Plan your trip · Kaziranga
Best time to visit Kaziranga
Kaziranga's calendar is set by the Brahmaputra's floods, not by the tourist season. The park is shut in the monsoon, so the real question is which part of the open season suits you.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Warm in October and March, cool and mostly dry from November to February — the comfortable peak season, with crisp mornings and evenings.
Pack: light layers with a jacket or shawl for early mornings and after dark.
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
Apr – Jun
Hot and very humid, with pre-monsoon thunderstorms building from April.
Pack: light breathable cottons, a hat and an umbrella for sudden storms.
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Heavy and frequent rain from June — roads can flood and some rural sights and parks close.
Pack: a good rain shell or umbrella, quick-dry clothes and waterproof shoes.
Shines now: Kaziranga Orchid Park
Plan a monsoon day →October: reopening
The park usually reopens on 1 October, but not all at once. One or two ranges open first, often the Western Range at Bagori, with the Central Range following in the next few weeks. The grass is still tall after the rains and animals can be hard to see. It is warm and humid, and there may be late showers.
November to February: the prime months
Elephant rides usually start in November. The weather is cool and dry, and early mornings are cold and misty. Forest staff burn back patches of grass during the winter, which opens up the view and draws animals to the fresh shoots. Migratory birds arrive on the beels, especially in the Eastern Range. This is peak season, so book safaris and rooms early, particularly around Christmas and New Year.
March to April: best for sightings
The grass is short, water is shrinking to a few beels, and animals gather around it. This is often the best time for rhino, elephant and even tiger sightings. It gets hot by midday and humid by April, with occasional thunderstorms. Rongali Bihu in mid-April brings dancing to the villages around the park.
May: the last weeks
Heat and humidity peak, and pre-monsoon rain starts. The park stays open until the rains make the tracks unsafe, usually around the end of May. In 2026 the last safari ran on 28 May. Elephant rides usually end earlier, around the end of April.
June to September: closed
The Brahmaputra floods large parts of the park, and animals move to higher ground and towards the hills across the highway. The park is closed to visitors. The highway can see traffic restrictions to protect crossing animals. The Orchid Park and tea gardens stay open for anyone passing through.
The short version
Come between November and April. Choose December to February for cooler weather and birds, or March to April for the clearest views of animals.
Questions
Kaziranga — FAQ
When does Kaziranga close for the monsoon?
Usually around the end of May, depending on the rains, and it reopens in phases from 1 October. In 2026 the last safari ran on 28 May. Check the park's announcement for the current year.
Is Kaziranga worth visiting in October?
It can be, but not every range is open, the grass is still tall and elephant rides have not started. November onwards is more reliable.
What is the best month to see rhinos in Kaziranga?
February to April, when the grass has been burnt back and water is scarce, so rhinos gather in the open near the beels. You will see rhinos in every open month, though.