North India: Clear Skies and Pleasant Days
For travellers looking to explore North India, October is arguably the best time of the year. The southwest monsoon has typically withdrawn completely from states like Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and the national capital, Delhi. This leaves
behind clear blue skies, comfortable daytime temperatures, and cool evenings. Conditions are ideal for sightseeing in cities like Jaipur and Delhi, with temperatures in the capital expected to be in the mid-30s Celsius. In the Himalayan states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the monsoon's retreat means trekking routes and scenic destinations are once again accessible, though isolated showers might occur. Forecasters note that overall, dry weather is expected to prevail across the northern plains.
West and Central India: Mostly Dry and Getting Warm
Much like the north, West and Central India also welcome a drier, more stable climate in October. The southwest monsoon has withdrawn from Gujarat, most of Madhya Pradesh, and on October 3, it officially retreated from Mumbai, five days ahead of the normal schedule. Travellers can expect largely dry conditions, perfect for exploring the vibrant landscapes of Gujarat or the historical sites of Madhya Pradesh. However, the retreat of the rains can bring a brief spell of heat. In Mumbai and the Konkan coast, hot and humid conditions are likely to prevail in the early part of the month. While widespread rain is not on the cards, some isolated to scattered rainfall is possible over Konkan, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra around the second week of October.
South India: The Retreating Monsoon Arrives
The story is completely different in the southern peninsula. While the southwest monsoon leaves, the northeast monsoon (also known as the retreating monsoon) arrives, bringing significant rainfall to specific areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the northeast monsoon is expected to set in between October 15 and 21. This season is crucial for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, parts of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and South Interior Karnataka. The IMD has forecast normal rainfall for the season (October-December) over the south peninsula as a whole. For October specifically, travellers should be prepared for rain. Normal to above-normal rainfall is expected in southern Tamil Nadu and parts of northern Tamil Nadu. Isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala during the first week of October, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds. Therefore, anyone planning travel to Chennai, the Kerala backwaters, or nearby coastal areas should pack rain gear and keep a close eye on local forecasts.
East and Northeast India: A Mixed Bag
In East and Northeast India, October brings a significant reduction in the heavy monsoon showers of the preceding months. The southwest monsoon's withdrawal from states like Bihar and Jharkhand is expected to complete in early October. However, this doesn't mean the rain disappears entirely. Forecasters predict isolated to scattered rainfall over states like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha between October 5 and 8. In the Northeast, states like Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya are likely to see isolated heavy rainfall in the first few days of the month, after which the intensity is expected to decrease to scattered showers through the second week. While the weather is improving for travel compared to the peak monsoon, visitors to these regions should still be prepared for some wet days, especially in the early part of October.
