The short answer
Match the region to the season. Typically, the high Himalayan passes open in summer and close in winter, the monsoon brings landslides and flooding to the hills and ghats, the post-monsoon months suit many regions, and winter suits the south and the desert while the north gets snow and closures.
Do
- Choose the region for the season
- Check forecasts and road status before you go
- Allow buffer days in the monsoon and winter
- Prepare the car for heat, rain or cold
- Be ready to change the plan
Do not
- Plan a high pass in the wrong season
- Drive into the Himalaya in the monsoon without checking
- Ignore heat in the plains in summer
- Ignore snow forecasts in winter
- Assume last year's dates apply
The four seasons, in typical terms
| Season | Typical pattern | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (about April to June) | Hot in the plains, and mountain roads open up. High passes usually open from around June in the north. | Heat, dehydration and engine temperature. Heavy tourist traffic in the hills. |
| Monsoon (about June to September) | Heavy rain over most of the country, especially the Western Ghats. Drier in the high, rain-shadow areas such as Ladakh. | Landslides, flooded roads, swollen streams and closures in many hill areas. |
| Post-monsoon (about October to November) | Clear, green and cooler. Often the best time for many regions. | Early snow on the high passes, and the first closures. |
| Winter (about December to February) | Pleasant in the south and the desert. Cold and snowy in the north. | Passes closed by snow, ice, fog in the north, and cold-start trouble. |
These are typical patterns, not guarantees. Passes open and close by the year and by the day. Always check current road status.
Choosing the region
- High Himalayan routes such as Ladakh and Spiti are mainly a summer to early autumn affair, so check pass status. See the permits guide
- Western Ghats and the south are usually best after the monsoon, and can be lovely in the monsoon, with care. See monsoon driving
- Desert regions suit the cooler months, and are punishing in summer
- Snowy routes belong to winter for those who are prepared. See snow and ice
Preparing the car
- Heat: check coolant, tires, the air conditioning, and keep water on board
- Monsoon: check wipers, lights, tires, brakes and seals, and plan to wash the car afterward
- Cold: check coolant mix, battery and tire pressures, and carry warm gear
- Dust and dry: clean the air filter and carry spare water
Keeping flexible
Weather can change a plan in an hour. Keep spare days, have a second route, and be willing to turn back. The safest trips are the ones where the plan bends easily.
Pick your season
Tap a season to see what usually works and what to watch.
Tap a season (4 to try)
Season: Post-monsoon, Oct to Nov
- Usually good for
- -
- Details
- -
Common mistakes
- Planning a high pass in the wrong season. It may be closed or dangerous.
- Ignoring monsoon landslide risk. Roads can fail quickly.
- Underestimating summer heat. Plains and deserts are brutal.
- Assuming last year's dates. Passes open and close by the year.
- No buffer days. Weather changes plans.
- Not preparing the car. Each season stresses different parts.
A final word. Weather and road conditions can change quickly and these seasonal patterns are typical, not guarantees. Check current forecasts and road status close to your travel date, and be ready to change your plan.