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India has long captivated travellers with its diverse destinations, from tranquil Himalayan mountain settlements to the bustling streets of Delhi, the serene backwaters of Kerala, and the golden shorelines of Goa. With its array of experiences, this vast country takes visitors on spiritual journeys, culinary adventures, and wildlife excursions that leave them with memories to last a lifetime.
It’s undeniable that catching a flight to India will be on many travellers’ radars at some point in their lifetime. But we appreciate that it can be difficult to know when the best time to visit is, particularly given the country’s size, calendar of cultural events, and seasonal changes throughout the year.
So, if you’re ready to embrace this culturally fascinating country, while also making your money stretch further, you’ll want to know when the best time to get cheap flights to India is. This way, you can strategically time your trip so you’re seeing and doing what you want to on holiday at the right time of year for you, without breaking the budget.
To make it all the more simple, we’ve crafted this comprehensive month-by-month guide to help you grasp when you can find cheap flights to India and have the experiences you love, whether you prioritise blissful weather, cultural events, or outdoor adventure.
India has several major international airports, some of which are amongst the busiest in the world. The most popular of these airports include Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai, and Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bangalore.
Depending on where you’re travelling from and to, your flight time to India may vary, particularly if you’re taking an indirect flight as opposed to a direct flight.
From Denpansar, for example, A direct flight to Delhi takes roughly 7 hours and 45 minutes, while a direct flight to Bengaluru takes roughly 6 hours and 20 minutes.
On the other hand, flying from Jakarta to Mumbai takes roughly 6 hours and 30 minutes, while a flight to New Delhi takes 9 hours and 30 minutes.
From other major international airports around the world flying to New Delhi, you’re looking at the following average times for direct flights:
To understand how to secure cheap flights to India, you first need to grasp the variation in seasonal prices. That’s why - using our FlightsFinder multi-search tool - We've analysed the pricing patterns in each month of the year to help you identify the periods that won’t leave your wallet feeling light!
And, of course, we’ve also shared what makes each month special, to inspire you with things to do and experience during your adventure in India.
In January, you won’t necessarily find the cheapest flights to India, but you won’t find the most expensive flights, either. During this post-holiday travel slump, which is a peak tourist season, Northern India experiences cool, pleasant weather (10-20°C), while southern regions remain warm and comfortable. So, it’s no wonder it’s a popular time for people to travel to the country!
Given it’s a cooler time of year to visit India, January offers a great opportunity to see some of the country’s best sights without feeling overwhelmed by the heat. For example, seeing one of the World Wonders - the Taj Mahal - and the iconic Red Fort.
In north India, one of the most popular festivals takes place in January - the Lohri Festival. Celebrated by Sikhs and Hindus primarily, the festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the harvesting of the Rabi crops.
The average cheapest return flights to India in January from major airports in Indonesia include:
February is an expensive time of year to fly to India. Continuing the trend of the country’s cooler weather before the spring season rolls around, its Northern regions remain dry and cool at roughly 20°C to 28°C. Beach destinations, like Goa, don’t have the intense heat of later months, making February perfect for sunbathing (21°C to 32°C).
Given India’s cooler and drier weather in February, this is a fantastic time to experience its many outdoor activities, like exploring the vibrant outdoor markets of Jaipur and Jodhpur, or embarking on a traditional houseboat cruise through the palm-fringed canals of Kerala.
Taking place every February is the Maha Shivaratri, a Hindu festival that worships the deity Shiva, where locals chant prayers, meditate, and make offerings including fruit and flowers.
The average cheapest return flights to India in February from major airports in Indonesia include:
March is a mixed month for flights to India, depending on where you’re flying from, given that it marks the beginning of the spring season. This is to be expected as the weather continues to improve in India and temperatures sit at a comfortable 15-25°C in the north, and even warmer in the south. But flight prices during this month are still reasonable compared to peak season.
March is the perfect month to experience India's vibrant culture, starting with one of its most anticipated celebrations - the Holi Festival. This festival of colour happens annually in March, celebrating the triumph of good over evil, whereby people throw coloured powder and water at one another, and celebrate with music, dancing, and traditional sweets.
The average cheapest return flights to India in March from major airports in Indonesia include:
April brings warmer temperatures, alongside an increased demand for India flight bookings, particularly from families who are escaping for the Easter and spring holiday season. However, prices remain surprisingly competitive, with affordable fares available.
Northern India begins to warm up noticeably during this month, reaching temperatures between 25 and 35°C, and southern India is noticeably warmer.
In light of this, many travellers flock to India's cooler hill stations, which are towns at high elevation, often in mountain ranges, that boast scenic beauty and a comfortable climate. Some examples include Manali, Shimla, or Darjeeling.
Locals and tourists alike also rush to encounter the cherry blossoms blooming in Himachal Pradesh, which typically takes place for a couple of weeks in March and April. This is a spectacular, but fleeting, sight to be seen during your trip to India.
The average cheapest return flights to India in April from major airports in Indonesia include:
May offers one of the most affordable months of the year to book flights to India, making it all the more possible to snag a great deal! Most of India experiences hot weather, with temperatures typically peaking at 42°C in northern plains with high humidity, making this month ideal for exploring cooler regions.
So, in May, why not head on a mountain adventure in India? Visit destinations like Himachal Pradesh or Uttarakhand to witness stunning Himalayan views and comfortable trekking conditions. And, for those wanting to sample the fantastic crop that grows across India’s countryside landscapes, May is in the midst of the mango season, where you can sample some of the best of this fruit.
The average cheapest return flights to India in May from major airports in Indonesia include:
June marks the beginning of the monsoon season in many parts of India. While this means less favourable weather, with heavy rainfall in areas, it also means cheap flights to India are more available, as fewer people travel to the country during this period.
However, the monsoon season has its own unique charm and significantly fewer crowds, making it ideal for travellers seeking to experience a different side of India. Visiting Kerala's backwaters at this time of year, when its landscapes are even more lush and beautiful, is a fantastic experience. Or, you can head to coffee plantations in Karnataka's Western Ghats, where the monsoon creates stunning misty landscapes.
The average cheapest return flights to India in June from major airports in Indonesia include:
Monsoon season continues into July across much of the country, keeping the costs to fly to India relatively moderate. While this means that some outdoor activities may be limited, you can still enjoy the wonders of India’s landscapes and cities with reduced tourist crowds.
For one, Rajasthan's desert landscapes transform into beautiful green oases in July, when its temperatures are pleasantly cool as opposed to scorching, like much of the year. Or, you can explore the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its flowers in full bloom during the monsoon season.
The average cheapest return flights to India in July from major airports in Indonesia include:
Unlike many other global tourist destinations, August offers some of the year's best deals on cheap India flights, given it is in the midst of the monsoon season. While the weather can be challenging in some regions, budget-conscious travellers love the opportunity to save money on a trip to the country, while having rarer, authentic, crowd-free experiences.
To experience authentic India, visit ancient temples and ashrams that are much less crowded at this time of year. Or, with weather often being less favourable in August, why not embrace this and take part in indoor cultural experiences like cooking classes or art workshops?
The average cheapest return flights to India in August from major airports in Indonesia include:
September marks the end of the monsoon season in many regions of the country, leading to an increased demand for affordable flights to India. You’ll find comfortable temperatures in September, too, given it’s at the tail end of this season, with the country’s landscapes being lush and verdant.
As such, photography enthusiasts have a field day in India in September, with one of the best places to capture the country’s vibrant landscapes and wildlife being its national parks. In September, in destinations like Ranthambore National Park, foliage starts to thin slightly, making animal sightings more likely, too.
The average cheapest return flights to India in September from major airports in Indonesia include:
The tourist season is in full swing in October, leading to a significant rise in flights to India. With average highs of around 30°C, temperatures are warm in October, but not overwhelmingly so, and the post-monsoon freshness keeps visitors comfortable.
In light of this, October is another fantastic month for outdoor adventures and sightseeing in India. Why not go on a camel safari in the Thar Desert, or embark on the Golden Triangle circuit while incorporating safaris in parks like Bandhavgarh and Kanha?
The average cheapest return flights to India in October from major airports in Indonesia include:
November is peak tourist season in India, which contributes to higher-priced flights to India. Although some may consider the higher price to fly to India worth it, as you’ll find the perfect weather across much of the country, climbing to highs of 30°C.
Events in India that shine in November include the famous Pushkar Camel Fair, one of the world’s largest camel fairs, where camels and other livestock are traded. Beach destinations like Goa begin their peak season, too, with perfect weather for water activities and coastal exploration.
The average cheapest return flights to India in November from major airports in Indonesia include:
Peak season pricing for flights to India continues to climb in December, but visitors are welcomed with some of the most magical experiences across the country. You’ll find blissful weather almost everywhere, with temperatures averaging between 18°C and 28°C across the country, making it perfect to embrace every aspect of India’s vibrant culture and landscapes.
As such, whether you want to explore the backwaters of Kerala, enjoy perfect beach weather in Goa, or marvel at Rajasthan's architectural wonders, you can do just about anything! The Christmas and New Year period brings special celebrations across the country, particularly in former Portuguese territories like Goa.
The average cheapest return flights to India in December from major airports in Indonesia include:
Note: All flight prices are estimates and can vary significantly based on specific dates, booking timing, and current market conditions.
June through to August typically offer the best opportunities for cheap flights to India, coinciding with monsoon season when tourist demand is lower.
Depending on your departure destination, you’ll find the most expensive times to fly to India vary, but January, February, and March are often the most expensive months to travel to the country.
Regardless of the holiday experience you seek, India offers an array of memorable events, cultural and wildlife encounters year-round, with each month offering its unique charm and opportunities to travellers.
Finding the best time to get cheap flights to India often means having to embrace the monsoon season or shoulder periods, but, as we’ve explained, there’s still a world of opportunities to be had at these times of year, and an opportunity to experience the country more authentically.
When planning your trip to India, you want to balance the experiences you value the most, whether it be culinary adventures, cultural immersion, or wildlife encounters, with the cheapest flights to have the best value trip. So, we hope this guide has served its purpose in helping you to plan when the best time to get cheap flights to India is for you, so you’re one step closer to embarking on your Indian adventure.
Ready to take the first step towards your Indian adventure? Use our easy FlightsFinder search engine to secure cheap flights to India to save you money!
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