Best Time (When) to Visit Haridwar – Season, Weather, Months

Best Time to Visit Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the most sacred pilgrim centers for all Hindus and serves as the starting point of Char Dham Pilgrimage in Uttarakhand. Located on the right bank of the River Ganga, Haridwar is visited by the Hindu devotees and pilgrims throughout the year to perform various religious rituals. Haridwar literally means the door-way to reach Lord Vishnu, the supreme god of the Hindus. This ancient place of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand is equally important as the pilgrimage route to many sacred shrines on the Himalayas. Hardwar was once called Kapil after the sage of that name who is said to have lived here. In many historical annals written by the Muslim historians, the city has been mentioned as ‘Gangadwar’.

On the opposite shore rises the hill of Chandi Pahar whose summit is crowned by a temple. The Ganga here divides itself into many shallow branches with wooded islands between. At the present day the great object of attraction is the bathing-ghat called Har-ki-Pauri with the adjoining temple of Gangadwar. A stone on the wall of the ghat bears the footmark of Lord Vishnu which is an object of special reverence. Pilgrims struggle to be the first to plunge into the pool on great occasions and stringent regulations are made to avoid rush and accidents. A great assemblage of pilgrims is held annually on the first day of the month of Vaishakh, the commencement of the Hindu solar year. Every twelfth year, the occasion is considered one of special sanctity and a great fair — the Haridwar Kumbh Mela — is also held to commemorate the occasion when thousands and thousands of pilgrims flock to this place. The gathering of vast concourse of people naturally affects the health of the pilgrims and attempts have been made by government and public bodies to ensure better sanitary arrangements.

The best time to visit Haridwar depends not only on weather conditions, climate and season but also on auspicious dates of Hindu festivals and rituals. In May & June, from here the pilgrim wends his way to Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

Visiting Haridwar in Winter Season (October - February): From weather and climate perspective, October to February is the best time to visit Haridwar. The temperature varies between 6°C to 20°C. During this period several Hindu fairs and festivals like Navratri, Saraswati Pujan, Magha Shraddha, Dussehra, Sharad Purnima, Kartik Snan, Karwa Chauth are celebrated every year. The season is a favoured time for sightseeing. December and January demand carrying woolen clothes.

Visiting Haridwar in Summer Season (March - June): Though located at the foothills of the Himalayas, the summer season in Haridwar remains hot. The temperature in summer season varies between 18°C to 42°C; although the evening gets pleasant due to breezy ambience. The day temperature in March is considered suitable for sightseeing. Ram Navami and Buddha Purnima festivals are celebrated during these months in Haridwar.

Visiting Haridwar in Monsoon Season (July - September): Summer is followed by rainy season, known in India as monsoon season. Haridwar observes moderate rainfall during July, August and September. The environment becomes pleasant and refreshing but spells of rainfall hinder seamless sightseeing. Hotels and travel companies offer heavy discount these days. Ganesh Chaturthi, Skand Shashthi, Hartalika Teej etc are popular Hindu festivals that are celebrated in Haridwar.