Plan your trip · Sasan Gir
Best time to visit Sasan Gir
The best time to visit Sasan Gir is from December to March, when mornings are cool, days are pleasant and safaris are comfortable. Gir National Park is usually open to visitors from 16 October to 15 June and closes for the monsoon in between.
April to mid-June is very hot, often above 40 °C by midday, but the dry, bare forest and the pull of water holes can make lions easier to find. The right time for you depends on whether you want comfortable weather, the best chance of sightings or fewer crowds.
❄️ 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
Apr – 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
Park closed mid-Jun to mid-Oct — 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.
Best Month to Visit Sasan Gir
Mid-October and November
The park usually reopens on 16 October. The forest is green and thick after the rains, which can make lions harder to spot. Days are still warm, and the Diwali holidays bring big crowds.
December to February
The coolest and most comfortable months. Dawn safaris can be cold in an open jeep, but the light is soft and the days are pleasant. This is peak season, so book permits early.
March
Days warm up quickly and the forest starts to thin out, opening up the views. It is a good balance of comfortable weather and good sightings.
April to mid-June
The hottest months, often above 40 °C. Animals stay close to water and the bare forest gives clearer views, so sightings can be good, but plan to rest through the afternoon.
Mid-June to mid-October
Gir National Park is closed for the monsoon. Devalia Safari Park usually stays open, except on Wednesdays, but check before you travel. The countryside turns green and the village is quiet.
When Is Sasan Gir Most Crowded?
Sasan Gir is busiest during the Diwali holidays, around Christmas and New Year, and on winter weekends. Permits for these dates often sell out early, and Devalia gets very busy.
For a quieter trip, visit on weekdays from mid-January to March, and book your permits as soon as bookings open, about three months ahead.
Questions
Sasan Gir — FAQ
What is the best month to visit Sasan Gir?
December to March is the best time for comfortable weather and good sightings. April and May are very hot but can be better for seeing lions, as the forest is dry and animals stay near water.
When is Gir National Park closed?
Gir National Park usually closes from 16 June to 15 October for the monsoon. The dates can move by a few days when the rains are late, so check before you plan a trip at either end of the season. Devalia Safari Park usually stays open during these months, except on Wednesdays.
Can I visit Sasan Gir in the monsoon?
Yes, but you cannot go on a jungle safari in the main park. Devalia Safari Park usually stays open and the countryside is green and quiet, but check before you travel, as heavy rain can disrupt plans.
Is summer a good time to see lions in Gir?
Often, yes. From April to mid-June the forest is bare and lions tend to rest near water, which can make them easier to find. It is very hot, so take the earliest morning or the late-afternoon safari and carry plenty of water.