The short answer
When to go to Bhitarkanika
November to February is the best window: days are mild, rain is minimal and crocodiles are easy to see on the mudbanks at low tide. March and April get hot, and the park is reported closed from 1 May to 31 July for crocodile nesting. August and September are wet but are when the Bagagahana heronry has chicks, so they suit committed birdwatchers. For older travellers, December and January are the most comfortable on open boats. Temperatures shown are from Chandabali, a nearby station.
Month by month
Bhitarkanika weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C | 15°C | 12 mm | Cool, dry and clear. Check for a short closure around the crocodile census. | |
| February | 31°C | 19°C | 19 mm | Warm days, dry creeks. Turtle nesting season on the coast, but beaches are closed. | |
| March | 35°C | 23°C | 26 mm | Hot by afternoon. Go early; boats have little shade. | |
| April | 38°C | 25°C | 53 mm | Very hot and humid. Park usually open until 30 April. | |
| May | 38°C | 26°C | 105 mm | Park closed to visitors 1 May to 31 July for crocodile nesting. | |
| June | 35°C | 26°C | 218 mm | Monsoon begins; park closed to visitors. | |
| July | 33°C | 26°C | 287 mm | Heavy rain; park closed until 31 July. | |
| August | 32°C | 26°C | 355 mm | Park reopens 1 August. Wettest month; heronry chicks appear. | |
| September | 33°C | 26°C | 264 mm | Rain and humidity continue; open-bill storks have young at the heronry. | |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 235 mm | Rain easing but still heavy; check creek and weather conditions. | |
| November | 30°C | 19°C | 47 mm | Dry, mild and pleasant. Season for wildlife travel starts. | |
| December | 28°C | 15°C | 6 mm | Cool, dry and the most comfortable month on the water. |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Bhitarkanika seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February, November and December
- January: Cool, dry and clear. Check for a short closure around the crocodile census.
- February: Warm days, dry creeks. Turtle nesting season on the coast, but beaches are closed.
- November: Dry, mild and pleasant. Season for wildlife travel starts.
- December: Cool, dry and the most comfortable month on the water.
Good, with small trade-offs: March
- March: Hot by afternoon. Go early; boats have little shade.
Possible, with planning: April, August, September and October
- April: Very hot and humid. Park usually open until 30 April.
- August: Park reopens 1 August. Wettest month; heronry chicks appear.
- September: Rain and humidity continue; open-bill storks have young at the heronry.
- October: Rain easing but still heavy; check creek and weather conditions.
Closed or largely inaccessible: May, June and July
- May: Park closed to visitors 1 May to 31 July for crocodile nesting.
- June: Monsoon begins; park closed to visitors.
- July: Heavy rain; park closed until 31 July.
Useful answers
Best time to visit Bhitarkanika: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Bhitarkanika?
January, February, November and December are the best months to visit Bhitarkanika, with March also good. November to February is the best window: days are mild, rain is minimal and crocodiles are easy to see on the mudbanks at low tide. March and April get hot, and the park is reported closed from 1 May to 31 July for crocodile nesting. August and September are wet but are when the Bagagahana heronry has chicks, so they suit committed birdwatchers. For older travellers, December and January are the most comfortable on open boats. Temperatures shown are from Chandabali, a nearby station.
Which months should I avoid in Bhitarkanika with elderly parents?
May, June and July are the months to avoid with older travellers. Park closed to visitors 1 May to 31 July for crocodile nesting. Monsoon begins; park closed to visitors.
When does it rain most in Bhitarkanika?
August is the wettest month, with about 355 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 38°C.