Best Time to Visit Goa: What to Expect, Weather, Activities, etc.

Goa is one of the busiest tourist destinations in all of India. But the experience of visiting Goa greatly varies based on when you visit it. So in this article, I am going to tell you the best time to visit Goa, the month-wise weather in Goa and the activities available for tourists based on when you visit Goa.

The best time to visit Goa is between November and February. The maximum temperature during these months ranges between 25°C and 34°C while the minimum ranges between 10°C and 22°C. There is almost no rain during this period. All the tourist activities are also open during these months.

But what about other months? What if you want to visit Goa between March and October? Is it a bad idea or is it worth considering? What should you expect if you visit Goa during its high season and how different is Goa during the low season?

Read the full post to find answers to all these questions. I explain what to expect in Goa in terms of weather, things to do, costs, etc. for every month and season.

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Best time to visit Goa: Quick Overview

• The months between November and February are considered to be winter months in Goa and are therefore the best time to visit Goa.
• Even though the maximum temperature ranges between 5°C and 34°C and the minimum ranges between 10°C and 22°C, the weather is still very pleasant.
• There is usually no rain in Goa during this period and therefore the humidity is also far lower than that in other months.
• This period is also called the tourist high-season. This is the time when the beach shacks are open, parties are organised all over town and flea markets are open in full swing. Hotels and resorts enjoy a high occupancy rate.
• The overall pricing of stay, food and other activities is higher compared to the summer months of Goa.

Planning a trip to Goa – Season-wise

Goa in Winter (High Season)

Period: November to February

Weather conditions
Temperature: High: 33°C Low: 18°C
Precipitation/Rain: 0-5%

Places to visit/Things to do

• All outdoor tourist destinations like beaches, forts, islands, rivers, etc.
• Parties, nightclubs
• Flea markets
• Popular festivals
• Watersport activities
• Island tours

Places to avoid

Calangute, Baga beaches

• Thousands of tourists throng these beaches
• The beaches are massively crowded
• Parking isn’t easily available
• Restaurants are full

You can visit these places after sunset to enjoy the nightlife of Goa. But during the day, explore lesser crowded areas in Goa.

What to expect

• Most popular hotels, hostels and resorts are full at this time. Book at least a two months in advance to secure a booking.
• The period between Christmas and New Year’s is the highest touristic season in Goa. Accommodation is particularly expensive during this period. The pricing of accommodation comes down considerably by the 2nd week of January.

Goa in Summer

Period: March to May

Weather conditions
Temperature: High: 35°C Low: 25°C
Precipitation/Rain: 0-30% (Chances of rain are mostly in May)

Places to visit in Goa during summer

• Indoor cafes and restaurants
• Wildlife sanctuaries (For safaris) and springs
• Museums
• Casinos
• Beaches and forts around sunset

Places to avoid in Goa during summer

• Outdoor places like beaches and forts as the sun is scorching

What to expect

• Most tourist attractions are open during this period. Hotels and resorts enjoy a relatively lower occupancy. (Except in May, when families visit on account of school summer vacations). Accommodation is much cheaper.
• Even though there’s little difference during the summer and winter temperatures, the sun is much harsher. Staying outdoor between 10 am and 5 pm is not advisable.
• The flea market at Vagator, Arpora (hasn’t reopened since 2020) and a few nightclubs are shut.

Goa in Monsoon

Period: June to October

Weather conditions
Temperature: High: 30°C Low: 22°C
Precipitation/Rain: 100% (lesser in early June and October)

Places to visit in Goa during monsoon

• Indoor cafes and restaurants
• Wildlife sanctuaries and natural springs
• Monsoon trek destinations
• Beaches and forts around sunset

Places/things to avoid in Goa during monsoons

• Islands trips
• Outdoor adventure sports
• Boat rides, kayaking, water-based activities
• Swimming

What to expect

• Beach shacks remain shut during monsoon
• Most hotels and resorts have very low occupancy and the prices of stay and commute are at lowest
• The natural beauty in Goa is spectacular at this time
• The season attracts hikers, trekkers and wildlife lovers.
• Trains often get delayed or cancelled due to heavy rainfall in Konkan and Goa

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What to expect on your Goa trip (month-wise)

Goa in January

Pros

• Cheaper and less crowded after New Year crowds recede
• Very pleasant and ideal weather for outdoor activities
• All activities, markets, clubs remain open

Cons

• Not as vibrant as Goa in December
• Fewer parties

Quick Tips

Avoid visiting Goa around Republic Day i.e. 26th January as many tourists from Mumbai visit Goa for a quick holiday.

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Goa in February

Pros

• Cheaper than December
• Much less crowded than the rest of the high season
• All activities, markets, clubs remain open
• Easier to get accommodation reservations and book activity tours.

Cons

• Not as vibrant as Goa in December, fewer parties
• Days can start to feel hot (Especially in the second half) leaving little room for outdoor activities

Quick Tips

• February is the best time to visit North Goa as the crowds begin to disappear. With everything open, North Goa feels a lot more charming during this period.

Read:
1 day in North Goa – 4 amazing itineraries or

Best places to visit in North Goa in 3 days

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Goa in March

Pros

• Extremely cheap and less crowded
• All activities, markets, clubs remain open
• Easier to get accommodation reservations and book activity tours.

Cons

• Not at all vibrant, fewer parties
• Hot weather

Quick Tips

• March is a great time to explore the interiors of Goa for its waterfalls and natural beauty.
• Visit the beaches in the evening for pleasant weather
• March is one of the driest month in Goa and the most ideal for kayaking, watersports, island tours. Plan them around sunrise or before sunset.

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Goa in April

Pros

• Moderately priced accommodation and other activities
• All activities, markets, clubs remain open
• Easier to get accommodation reservations and book activity tours if you are travelling in the first half of the year.

Cons

• Not at all vibrant, hardly any parties
• Hot weather

Quick Tips

• The Easter weekend in Goa attracts massive crowds who visit the churches in Old Goa. Visit if you want to see how locals celebrate this festival.
• Visit the beaches in the evening for pleasant weather. Engage in watersports strictly around sunset.
• Avoid dolphin tours or other longer duration outdoor tours. Sun is extremely harsh in April in Goa.

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Goa in May

Pros

• Moderately priced accommodation and other activities
• All activities, markets, clubs remain open in the first half of the month

Cons

• Very hot and humid with considerable chances of rain in the second half of may
• Plenty of Indian tourists visit due to it being the month of school vacations
• Visiting outdoor attractions is a challenge due to harsh heat and extreme humidity

Quick Tips

• Book your trip around March as family-friendly accommodations in prime tourist areas fill up fast.
• Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and natural springs. Excellent period for bird and animal sighting.
• Avoid dolphin tours or other longer duration outdoor tours. Sun is extremely harsh in May in Goa.
• If you are not travelling with family, stay away from family-centric areas like Candolim, Calangute, Colva and Baga.

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Goa in June

Pros

• Accommodation, commute and local attractions cost much less
• Very easy to get accommodation all across Goa without advance booking
• Cooler weather than summer months. Lush greenery around and very picturesque.
• Rainfall is not as heavy as in the next few months.

Cons

• Very humid when it doesn’t rain with high chances of rain from the second half of June
• Most beach shacks, watersport activities, adventure sport centers, party places shut.
• Difficult to ride around town on a two-wheeler because of the rains.

Quick Tips

• The festival of Sao Joao takes place in June. Locals jump into ponds, wells, etc. to celebrate – definitely worth experiencing.
• Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and natural springs. Excellent period for bird and animal sighting. The waterfalls are also gushing and very scenic.
• Take the Konkan Railway to travel to Goa to experience the natural beauty of Konkan during monsoons.
• Perfect time to plan a workation to Goa.

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Goa in July

Pros

• Accommodation, commute and local attractions are much cheaper than the rest of the year
• Goa is at its greenest best, very calm and soothing.
• Much cooler weather due to heavy rainfall
• Very few tourists in town

Cons

• Continuous rainfall makes sightseeing very difficult
• Most beach shacks, watersport activities, adventure sport centers, party places shut.
• Difficult to ride around town on a two-wheeler because of the rains.

Quick Tips

• An ideal time to visit indoor places like museums, temples, churches, etc.
• Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and natural springs when it is not raining heavily.
• Best way to make the most of the weather is by heading out on a monsoon trek.
• Take the Konkan Railway to travel to Goa to experience the natural beauty of Konkan during monsoons.
• Try out popular indoor cafés and restaurants. They are not at all crowded and the ambience is magical.

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Goa in August

Pros

• Accommodation, commute and local attractions are cheaper than the rest of the year
• Goa is at very green, calm and soothing.
• Cool weather when it rains
• Very few tourists in town

Cons

• Ongoing rainfall makes sightseeing difficult. Weather is also too humid when it doesn’t rain.
• Most beach shacks, watersport activities, adventure sport centers, party places shut.
• Difficult to ride around town on a two-wheeler because of the rains.

Quick Tips

• An ideal time to visit indoor places like museums, temples, churches, etc.
• Visit the wildlife sanctuaries and natural springs when it is not raining heavily.
• Best way to make the most of the weather is by heading out on a monsoon trek. (especially: Dudhsagar waterfall trek)
• Avoid the Independence day week (15th August) as it can get a bit crowded due to tourists visiting from nearby cities for a short getaway.
• Try out popular indoor cafés and restaurants. They are not at all crowded and the ambience is magical.

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Goa in September

Pros

• Moderately priced accommodation.
• Much less rainfall allows for more outdoor sightseeing
• Weather is relatively cooler than summer months

Cons

• Temporary shacks continue to remain shut. Watersport activities also do not resume.
• Commuting on a two-wheeler would be difficult during rainy spells.

Quick Tips

• Excellent time to stay in the heritage properties or villas which are cheaper and more pleasant during this period.
• Visit the wildlife sanctuaries, natural springs and waterfalls
• Visit the beach around sunset when it isn’t raining. Mild rains or a grey cover make the ambience romantic.
• Very few tourists in major areas – so you can even book a stay in Candolim, Calangute, Baga regions.
• Great time to visit temples, churches, museums and other indoor attractions.

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Goa in October

Pros

• Very little rainfall allows outdoor sightseeing
• Accommodation continue to be cheaper than high season month
• The place feels more vibrant during Diwali (usually in late October or early November)
• Commuting on a two-wheeler is possible

Cons

• It can get very hot and humid when it doesn’t rain.
• Many temporary beach shacks continue to remain shut.

Quick Tips

• Excellent time to stay in the heritage properties or villas which are cheaper during this period.
• Visit the beach around sunset when it isn’t raining. You can even engage in watersport activities during dry spells.
• Relatively fewer tourists, so easy to find accommodation. But many families visit Goa around Diwali as part of their Diwali vacation holiday.
• Great time to visit temples, churches, museums, indoor attractions as well as natural attractions like waterfalls and springs which are overflowing due to monsoons.

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Goa in November

Pros

• Weather is pleasant.
• All beach shacks, watersport activities, adventure sports and local tour operators open
• The place feels vibrant.
• Commuting on a two-wheeler is possible

Cons

• Diwali vacations in November attract lots of family tourists to prime areas like Calangute and Baga.
• Small chance of rain during early November can wash out sightseeing plans
• Accommodation and other activities are a bit pricier than summer and monsoon months

Quick Tips

• Book your holiday in advance especially if you’re travelling during Diwali vacation
• Ideal time to visit prime beaches, forts and tourist attractions.
• If you are not travelling during the Diwali vacation period, visit flea markets and party places. They are all open but not too crowded.

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Goa in December

Pros

• Weather is cool and pleasant.
• All beach shacks, watersport activities, adventure sports and local tour operators open
• The place is buzzing with tourists.
• Best month for partying in Goa, especially for Christmas and New Year’s parties.

Cons

• Extremely crowded and touristy.
• Accommodation is very expensive and fills up fast, particularly for dates between 25th December and 5th January.

Quick Tips

• Book your holiday in advance especially if you’re travelling around Christmas or New Year’s
• Avoid staying in prime tourist areas if you are not interested in parties. Opt for areas between Morjim and Arambol in North Goa or between Cavelossim and Palolem in South Goa
• If you like partying, check out Goa’s party calendar. Some of the biggest parties like Sunburn take place in December. (Early bird tickets go live in September)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the hottest month in Goa?

May is the hottest month in Goa

Which is the cheapest month to visit Goa?

July and August are the cheapest months to visit Goa

How is Goa in monsoons?

Goa is at its scenic best during monsoons with the whole state covered in greenery and waterfalls and rivers gushing with water. There are very few tourists during this period. It is the best time to experience the raw magic of Goan landscape. Visiting the wildlife sanctuaries and going on monsoon treks is particularly recommended.

How is Goa during Christmas and New Year?

Goa during Christmas and New Year is the most crowded. People from all over the world throng the touristy areas in North Goa for loud parties and musical events. Accommodation fills up quickly and most hotels, resorts and tourist attractions are overpriced.

How many days do you need to visit Goa?

Ideally, you should spend at least 4-7 days in Goa to experience its essence, visit major beaches and tourist attractions. Read my full article on how many days are enough in Goa

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Planning a trip to Goa? Read more articles:

• 17 best areas to stay in Goa with accommodation ideas – read article
• 46 best things to do in Goa for all types of travelers – read article
• 26 Goa travel tips you must know before your trip – read article
• How to visit Goa on a budget – 12 tips that actually work – read article
• Best South Goa itinerary for 1,2,3,4,5 days – read article
• 5 days in Goa: An Ultimate Goa itinerary – read article

Check out all Goa articles here

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