Ever fancied a trip to Goa? Is it a destination that's on your bucket list?
Well let’s look at what it has to offer.
Goa is a beautiful coastal state located in western India, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife plus a rich blend of Indian and Portuguese culture. It’s a fantastic destination for many reasons. It has beautiful beaches, a fascinating culture and lots of different activities to do, making it an ideal place to visit. The tropical climate in Goa means that you can enjoy your trip almost year-round and the beaches are perfect for sunbathing, water sports and for relaxing.
When is the best time to go to Goa?
Let’s look at the different tourist seasons and what the weather is like in each one.
Peak season in Goa (November to February)
November to February are the most popular times to visit Goa mainly due to the fact that at this time of year the weather is at its best with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (70°F to 89°F), not too hot, and the humidity levels are quite low at this time of year making it a lot more comfortable for travelling around.
The peak season is dry with very little to no rainfall, the perfect time to go to the beach and for being outside and getting active. There’s lots of sunshine but it can get quite crowded at this time of year, especially around Christmas and New Year so there will be lots of people visiting the more popular spots and beaches.
Things to do in Goa during the peak Season
- Beach hopping is a popular activity and you can visit the favourite ones like Baga, Calangute and Anjuna, they are buzzing with life.
- Have a go at water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, banana boat rides and scuba diving.
- Explore the historic forts like Aguada and Chapora with fantastic views of the coastline, perfect for taking lovely photos.
- Enjoy the nightlife, there’s lots going on at night in Goa as it comes alive with its party scene. Try clubs like Tito's and Mambo's in Baga Beach for a fantastic nightlife experience or enjoy a sunset or moonlight cruise on the Mandovi River.
- Go shopping and explore markets like Anjuna Flea Market and Mapusa Market.
- Goa has a rich cultural heritage and you can visit the many temples and churches including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and many others.
- The food is amazing so try the authentic Goan dishes like seafood curry, vindaloo, and bebinca at local restaurants and beach shacks.
Remember, Goa is incredibly vibrant during the peak season, but it can also get quite crowded. So, make sure to plan your activities and accommodations in advance to fully enjoy your trip.
Low Season in Goa (June to September)
The low tourist season in Goa typically falls between the monsoon months of June to September so if you choose to travel at this time you’ll have a completely different experience than if you travel at other times of the year.
Goa can get quite hot and humid at this time of year with daytime temperatures usually ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) and it gets most of its annual rainfall during these months, it’s the monsoon season so you can expect to get a lot of rain (600 – 1800mm) but most falls in July and August.
Things to do in Goa during the low season
Though this season has lots of rain and you may get very wet you will see the landscape at its very best and at its greenest. You’ll also find that the beaches are quiet so you can have a much more relaxing time compared to travel in the peak season.
One of the perks of visiting during the off-season is that you'll find significantly lower prices for accommodations and activities so it's budget-friendly
- Immerse yourself in Goa's vibrant culture and attend local festivals.
- Engage with the Goan way of life and the local people, there are fewer tourists at this time of year so you have a much better opportunity.
- The low season is a great time to go white-water rafting and trekking as the monsoon makes everything just that little bit more exciting.
- While some beach shacks may be closed, you can still enjoy fresh seafood at local eateries
Just keep in mind that some tourist-centric services may be limited during the monsoon, and water-based activities like swimming may not be recommended due to strong currents. But if you're looking for a more intimate and affordable Goa experience, the low tourist season can be quite appealing.
Shoulder Season in Goa (October-November, February-March)
The shoulder season falls during the transitional periods, mainly in the months of October and November, as well as February and March.
The climate in these months is quite moderate compared to the monsoon, winter and the peak seasons.
In October and November, Goa begins to emerge from the monsoon season so there will be some occasional rain showers. Temperatures generally range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 89.6°F) during the day and the humidity will be quite high, night time temperatures drop to 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) which is a bit more comfortable.
In February and March the weather is pleasant with warm sunny days and temperatures around 28°C to 34°C (82.4°F to 93.2°F) there is not a lot of rain at this time of the year so the humidity will be lower.
Things to do in Goa during the Shoulder seasons
- Goa's beautiful beaches are definitely worth a visit and the shoulder season allows you to enjoy the sands without the overwhelming crowds.
- You can still try the water sports at this time so parasailing, jet-skiing, or windsurfing at Calangute Beach is still on the agenda.
- The milder weather during the shoulder season makes visiting historic forts like Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort a lot nicer.
- Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary are worth a visit and you have more chance of spotting wildlife when it’s quiet.
- There are spice plantations to visit if this is your kind of thing, take a guided tour and learn aboutthe spices that grow in this region.
- There are still festivals going on in these months or you can have a nice relaxed meal at a beach shack, relax and unwind.
Remember, while the shoulder season offers a more peaceful experience, some businesses may have reduced operating hours, so it's a good idea to check in advance.
In which month is Goa expensive
The most expensive time to visit Goa is usually during the peak tourist season, which runs from November to February. This is when the weather is at its best so it is the most popular time to go, pushing up prices of accommodations, flights, and activities.
To save money it is probably worth considering visiting during the shoulder seasons, which are the months just before or after the peak season. March to May and September to October are less crowded so more budget-friendly. However, the weather can be quite hot and humid during the pre-monsoon season (March to May) so be aware of that.
So, if you're looking to enjoy Goa without breaking the bank, consider planning your trip during the shoulder seasons for a more budget-friendly experience.
Which month is Goa less crowded
For a less crowded trip to Goa consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. November to February is the peak tourist season in Goa, so it can get quite crowded during this period. To avoid the crowds, you could aim for the months just before or after this peak season.
September and October, right after the monsoon season, can be a good option. The weather is still pleasant, and the crowd levels are relatively low. Another option is to visit in March or April, just before the pre-monsoon season starts. During these months, you can still enjoy the beautiful beaches and the vibrant Goan culture with the added benefit of fewer tourists. However, keep in mind that some beach shacks and water sports activities might have limited operations or not be open during these quieter months.
What is the best month to visit Goa
The best time very much depends on what you like to do but the months of the peak season, from November to February are probably the best as the weather is cool and dry, perfect for going to the beach and outdoor activities. You can also enjoy various festivals and events in nicer weather without the risk of rain. Just remember that it can get a bit crowded, so book your accommodations in advance.
If you prefer a quieter experience and don't mind some rain, consider the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Goa looks beautiful during this time, and there are fewer tourists. Ultimately it boils down to whether you prefer a vibrant, busy season or a monsoon adventure.
Conclusion
Whenever you travel to Goa you can guarantee to have an unforgettable experience and an amazing time :)