If you’re planning to visit Haridwar, one of India’s most popular pilgrimage sites, you might be wondering what the best time of year is to go. With a rich cultural heritage, magnificent temples, and the holy River Ganges flowing through it, Haridwar is a must-visit destination for many travelers.

But before you book your trip, it’s important to know what the weather and the crowds will be like during different seasons. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the best time to visit Haridwar based on weather, festivals, and other factors.

Table of Contents

1. Weather in Haridwar
2. Best Time to Visit Haridwar
   • Summer Season (March to June)
   • Monsoon Season (July to September)
   • Winter Season (October to February)
3. Festivals and Events in Haridwar
   • Kumbh Mela
   • Kanwar Yatra
   • Ganga Dussehra
   • Makar Sankranti
   • Somvati Amavasya
4. What to Pack for Haridwar
5. Conclusion
6. FAQs

Weather in Haridwar

Haridwar has a subtropical climate, which means that it’s hot and humid in the summer and cool and dry in the winter. The temperature can vary widely throughout the year, so it’s important to pack accordingly. The average temperature in Haridwar ranges from 19°C (66°F) to 33°C (91°F).

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Summer Season (March to June)

The summer season in Haridwar starts in March and lasts until June. During this time, the weather is hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22°C (72°F) to 42°C (108°F). The heat can be intense, but if you can handle the heat, this is a great time to visit Haridwar. The crowds are smaller during this season, which means you’ll have more space to explore the temples and other attractions.

Monsoon Season (July to September)

The monsoon season in Haridwar starts in July and lasts until September. During this time, the weather is cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 30°C (86°F). The monsoon rains can be heavy, but if you don’t mind the rain, this is a great time to visit Haridwar. The city is lush and green during the monsoon season, and the River Ganges is at its fullest.

Winter Season (October to February)

The winter season in Haridwar starts in October and lasts until February. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 23°C (73°F). The winter season is a great time to visit Haridwar if you want to avoid the heat and the crowds. However, it can get quite cold at night, so make sure to pack warm clothes.

Festivals and Events in Haridwar

Haridwar is a city that is deeply rooted in spirituality and religion. As a result, the city plays host to several festivals and events throughout the year that are celebrated with much fervor and enthusiasm. Here are some of the most popular festivals and events in Haridwar:

Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is perhaps the most famous festival in Haridwar. It is a Hindu pilgrimage that takes place once every 12 years and is attended by millions of people from all over the world. During this festival, devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges river, which is believed to cleanse them of their sins. The Kumbh Mela is a sight to behold and is an experience of a lifetime.

Kanwar Yatra

The Kanwar Yatra is another major Hindu pilgrimage that takes place in Haridwar. It is celebrated during the month of Shravan and involves the carrying of water from the Ganges river by devotees, who then offer it at Lord Shiva temples across the country. The Kanwar Yatra attracts a large number of devotees, who travel long distances to take part in the pilgrimage.

Ganga Dussehra

Ganga Dussehra is a festival that celebrates the day when the Ganges river descended to the earth. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May-June). During this festival, devotees take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges river and offer prayers to Goddess Ganga. The festival is celebrated with much pomp and show in Haridwar and is attended by thousands of devotees.

Makar Sankranti

Makar Sankranti is a festival that is celebrated across India and marks the beginning of the harvest season. In Haridwar, the festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and involves the flying of kites, offering prayers to the sun god, and taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River.

Somvati Amavasya

Somvati Amavasya is a festival that falls on the new moon day (Amavasya) that occurs on a Monday (Somvar). It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River on this day can help one attain salvation. The festival is celebrated with much devotion in Haridwar, and thousands of devotees can be seen taking a dip in the holy waters of the Ganges River.

Conclusion

Haridwar is a fascinating destination with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of attractions to explore. The best time to visit Haridwar depends on your preferences and what you want to experience during your trip. Whether you’re interested in festivals, want to avoid the crowds, or are looking for good weather, Haridwar has something to offer.

What to Pack for Haridwar

Regardless of when you visit Haridwar, there are some items that you should pack to ensure a comfortable and safe trip. Here are some things to consider:

• Comfortable shoes for walking around the temples and other attractions.
• Sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Insect repellent to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
• Light and comfortable clothing, especially if you’re visiting during the summer season.
• Warm clothes if you’re visiting during the winter season.
• A raincoat or umbrella if you’re visiting during the monsoon season.

FAQs