When to Go to Goa
Goa by Season
Goa’s tropical monsoon climate springs three seasons to the region: winter, summer and monsoon. Goa can be visited at any time of year though, and whichever time of year you choose, it’s likely to be pretty hot. To help you choose when’s best for you, we’ve split the year into its three seasons:
February to May
As summer approaches, days start to heat up towards 35°C and the seas become a little rougher. Humidity increases too, meaning that people tend to stay away from the main sights, so come at this time for peace and quiet and to have the place to yourself. You can always cool off down by the sea, where the sea breezes are delightfully cooling.
Go for…
Shigmo Festival: held over 14 days in the middle of March, this lively festival features a street parade filled with music, dance and colour, and folk performances to honour the homecoming of warriors.
Holi: in March, join seemingly every single resident of Goa for this much-loved festival, which involves throwing coloured powders and paints at each other to signify the triumph of good over evil.
June to September
In June, the monsoon rains arrive in Goa to much celebration across the land. The countryside soon turns lush and green with blooming flowers and flowing waterfalls. Although the road conditions deteriorate somewhat, this is still a fine time to visit: it’s peaceful, it’s low cost, it’s cooler (around 28°C) and in the rains, Goa is at its most beautiful.
Go for…
The festival of Sao Joao: in late June, this festival, also known as the Fertility Feast of St John the Baptist, sees men jump into overflowing wells to fetch bottles of feni, a local alcoholic beverage.
Ponsachem Fest: held on June 24th in Socorro village, this festival celebrates the jackfruit. Come to try the region’s best. Incidentally, Ponsachem is held on the same day as the Sao Joao festival.
October to January
Winter is a glorious time to visit Goa. Despite being called winter, the season is warm and bright, with blue skies and fresh days and temperatures around 30-32°C. This is the ideal time to hit the beach and top up your tan, although note that plenty of other tourists will have had the same idea as you, so remember to book well in advance.
Go for…
Feast of St. Francis Xavier: on December 3rd, worshippers head to mass at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, following roads lined with food stalls and decorated with bright streamers.
Sunburn Festival: Asia’s largest music festival is held in Goa over four days in late December, and features dance, trance and house music, as well as acrobatics, fire juggling and plenty of food.