Plan your trip · Rishikesh
Best time to visit Rishikesh
October to March is the easy answer for Rishikesh, with comfortable days and a clear green river. But rafting, festivals and the monsoon each change the picture.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Cold, with snow on the higher ground and some high passes and roads closed — beautiful, but pack and plan for it.
Pack: heavy insulated layers, gloves, a warm hat and waterproof boots.
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
Apr – Jun
The prime window — comfortable days and the higher roads open again, though pre-monsoon haze can hide the far peaks by May and June.
Pack: light layers by day and a warm jacket for cool evenings and altitude.
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Lush and green but wet, with a real risk of landslides and roadblocks on mountain routes.
Pack: a waterproof shell, quick-dry layers and sturdy, grippy footwear.
Plan a monsoon day →October to March
This is the main season. October and March are warm and bright; November to February brings cool, mostly dry days and cold, sometimes misty mornings by the river. The Ganga is low and green, rafting is running, and yoga schools are at full strength. December and January evenings need a jacket.
April to June
It gets hot on the ghats, often very hot by May and June. Mornings and evenings are still pleasant, and this is peak rafting and camping time for groups from Delhi. The Char Dham pilgrimage season also starts, so buses and hotels fill up with pilgrims heading into the hills.
July to mid-September
The monsoon brings heavy rain, not just passing showers. The Ganga rises fast, turns brown and can reach warning levels, and bathing is risky. Rafting is stopped by the authorities from 1 July and usually restarts in the second half of September, once the water drops. Landslides often close the hill roads beyond Rishikesh, including those to Char Dham. The town is green and quiet, but plan for wet days and changes.
Festivals that change the town
The International Yoga Festival at Parmarth Niketan takes place in the first half of March and fills the Swarg Ashram side. Shravan, in July and August, brings the Kanwar Yatra, with pilgrims pouring through Rishikesh on their way to Neelkanth Mahadev; roads are diverted and traffic is slow. Diwali and the winter holidays bring busy weekends. Haridwar, 25 km away, is due to host the Kumbh in 2027, which will affect travel through the whole area.
Rafting months
In October, November and March the water is clear and the rapids are lively. From December to February it is very cold. From April to June the water is warmer and the river busy. Check that your operator is licensed and that rafting has not been paused for high water.
Weekends and holidays
Rishikesh is a weekend escape from Delhi. Friday nights to Sunday afternoons are much busier, especially at the aarti and the cafés. Visit midweek if you can.
Questions
Rishikesh — FAQ
When does rafting close in Rishikesh?
Rafting stops from 1 July for the monsoon. It usually reopens in the second half of September, depending on the river level.
Is Rishikesh worth visiting in the monsoon?
Only if you are happy with rain and no rafting. The town is green, but the river is high and hill roads beyond it often close.
When is the International Yoga Festival?
It is held each March at Parmarth Niketan and runs for about a week. In 2026 it ran from 9 to 15 March. Check the dates and registration each year.
How cold is Rishikesh in winter?
Days are usually mild. Mornings and nights from December to February are cold by the river, so pack a warm layer.