The short answer
When to go to Salem
The best window is December to February, when days are warm but dry and nights are cool, which suits fort climbs and temple visits. March to May is hot and humid, and September to November brings the heaviest rain, so forts and lakes can be slippery. Older travellers should plan outings for the early morning and rest after lunch whatever the season.
Month by month
Salem weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 19°C | 3 mm | Dry, warm days and cool nights | |
| February | 35°C | 20°C | 3 mm | Dry and sunny; heat starting to build | |
| March | 37°C | 23°C | 10 mm | Hot afternoons; keep outings to mornings | |
| April | 38°C | 25°C | 58 mm | Hottest month, with first pre-monsoon showers | |
| May | 37°C | 25°C | 107 mm | Hot and humid with thunderstorms | |
| June | 35°C | 24°C | 74 mm | Warm and showery | |
| July | 34°C | 24°C | 89 mm | Warm and cloudy; showers | |
| August | 33°C | 23°C | 151 mm | Frequent rain; forts get slippery | |
| September | 33°C | 23°C | 156 mm | Wet and humid | |
| October | 32°C | 23°C | 198 mm | Wettest month; carry rain cover | |
| November | 31°C | 21°C | 113 mm | Rain easing, pleasant temperatures | |
| December | 31°C | 20°C | 32 mm | Cool, mostly dry; ideal for forts |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Salem seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February and December
- January: Dry, warm days and cool nights
- February: Dry and sunny; heat starting to build
- December: Cool, mostly dry; ideal for forts
Good, with small trade-offs: November
- November: Rain easing, pleasant temperatures
Possible, with planning: March, June, July, August, September and October
- March: Hot afternoons; keep outings to mornings
- June: Warm and showery
- July: Warm and cloudy; showers
- August: Frequent rain; forts get slippery
- September: Wet and humid
- October: Wettest month; carry rain cover
Best avoided with parents or children: April and May
- April: Hottest month, with first pre-monsoon showers
- May: Hot and humid with thunderstorms
Useful answers
Best time to visit Salem: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Salem?
January, February and December are the best months to visit Salem, with November also good. The best window is December to February, when days are warm but dry and nights are cool, which suits fort climbs and temple visits. March to May is hot and humid, and September to November brings the heaviest rain, so forts and lakes can be slippery. Older travellers should plan outings for the early morning and rest after lunch whatever the season.
Which months should I avoid in Salem with elderly parents?
April and May are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hottest month, with first pre-monsoon showers Hot and humid with thunderstorms
When does it rain most in Salem?
October is the wettest month, with about 198 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 38°C.