Sharvani ChandvaleEveryone wants to know what the best time to visit Goa is. However, when it comes to experiences, Goa is the epitome of versatility. Contrary to what your travel agents may tell you, there is no right time to be in Goa. It all depends on who you are as a traveller and what you like doing when you are in Goa. So if you want to jazz up your vacation in Goa with a change in cuisine and landscape, then this guide is for you. While the state has plenty of things to offer, it is no secret that there is a season for everything. Plan a group trip to Goa or a solo adventure, with this guide on the best time to visit Goa.
The best time to visit Goa (according to locals)
1. Spring (January-March)
While India doesn’t really have a spring season, the period of change from winter to summer is one of the best times to visit Goa. There are three reasons for this – the December crowd is dwindling, it’s not too hot (yet) and tourism is getting cheaper in Goa. You get to experience the best of Goa without tackling the tourist season crowd and while escaping the harsher summers. If that’s not enough, these are some things you can do in Goa during spring:
- If you love bird watching, the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary hosts some international celebrities around this time. You can take a boat through the mangroves and keep an eye out for your favourites.
- What’s more, this is also the harvest season in most parts of India. Along with Holi, Goans also celebrate other local festivals such as Carnival (February), Potekar (Halloween on Divar Island) and Shigmo (March). There are plenty of local Goan festivals celebrated around this time for you to experience.
- The waters are relatively calm in Goa and this time is perfect to take a diving lesson or two off of Butterfly Island.
So if you feel bad about having missed New Year’s, the fun hasn’t ended yet! Experience Goa a little more intimately through its local festivals and serene natural pools.
2. Summer (March-May)
No one knows how to beat the summer heat better than Goans. We’re talking about summer coolers and early morning/late evening outings in Goa. Early summer brings with it a wonderful gift – the cashew harvest. The cashew apples ripen and bring colour to Goa with their bright yellows and reds. Most cashew farms are privately owned, but with the right people you might just be able to go cashew apple picking in Goa.
Local distillers get busy harvesting and then transforming these juicy fruits into niro (a cool non-alcoholic Goan beverage), urrack (a Goan liquor with a limited shelf-life) and feni (a popular Goan liquor with international fame). Summer is the only time when you can enjoy fresh urrack in Goa. Apart from that, some other activities that you can do in Goa are:
- Bonfire nights and stargazing on the beaches
- Early morning cycling trails that end at a taverna
- Feni tasting experiences and urrack cocktail-making experiences with locals
- A cooking demo for Goan cuisine. This way, you are not outdoors for too long and get to make the best of the Goan summer vegetable bounty.
Pro tip: Goan summers are not as harsh as the rest of India. Moreover, you can spend your afternoons in indoor pools and early mornings out at sea. What’s more – apart from the cashew apple, you find a variety of seasonal fruits such as mangoes, jackfruits and a bunch of wild berries. These are perfect to indulge you and make for a perfect light summer meal. Soul Travelling can help you balance your summertime – creating the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor experiences that beat the heat.
3. Monsoons (July-August)
It’s no secret that Goa has one of the heaviest monsoons in India. However, this is nothing but an opportunity for the lush Sahyadris to thrive and the stunning waterfalls to display their beauty. No matter what you choose to do, the state’s dense green beauty will continue to dazzle you.
What can you do in Goa during the monsoon?
- Start off by taking a cycle through the villages of Assagao or Aldona. You’ll pass narrow roads lined with traditional homes and endless green fields.
- Pick a nice day to trek through the Chorla Ghats or go hiking in the hinterlands. The state is privy to some beautiful natural pools and waterfalls that make for the perfect day out. You can pack a lunch and head out on an adventure. However, not all pools and waterfalls are tourist-friendly. If this is your first time trekking, consider working with a local expert. Soul Travelling curates some exciting clay bathing and waterfall hunting tours to indulge in.
- Local Goans love their celebrations and hence, the monsoons are no different when it comes to local festivals. The Sao Joao and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated all around the state with much pomp. Join in these celebrations and partake of local sweets such as patoleo (which are seasonal) and modaks!
Pro tip: The end of June to the first week of August is preferably the best time to visit Goa. The monsoons are starting to set in and the rain isn’t too heavy to disrupt your treks. Or you can skip the beginning and visit Goa in September when the state is soaking in post-monsoon greenery but the monsoons are starting to recede. However, since seasons tend to change every year, you can always get in touch with your hotel or tour operator for confirmation.
4. Winter (November-December)
While the whole world loves Goa around New Year’s time, the state is at its prettiest just a little before. Diwali and Christmas are two major festivals celebrated in Goa during winter. The state is decked in pretty lights and the weather is perfect to spend some cosy time with your loved ones. The one thing you have to witness is the burning of Narkasur on the first day of Diwali. The tradition is an old one and symbolises the victory of good over evil. This is followed by a hefty breakfast made with delicious local snacks. Fov is a delicious local breakfast made from flattened rice served in about 6-8 different varieties only during Diwali. On the other hand, Christmas time in Goa witnesses creative cribs in every village, midnight masses and scrumptious sweets for Christmas day. If you pop into a local Goan restaurant such as Horseshoe in Fontainhas, you will be served a lip-smacking Christmas lunch.
Pro tip: Go shopping at the local markets in Mapusa and Panjim for some wonderful festive goodies. You can find locally crafted bamboo decor, wooden items and clay artefacts – each uniquely handmade.
How can Soul Travelling enhance your time in Goa?
The best Goan experience is the one shared by locals. Why? Because Goans are known for their balanced lifestyle and rich culture. More than just beaches and parties, it is the local food, the intimate experiences and the unexplored hinterlands that offer something valuable. Take this time to indulge in home-hosted lunches on the island of Chorao and an exclusive Catholic spread in Fontainhas. Soul Travelling can help you experience the best of Goa no matter what season you come in. The team carefully picks the best local experiences and curates them to suit your comfort and interests. This way, you get to love Goa in all its seasons and colours!
Book your next Goan adventure with Soul Travelling now!
