Plan your trip · Jim Corbett
Best time to visit Jim Corbett
In Corbett, the season is set by the forest department as much as by the weather. Each zone opens and closes on its own dates, and that decides what you can book.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Cool and dry from November to February, warmer in October and March — the most comfortable safari months, with cold dawns in December and January.
Pack: warm layers, a jacket, cap and gloves for dawn safaris in open jeeps, which are far colder than the afternoon.
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
RecommendedApr – Jun
Very hot, often 40 °C+ by midday, but often the best months for sightings — the forest thins out and animals come to the waterholes. Safaris run early and late.
Pack: light full-sleeve cottons in muted colours, a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Core zones closed in monsoon — the one season to skip, as only a few buffer zones, if any, keep running safaris and the forest tracks turn to mud.
Pack: a rain shell and shoes that can take mud, if you come for the buffer zones.
October to mid-November: the soft start
The day-safari zones near Ramnagar open first. The official site lists Bijrani from mid-October. The forest is thick and green after the rain, and animals are harder to see through it, but the air is clear and the crowds are thin. Dhikala is still closed.
Mid-November to February: cool, misty, busy
Dhikala and Durga Devi open around mid-November, along with the forest lodges inside the reserve. Days are pleasant and dry. Dawns are cold, with mist on the Ramganga and in the grassland. This is the most comfortable time to be here, and the most booked, especially over Christmas, New Year and long weekends. Book permits and forest lodges as soon as the window opens.
March to mid-June: hot and good for sightings
From March the undergrowth thins and water holes shrink, so animals gather where there is water. Many people rate April and May as the best months for tiger sightings. They are also very hot, often over 40 °C at midday, which is why safaris start early and finish late. School holidays in May and June fill Dhikala quickly.
Mid-June to mid-October: monsoon
All overnight stays inside the reserve stop from mid-June to mid-November. Dhikala, Bijrani and Durga Devi close. Jhirna, Dhela and Garjia are listed as open through the year, but tracks can close after heavy rain, and there are fewer vehicles and fewer visitors. The Sitabani forest has its own rules and may shut. The Kosi rises fast in this season, and the road around Garjia can be affected.
Picking your dates
For Dhikala, aim for late November to March for comfort, or April to mid-June for the best odds of a tiger. For a short trip on a budget, Jhirna and Dhela in the shoulder months are easier to book. Sightings are never promised in any month. Check each zone's dates on the reserve's official portal before you book anything.
Questions
Jim Corbett — FAQ
When does Dhikala open and close?
The official site lists Dhikala from about 15 November to 15 June. Confirm the year's dates on the reserve's booking portal, as they can shift.
Which Corbett zones are open all year?
Jhirna, Dhela and Garjia are listed as open throughout the year. Heavy rain can still close their tracks, so check close to your date.
Is April or May too hot for a Corbett safari?
It is very hot at midday, but safaris run in the early morning and late afternoon. Many people find these months the best for sightings.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Corbett?
The weather is good, but it is the busiest week of the year. Book permits and rooms well ahead, and expect cold dawn drives.