love wildlife and nature, March is a great time to take wildlife safaris in the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of India, such as Kaziranga National Park, Ranthambore National Park, Kanha Tiger Reserve, and more.
India celebrates the festival of Holi in March, which can be a great experience for travelers. You can travel to Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, or Maharashtra for Holi. The biggest Holi celebration happens in Mathura-Vrindavan, Pushkar, and Varanasi.
For more information on the Holi Festival, check our our blog ‘Visiting India during Holi Festival’. If you are interested in travelling to India during March for Holi, check out our travel route: ‘Wander to India and Experience Holi with the Wandering Quinn’.
Vibrant colours of Holi (Photo Credit – Frankspandl)
North India in March
As the average temperatures rise further in March, it is a great time to visit the mountains and the Himalayan foothills like Amritsar, Rishikesh, and Dharamshala. With clear skies, warm weather, beautiful sunshine, and a variety of flora, it is the perfect time to visit Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, or Uttarakhand. Daytime temperatures range from 15 Degrees Celsius to low 20s. Go off the beaten path and follow some hiking trails and treks to make the most of this weather.
The Matho Nagrang Festival takes place in Ladakh in the Matho monastery. Also known as the Oracle Festival, the main attraction is the future predictions, along with monk dances, mask dances, and more.
The International Yoga Festival in Rishikesh has yoga workshops and seminars by trainers from around the world.
The Golden Triangle has pleasant temperatures in March,ranging around 28 degrees Celsius during the day. You can visit the Red Fort in New Delhi, Taj Mahal in Agra, and Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. You can also extend the Golden Triangle to include Rajasthan in your trip.
There are many festivals that take place in March in Rajasthan. The festival of Holi is celebrated with pomp in this state. The Jaipur Elephant Festival is celebrated a day before Holi, and has many events that celebrate the culture of Rajasthan, where elephants play an important role.
The Godwar Festival in Pali celebrates the art and culture of Rajasthan with traditional sports like turban tying, races, and events and performances.
Mewar Spring Festival in Udaipur, also known as Gangaur, marks the beginning of spring with a procession of different communities carrying idols of the regional deities.
For more information about our favourite places to visit in North India, see our blog post.
Check Out: Inspect Rajasthan’s Top Vacation Spots
Amritsar Golden Temple
South India in March
Southern India can get quite warm in March. While the weather doesn’t get as hot as in April and May, it’s not as pleasant as in January, either. The beginning of the off-season means that the region is a lot less touristy and generally less crowded, making it easier to travel. This means you get emptier beaches and cheaper accommodation options. Check out our blog that suggests some lesser-known beaches for you to try. If you are looking to explore the temples, this may not be the perfect time to, as it may get too sunny in the afternoons. For some fabulous photography opportunities in India, why not head to the tea plantations and the national parks for a cooler experience?
Hoysala Mahotsav is a classic dance festival celebrated in Karnataka in March, where traditional folk music and dances are performed by artists from across India.
Paropally Gajamela is a festival in Kerala that celebrates elephants, so important to the region. The festival sees elephant processions, rituals, and cultural activities. Another festival in Kerala is Chinakkathoor Pooram, a temple festival which sees shadow puppet shows, music, and dance events.
For some inspiration on things to do and see in South India, check out our blog.
Also Read: Best Time to Visit India
Uncover: Best Time to Visit Kerala
Munnar in Kerala, gorgeous hill station (Photo Credit – Gaurav Kumar)
East India and Northeast India in March
While the East Coast is not the most pleasant in March, it is still much better than the west coast of Arabian Sea. Temperatures range from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius during the day.
Northeast India, unlike many other regions, is beautiful in March. The region is lush green and the water bodies are full. However, Northeast may see some pre-monsoon showers in March.
Wildlife enthusiasts must explore the Kaziranga National Park in Assam. March is a good time to witness animals in their natural habitat. You can spot tigers, rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife in this park.
Kaziranga National Park
West India and Central India in March
While March is comparatively cooler than the following summer months, it is still a hot and humid month in Western India. The temperature continues to increase as the month progresses and the regions near the Arabian Sea get quite warm and humid.
Explore Kanha Tiger Reserve or Bandhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh during this month.
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with vibrant colors and water in Western and Central India. The festival is enjoyed by spraying colored powder and water on each other.
The Velas Turtle Festival takes place around March in Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, on the west coast of India. It celebrates the nesting of the Olive Ridley turtles, one of the more endangered turtle species.
The Ajanta Ellora Dance Festival is set against the backdrop of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, in the Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats. The festival has many cultural competitions and performances.
Shigmo is Holi as celebrated in Goa. It is a 14-day festival which celebrates the homecoming of warriors who returned home during Holi after fighting invaders.
Holi is the celebration of unity where everyone seems of the same colour (Photo Credit – Murtaza Ali)
Islands in March
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a warm temperature of 30 degrees Celsius throughout the month, ensuring that you have a good time in the blue waters and sandy beaches. The climate is ideal for some outdoor activities on the beach, or underwater activities like sorkeling and scuba diving.
Lakshadweep also has a similar weather in March, with a minimum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius.
Tips while visiting India in March
- March signals the end of peak tourist season in India, which means you will get many offers and discounts on flight tickets and accommodation. You will also get fewer crowds compared to other months in all popular cities and major tourist attractions.
- Always carry water with you and stay hydrated.
- Pack appropriately for your trip according to the region you are visiting. Pack light, breathable clothes like loose cotton t shirts and pants. Carry a light jacket or sweater if you are traveling to the north. Nights will be cool in the north even in March. Also carry sunscreen with you and use it liberally throughout the day anywhere you go.
- Respect the local customs and traditions of India and be mindful about obeying them, especially in religious places.
So whether you are looking for more information about the weather, or some more places to explore in March, we can help! At India Someday, we will help you plan the perfect trip, customized according to your requirements. So feel free to contact us with any questions.
About Harsh Sonawala
Harsh Sonawala aaa is the co founder of India Someday and since his childhood, he has travelled to different parts of India and the world. The thrill of travelling and sharing his experiences with others was the reason behind starting India Someday. Other than the office where he is conjuring up marketing ideas, he can be found scuba diving in the Andamans or relaxing in a chalet in the Himalayas.
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