The short answer
When to go to Simlipal
November to February is the best window: dry, green after the rains and comfortable on early drives, with cool mornings that need a jacket. March and April are hot, though wildlife gathers around water, and May to June bring humidity and pre-monsoon storms. The reserve is normally shut from around July to October, with the exact dates notified each year. Older travellers should avoid the hottest months because the long vehicle days offer little shade or rest.
Month by month
Simlipal weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 13°C | 19 mm | Cool, dry, clear; best for waterfalls and safari | |
| February | 30°C | 16°C | 19 mm | Warming but comfortable; good visibility in the forest | |
| March | 35°C | 21°C | 32 mm | Getting hot by afternoon; do safaris early | |
| April | 38°C | 24°C | 69 mm | Hot; wildlife gathers at water, but midday is tiring | |
| May | 38°C | 25°C | 136 mm | Hot and humid, pre-monsoon storms possible | |
| June | 35°C | 26°C | 267 mm | Monsoon arrives; park closure date is notified each year | |
| July | 32°C | 26°C | 321 mm | Heavy rain; reserve normally shut to visitors | |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 368 mm | Wettest month; tracks and falls inaccessible to tourists | |
| September | 32°C | 25°C | 285 mm | Rain continues; reopening date varies by year | |
| October | 32°C | 22°C | 176 mm | Reopening usually announced for Oct or Nov; lush but wet | |
| November | 29°C | 17°C | 17 mm | Dry, green after the rains, pleasant mornings | |
| December | 26°C | 13°C | 9 mm | Cool and dry; take a jacket for early drives |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Simlipal seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, February, November and December
- January: Cool, dry, clear; best for waterfalls and safari
- February: Warming but comfortable; good visibility in the forest
- November: Dry, green after the rains, pleasant mornings
- December: Cool and dry; take a jacket for early drives
Good, with small trade-offs: March
- March: Getting hot by afternoon; do safaris early
Possible, with planning: April and October
- April: Hot; wildlife gathers at water, but midday is tiring
- October: Reopening usually announced for Oct or Nov; lush but wet
Best avoided with parents or children: May and June
- May: Hot and humid, pre-monsoon storms possible
- June: Monsoon arrives; park closure date is notified each year
Closed or largely inaccessible: July, August and September
- July: Heavy rain; reserve normally shut to visitors
- August: Wettest month; tracks and falls inaccessible to tourists
- September: Rain continues; reopening date varies by year
Useful answers
Best time to visit Simlipal: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Simlipal?
January, February, November and December are the best months to visit Simlipal, with March also good. November to February is the best window: dry, green after the rains and comfortable on early drives, with cool mornings that need a jacket. March and April are hot, though wildlife gathers around water, and May to June bring humidity and pre-monsoon storms. The reserve is normally shut from around July to October, with the exact dates notified each year. Older travellers should avoid the hottest months because the long vehicle days offer little shade or rest.
Which months should I avoid in Simlipal with elderly parents?
May, June, July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot and humid, pre-monsoon storms possible Monsoon arrives; park closure date is notified each year
When does it rain most in Simlipal?
August is the wettest month, with about 368 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is April, with average highs around 38°C.