Best Time to Visit Ayodhya: Month by Month

The short answer

For comfortable weather, come between October and March. For the calmest darshan, pick an ordinary weekday in February, early March, late September or November, away from any festival. For the most memorable experience, come for a festival and accept the crowds.

October to November: pleasant, with big festival days

Days are warm and evenings mild after the monsoon. This is the season of Deepotsav on the eve of Diwali and, a few days later, the Kartik Parikrama and Kartik Purnima bathing, when hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk around the city. Outside those dates it is an excellent time.

December to February: cool and clear, or cold and foggy

Days are sunny and good for walking. Late December and January nights are cold, close to 5 to 8°C, and dense fog is common in the mornings; trains and flights across north India run late. Carry warm layers, a cap and socks for the stone floors. Vivah Panchami falls in this season, New Year week is very busy, and 22 January, the anniversary of the consecration, draws large gatherings.

March to April: spring and Ram Navami

March is mild. Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm in the temples. Ram Navami, the birthday of Shri Ram, falls in late March or April and is the largest festival of the year in Ayodhya; by then the midday sun is already strong.

May to June: very hot

Temperatures often cross 40°C with hot winds. If these are the only dates you have, do darshan soon after the temples open and again after sunset, rest indoors from 11 to 4, drink water and ORS, and cover your head. Elders and small children should avoid these months if possible.

July to September: monsoon and the swing festival

Rain cools the air but humidity is high and the Saryu runs full and fast, so bathe with extra care. The Sawan Jhula Mela in July or August is one of the prettiest times in the temples. Carry a light raincoat and footwear that grips wet stone.

Days of the week

Tuesdays and Saturdays are heavy at Hanuman Garhi. Weekends and public holidays are heavy everywhere. Monday to Thursday, avoiding Tuesday, is the quietest pattern.

Planning around the lunar calendar

Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar and move every year against the English calendar. Check the dates for your year before booking; rooms fill early and prices rise around festivals. See Where to stay in Ayodhya and the festival guide.