Rishikesh Weather 2026–27: Month-by-Month Temperature, Rafting Season & Best Time
Rishikesh sits at only about 372 m where the Ganga leaves the hills, so it is warmer than most of Uttarakhand: hot summers, a heavy monsoon and mild, sunny winters. The weather also decides when you can raft and camp. Here is Rishikesh weather in every month, with typical temperatures, rain, what is open and what to wear, plus a link to today's live weather.
Rishikesh weather at a glance: Altitude ~372 m · Hottest: May (~38°C) · Coldest: January (~7°C at night) · Wettest: July–August · Rafting season: roughly late September to June · Best months: October–November and February–April · Weather today
Rishikesh Weather Today
For the current temperature, humidity, wind and the forecast for the next few days, open our live Rishikesh weather and forecast page. It is updated several times a day. The rest of this guide explains what to expect in each month, so you can plan ahead.
Rishikesh Weather Month by Month
| Month | Day (avg max) | Night (avg min) | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 7°C | Moderate (~40 mm) | Cool mornings, mild days |
| February | 23°C | 9°C | Moderate (~45 mm) | Pleasant |
| March | 28°C | 13°C | Moderate (~40 mm) | Warm |
| April | 34°C | 18°C | Low (~15 mm) | Hot |
| May | 38°C | 22°C | Low (~35 mm) | Very hot |
| June | 37°C | 25°C | Heavy (~180 mm) | Hot, humid |
| July | 33°C | 25°C | Very heavy (~450 mm) | Wet, humid |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | Very heavy (~450 mm) | Wet, humid |
| September | 32°C | 23°C | Heavy (~220 mm) | Humid, clearing |
| October | 30°C | 18°C | Moderate (~40 mm) | Pleasant |
| November | 27°C | 13°C | Low (~10 mm) | Pleasant |
| December | 22°C | 9°C | Low (~20 mm) | Cool |
These are approximate long-term averages, not a forecast. Individual days can be several degrees warmer or colder.
Rishikesh weather in January
About 7–20°C. Cool, foggy mornings and mild, sunny afternoons. Riverside camps get cold at night, so pack a warm layer. A quiet month with lower prices.
Rishikesh weather in February
About 9–23°C. Pleasant days and cool nights. Rafting is in full swing and the International Yoga Festival is usually held in early March, so February fills up towards the end.
Rishikesh weather in March
About 13–28°C. Warm days and comfortable nights: one of the best months for rafting, camping and yoga.
Rishikesh weather in April
About 18–34°C. Hot afternoons over 30°C. Mornings and evenings are still good, and rafting on the cold Ganga is a relief.
Rishikesh weather in May
About 22–38°C. The hottest month, often close to 40°C. Plan activities early in the morning and late in the evening.
Rishikesh weather in June
About 25–37°C. Hot and humid. Rafting usually stops by the end of June as the monsoon arrives and the river rises.
Rishikesh weather in July
About 25–33°C. Monsoon peak with heavy rain and a high, fast Ganga. Rafting and riverside camps are closed, and roads up into the hills see landslides.
Rishikesh weather in August
About 24–32°C. Still wet and humid. The ghats and Ganga Aarti continue, but outdoor adventure is limited.
Rishikesh weather in September
About 23–32°C. Rain eases and rafting usually restarts towards the end of the month, depending on the river level.
Rishikesh weather in October
About 18–30°C. Excellent: dry, sunny days around 30°C, comfortable nights, rafting and camping back in full swing.
Rishikesh weather in November
About 13–27°C. One of the best months: warm days around 27°C, cool nights and clear skies. Perfect for rafting, camping and the Kunjapuri sunrise.
Rishikesh weather in December
About 9–22°C. Cool and pleasant, with days around 22°C and cold nights by the river. Christmas and New Year are busy with camps and cafes.
Seasons in Rishikesh
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mild sunny days, cold nights by the river. Good value.
- Summer (Mar–Jun): Pleasant in March, very hot by May. Rafting is popular until the monsoon.
- Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Heavy rain, high river, rafting and camps closed.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): The best season for everything.
Rafting and Camping by Season
Rafting usually runs from late September or October to June and stops in the monsoon, when the Ganga rises. Riverside camps follow the same season. See our Rishikesh camping price guide and the 2-day Rishikesh itinerary. Dehradun, 45 km away, is usually a couple of degrees cooler; see the Dehradun weather guide.
What to Pack
- Dec–Feb: Light jacket or sweater for mornings and nights; warmer layers for riverside camps.
- Mar–Jun: Cotton clothes, sunscreen, a cap and water. Quick-dry clothes for rafting.
- Jul–Sep: Umbrella, raincoat and sandals.
- Oct–Nov: Light clothes and a layer for evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather in Rishikesh in November?
Pleasant and dry, with days around 27°C and nights around 13°C. It is one of the best months for rafting and camping.
Is rafting open in Rishikesh in the monsoon?
No. Rafting usually stops by the end of June and restarts towards the end of September or in October, depending on the river level.
What is the hottest month in Rishikesh?
May, when afternoons are often close to 40°C. June is also hot and becomes humid.
Is Rishikesh cold in January?
Mornings and nights are cool (around 7°C), and riverside camps feel colder, but afternoons are mild and sunny, around 20°C.
What is the best time to visit Rishikesh?
October–November and February–April, when the weather is comfortable and rafting is open.
Plan Your Rishikesh Trip
Read the full Rishikesh travel guide, the Delhi to Rishikesh trip guide, more weekend trips from Delhi, or the Uttarakhand weather guide. Explore the Rishikesh city page, or let the AI Trip Planner plan your visit.
