Best time to visit Mumbai: weather and festivals, month by month
3 October 2026 · by Musafire team
Mumbai is warm all year, so the question isn't whether it will be hot, but how humid and how wet. Here's what each season is really like, and why every one of them has something to enjoy.
At a glance
| Months | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Dry and sunny, about 18 to 32 °C | The best weather, and the busiest time |
| March to May | Hot and humid, up to about 35 °C | Mango season; sightsee early and late |
| June to September | Monsoon: heavy rain, about 25 to 30 °C | Lush and dramatic; keep plans flexible |
| October | Hot and sticky after the rains | Festival season begins |
November to February: the best weather
Clear skies, low humidity and pleasant evenings make this the most comfortable time for walking tours, the Elephanta Caves and long days out. It's also wedding and holiday season, so book hotels and tours early, especially around Christmas and New Year.
March to May: hot, humid and full of mangoes
Temperatures climb into the mid-30s and the air gets heavy, but this is also Alphonso mango season. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and evening (our Mumbai at Dawn Tour and Mumbai by Night Tour are made for this) and spend the afternoons in museums, cafés or an air-conditioned car.
June to September: the monsoon
The monsoon usually arrives in the second week of June and brings heavy rain, especially in July. It doesn't rain all day every day: there are long dry spells, and the city turns bright green. On the heaviest days roads can flood and trains run late, so keep your plans flexible, and expect Elephanta ferries to stop in rough seas. Food and indoor tours carry on, and waves crashing over Marine Drive are a sight in themselves. Pack quick-drying clothes, sandals and a light rain jacket.
October: festival season
The rains stop, the heat returns for a few weeks (locals call it "October heat"), and the festival season begins.
Festivals worth planning around
- Ganesh Chaturthi (August or September): Mumbai's biggest festival. Ten days of music, giant Ganesh idols and huge processions to the sea on the last day.
- Navratri (September or October): nine nights of garba and dandiya dancing.
- Diwali (October or November): the festival of lights, with lamps, sweets and fireworks everywhere.
- Holi (March): colours in the streets, so wear old clothes.
- Ramzan and Eid (dates follow the lunar calendar): the food stalls of Mohammed Ali Road stay open all night.
- Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (February): art, music, food and talks in South Mumbai.
Our advice
If you can choose, come between November and February. If you can't, don't worry: every season has its own Mumbai, and our guides plan each tour around the weather. Not sure about your dates? Message us and we'll tell you honestly what to expect. For a first visit in any season, the Mumbai City Highlights Tour is a great start.
