India’s vast geographical diversity makes it an incredible cycling destination, with each region offering a unique experience. The best time for cycling varies based on weather, terrain, and seasonal changes across states. Here’s a breakdown of the best seasons for cycling in India.
North India: Summer & Early Autumn
Includes: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh
Himalayan Region
- Best Time: April-June & September-October (15°C - 25°C)
- Popular Routes: Manali to Leh, Srinagar to Kargil, Rishikesh to Mussoorie
- Avoid: Monsoon (July-August) due to landslides; Winter (November-March) due to heavy snowfall.
Plains Region
- Best Time: November-March (10°C - 25°C)
- Popular Routes: India Gate to Rashtrapati Bhawan, Lucknow to Dudhwa National Park
- Avoid: April-June due to extreme heat, Monsoon (July-September) due to humidity.
South India: Winter
Includes: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry
- Best Time: November-February (20°C - 30°C)
- Popular Routes: Chennai to Puducherry, Munnar to Thekkady, Bangalore to Nandi Hills
- Avoid: March-May due to heat, June-September due to heavy rainfall.
Central India: Winter & Early Spring
Includes: Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra
- Best Time: October-March (15°C - 25°C)
- Popular Routes: Pachmarhi circuit, Pench National Park trails, Pune to Mahabaleshwar
- Avoid: April-June due to extreme heat; July-September due to muddy trails.
Western India: Winter
Includes: Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa
- Best Time: November-February (15°C - 25°C)
- Popular Routes: Udaipur to Mount Abu, Mumbai to Goa
- Avoid: March-June due to scorching heat; July-September due to unpredictable rains.
Eastern India: Winter
Includes: West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand
- Best Time: November-February (10°C - 25°C)
- Popular Routes: Darjeeling to Kalimpong, Bhubaneswar to Puri
- Avoid: June-September due to heavy rainfall; March-May due to humidity.
Northeastern India: Winter & Spring
Includes: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim
- Best Time: November-April (10°C - 25°C)
- Popular Routes: Shillong to Cherrapunji, Gangtok to Nathula Pass
- Avoid: June-September due to heavy rainfall.
Union Territories & Island Regions: Winter
Includes: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Puducherry
- Best Time: November-February (20°C - 30°C)
- Popular Routes: Port Blair to Radhanagar Beach, Puducherry beach trail
- Avoid: June-September due to heavy rains and cyclones.
Conclusion
India’s diverse landscapes and climates make it essential to plan cycling trips according to the best seasons. Whether you’re riding through Ladakh’s high-altitude passes, Rajasthan’s desert trails, or Kerala’s coastal roads, timing your adventure ensures a safer and more enjoyable experience. Stay prepared, check local weather updates, and embark on an unforgettable cycling journey!