July is India’s off-season due to the rainy and wet weather. Across most Indian states, the monsoon is in full swing; rain falls every few days at this time of year. This is a good time to visit some of India’s drier areas, such as the historic cities of Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu's ancient temples.

Weather

In Delhi and its surrounding areas, July brings rains that cool the temperature slightly. Average highs are about 95°F, with lows at 82°F. In Rajasthan, temperatures are similar, with fewer days of rain. Kerala, Mumbai, and Goa are very rainy and steaming hot during July. Tamil Nadu is less rainy; its main monsoon season begins in October.

The eastern Himalayas (Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, etc.) experience heavy rainfall at this time of year. Peak season is firmly over in these areas. Kashmir and Ladakh, however, are little affected by the monsoon—the weather there is still good for trekking.

Crowds & Costs

Due to the weather conditions, few international tourists visit India in July. The summer vacation is now over for Indian schools, so you’re unlikely to see many domestic tourists either. Overall, crowds and costs are at their lowest in India in July and August (with the exception of the far northern Himalayas).

Where to Go

It’s possible to travel to the wet areas of India in the monsoon season. Rain is often sporadic, clearing up for long enough during the day that you can sightsee. However, note that the rain increases the number of mosquitoes around; these insects can carry malaria, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor about malaria prevention before traveling. Some areas are very muddy during the rain, so bring appropriate gear to get the most out of your trip. 

If you’d rather avoid the rain, some of the best places to visit in India are Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. These dry regions will have less precipitation in July, and you’ll be able to take advantage of off-season deals and discounts.

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What to Do

This is the perfect season to explore Rajasthan’s historic cities. Filled with havelis (historic mansions) and the palaces of Maharajas, a visit to Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, or Jaisalmer won’t be dampened by the monsoon rains. On clear days, you may be able to take a camel tour of the Thar Desert. Some tours give you the chance to sleep out in the desert, under the stars—an unforgettable experience. 

You could also visit the main sites of Tamil Nadu. From the mysticism of Auroville to the impressive grandeur of Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple, in July you’ll be able to experience this Indian state’s attractions without the crowds of peak vacation times.

Events in July

The rainy season gives a different feeling to India. Rich, green foliage and damp mist serve as a backdrop for monsoon festivals across the country. Here are some of India’s top celebrations in July:

If you’re a big fan of mangoes, you won’t want to miss the Delhi Tourism Mango Festival. More than 500 varieties of mangoes will be on display, with a variety of mango products for sale, and farmers and growers attending from different states across India.

Much further south, in Kerala, you’ll have the chance to see a snake boat race in the town of Champakulam. Each long “snake boat” holds dozens of rowers, who propel the boats as fast as they can across the flood-swollen backwaters.

Another interesting festival taking place in Kerala during this month is Njangattiri Aanayoottu—an elephant feast. During the ceremony, elephants are lined up in a row within the Njangattiri Bhagavathi Temple (located in the town of Pattambi) and fed with fruit and other specially-selected foods.

In the holy city of Rishikesh in the Himalayan foothills, the festival of Guru Purnima takes place in mid-July. This celebration is an occasion for honoring gurus and spiritual teachers. It’s marked by prayers, chanting, fasting, and spiritual discussions.

Keep in mind that many of the religious festivals in India are celebrated according to a lunar or lunisolar calendar, so dates vary from year to year—check before traveling to confirm exact dates.  

Traveling to India in July? Check out these great itineraries. 

Best of Rajasthan Tour - 10 Days Explore Rajasthan’s rich history and fascinating cultural attractions with this ten-day tour, which covers the highlights of the Golden Triangle as well as Jodhpur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar.

Tamil Nadu Temple Tour - 10 Days Prepare to be awed by Tamil Nadu’s ancient temples. These enormous structures are a very important part of India’s religious heritage.

More Helpful Information

India in June
India in August
Festivals and Holidays in India
When to Visit India: Travel Tips for Every Season
Top 10 Things to Do in India