India in March: Weather, Holi & Where to Go

March is India's big transition month, and India in March means catching the tail of the pleasant winter season just before the summer heat takes hold. Early March is warm and lovely across most of the country; by late March the northern plains start to sizzle. It's also the month of Holi, the exuberant festival of colour, which for many travellers from the US, UK, and Europe is reason enough to time a trip around it.

Quick answer: March is a good shoulder-season month, especially in the first half. Northern highs climb from around 28°C (82°F) early on toward the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) by month's end. Holi usually falls in early-to-mid March. Travel early in the month for comfortable weather, and head to the hills or the coast if you're visiting later.

India's Weather in March

March warms up fast, and the difference between early and late March is significant.

• North India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur): pleasant early on (highs around 28°C/82°F), heating to 33–36°C (91–97°F) by late March.
• Rajasthan: warm and dry, tipping toward hot in the desert by the end of the month.
• South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu): hot and humid, 32–35°C (90–95°F) — still fine for backwaters but sticky.
• Himalayan foothills (Rishikesh, Dharamshala): genuinely lovely, warming pleasantly as the snow retreats.

For the wider context, see best time to visit India and how March compares with India in February and the hotter India in April.

Holi: The Festival of Colour

Holi is the headline event of March and one of the most joyful experiences India offers. Streets fill with clouds of coloured powder, water balloons fly, and strangers become friends in a riot of pink, yellow, and blue. It's chaotic, messy, and completely unforgettable.

• When: Holi usually falls in early-to-mid March (dates shift with the lunar calendar — see Holi 2027 travel guide).
• Where: the Braj region around Mathura and Vrindavan is the spiritual heart; Jaipur, Udaipur, and Pushkar host colourful, traveller-friendly celebrations.
• Tips: wear clothes you'll throw away, protect your camera, and oil your hair and skin so the colour washes off more easily.

Holi is one of many reasons March draws festival lovers — our roundup of the best festivals in India for tourists puts it in context.

Where to Go in India in March

| Region | March weather | Best for | |--------|---------------|----------| | Golden Triangle | Warm early, hot late | Holi, the Taj, forts | | Rajasthan | Warm to hot | Palaces before the heat | | Rishikesh & foothills | Mild and lovely | Yoga, mountains, rafting | | Kerala | Hot and humid | Backwaters, Ayurveda | | Dharamshala | Cool and fresh | Escaping the plains' heat |

Early March is still fine for the Golden Triangle and Rajasthan, but if you're travelling later, the Himalayan foothills come into their own — the Rishikesh travel guide and McLeod Ganj and Dharamshala guide are your friends for cooler, greener air.

Making the Most of a Shoulder-Season Month

March is a classic shoulder-season pick: fewer crowds than the January–February peak, better value on stays, and — in early March at least — very workable weather. The trade-off is timing. Go early to enjoy the north comfortably; leave the plains for the hills if you're arriving toward the end of the month. Our shoulder season travel in India guide unpacks the strategy.

March is also one of the best months for wildlife. As the dry season deepens, foliage thins and animals gather around shrinking waterholes, which sharply improves your odds of spotting tigers in parks such as Ranthambore before they close for the monsoon. Combine that with the festival colour of Holi and the fresh mountain air of the foothills, and early-to-mid March packs an unusual amount of variety into a single trip.

If it's the festival energy and spiritual side of India that draws you to March, you'll find the same spirit in our autumn festival departure. The [Golden Triangle India: Diwali & Yoga Retreat, 6–16 November 2026](/destinations/golden-triangle-diwali-yoga-nov-2026) blends the classic sights with the colour of Diwali and daily yoga — a small group hosted personally by Anna, capped at 12 travellers, and priced at $1,299 in USD for international guests. It's the cooler-weather cousin of a springtime Holi trip.

What to Pack for March

Pack for warmth, and add a layer only if you're heading to the hills.

• Light, breathable clothing — cotton and linen come into their own.
• Sun protection — hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• A light layer for cool foothill evenings.
• Old clothes for Holi if your dates line up.

See what to pack for India for the complete list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is March a good time to visit India?

Early March is very good — warm, dry, and less crowded than peak winter. By late March the northern plains get uncomfortably hot, so timing matters. The hills and early-month travel are your best bets, and Holi is a major draw.

When is Holi in India?

Holi usually falls in early-to-mid March, though the exact date shifts each year with the Hindu lunar calendar. Check the specific year before booking, as it's the single biggest reason many travellers choose March. Our Holi guide lists upcoming dates.

How hot is India in March?

It ranges a lot within the month. Northern cities start around 28°C (82°F) and climb to the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F) by late March. The south is hot and humid throughout, while the Himalayan foothills stay pleasantly mild.

Where should I go in India in late March?

Head for the Himalayan foothills — Rishikesh, Dharamshala, and McLeod Ganj stay comfortable while the plains heat up. If you prefer the classic sights, aim for the first half of the month before the temperature climbs.

Ready to Travel India Around a Festival?

If it's the colour, spirituality, and celebration of India that pulls you toward March, our [Golden Triangle India: Diwali & Yoga Retreat, 6–16 November 2026](/destinations/golden-triangle-diwali-yoga-nov-2026) captures that same festive spirit in cooler autumn weather — a small group hosted by Anna, priced in USD for international travellers. Find every departure on our destinations page.