The short answer
When to go to Palitana
The best window is November to February, when Bhavnagar-area days are dry and warm at 29 to 31 degrees Celsius and the climb is least punishing. October and March are workable if you start at dawn. April and May bring highs near 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, and the hill is closed for about four monsoon months from June to September, so do not plan a visit then. For older travellers the dawn start matters more than the month, whichever season you choose.
Month by month
Palitana weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C | 14°C | 2 mm | Dry and mild; the most comfortable climbing weather | |
| February | 31°C | 16°C | 0 mm | Dry; warm by afternoon, start at dawn | |
| March | 35°C | 21°C | 1 mm | Getting hot; climb early and be down by mid-morning | |
| April | 38°C | 25°C | 2 mm | Hot and dry; strenuous for older travellers | |
| May | 40°C | 27°C | 2 mm | Peak heat; climbing is hard going | |
| June | 37°C | 28°C | 142 mm | Hill closed for the monsoon months | |
| July | 34°C | 26°C | 239 mm | Heaviest rain; hill closed | |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 164 mm | Monsoon; hill closed | |
| September | 33°C | 25°C | 142 mm | Late monsoon; hill closed | |
| October | 35°C | 23°C | 21 mm | Hill reopens around Kartik Purnima; still warm and crowded | |
| November | 33°C | 19°C | 3 mm | Dry, cooler and popular; book rooms early | |
| December | 29°C | 15°C | 1 mm | Cool mornings and mild days; ideal for the climb |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Palitana seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February, November and December
- January: Dry and mild; the most comfortable climbing weather
- February: Dry; warm by afternoon, start at dawn
- November: Dry, cooler and popular; book rooms early
- December: Cool mornings and mild days; ideal for the climb
Good, with small trade-offs: March
- March: Getting hot; climb early and be down by mid-morning
Possible, with planning: April and October
- April: Hot and dry; strenuous for older travellers
- October: Hill reopens around Kartik Purnima; still warm and crowded
Best avoided with parents or children: May
- May: Peak heat; climbing is hard going
Closed or largely inaccessible: June, July, August and September
- June: Hill closed for the monsoon months
- July: Heaviest rain; hill closed
- August: Monsoon; hill closed
- September: Late monsoon; hill closed
Useful answers
Best time to visit Palitana: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Palitana?
January, February, November and December are the best months to visit Palitana, with March also good. The best window is November to February, when Bhavnagar-area days are dry and warm at 29 to 31 degrees Celsius and the climb is least punishing. October and March are workable if you start at dawn. April and May bring highs near 38 to 40 degrees Celsius, and the hill is closed for about four monsoon months from June to September, so do not plan a visit then. For older travellers the dawn start matters more than the month, whichever season you choose.
Which months should I avoid in Palitana with elderly parents?
May, June, July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Peak heat; climbing is hard going Hill closed for the monsoon months
When does it rain most in Palitana?
July is the wettest month, with about 239 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 40°C.