Goa is a beautiful and fascinating place to vacation. You can visit anytime of the year, but what season is the best? What are the advantages and disadvantages of visiting Goa during particular seasons?

Summer

Starting in June, “monsoon season” hits and Goa becomes very rainy. During this time, swimming in the sea is not recommended. The rain turns the sand to mud and the sea can easily become violent, but on the other hand, the countryside will be at its most beautiful. Another advantage is there won’t be many tourists, so prices will be more reasonable.

Although it is possible to visit Goa during monsoon season, keep in mind that the weather will be humid, and transportation can sometimes be impaired as the roads flood.

Autumn

After the monsoon season starts to dry up around mid-October, this is an ideal time to visit Goa. The plants will still be lush and green (thanks to all that rain), but you can still avoid the crowds. The weather will be also be remarkably pleasant during this time.

This is one of the best times to visit Goa. It’s the perfect balance between great weather and smaller crowds.

Winter

The peak tourist season in Goa is the winter between mid-December and mid-January. The weather will be hot, with daytime temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The conditions are perfect for exploring and enjoying the beaches, resorts and cuisine.

As this is the most popular time to visit, you inevitably face crowds. The resorts will be packed, and you might struggle to find a peaceful spot on the beach. During this time of the year, the tourism-related prices are highest due to increased demand. Christmas and New Year’s are also popular, and if you plan to visit during these holidays, you will need to make your plans well in advance.

Spring

Once March arrives, Goa becomes very hot and dry. All of the vegetation turns a crispy shade of brown. The locals burn the straw on their dry rice paddies. The heat in Goa at this time can sometimes be a little too much to handle. Thus, an otherwise pleasant trip can transform into an uncomfortable ordeal.

By April, the heat will nearly be unbearable. However, this can be a good time to visit the slightly cooler mountain areas.

No matter what time of the year you visit Goa, you’ll have a great time experiencing the gorgeous scenery and friendly culture of this Indian state.

About the Author: Caitlin Simon is a travel agent who helps her clients book Goa villas for rent and plan their trips to this destination. She visited Goa in 2006 and fell in love with it.