Varanasi, India
Varanasi Travel Guide
Ghats, Ganga Aarti, ancient temples, and spiritual heritage on the banks of the Ganges.
Varanasi, India
Varanasi Travel Guide
Live weather
Varanasi
28°C
Overcast
Humidity 89%Wind 6 km/h
Typical climate
North Indian plains climate. Winters are mild and ideal for heritage walks; summers are very hot. Monsoon brings humidity and rising river levels along the ghats.
Map
Varanasi
Best time to visit
- Oct–Mar: pleasant weather for ghat walks and boat rides.
- Dev Deepawali (Nov): thousands of diyas along the ghats.
- Avoid May–Jun peak heat for long outdoor circuits.
Temperature ranges
Oct–Mar
12–28°C
Best for sightseeing.
Apr–Jun
28–42°C
Early mornings only.
Monsoon
24–34°C
Humid; carry rain gear.
Clothing suggestions
- Modest cotton clothing for temples and ghats.
- Comfortable slip-on shoes removed often at shrines.
- Light shawl or scarf for evening boat rides.
- Sandals that can get wet near the river steps.
Packing essentials
- Government photo ID for hotels and trains.
- Insect repellent for evening ghat visits.
- Reusable water bottle; stay hydrated in heat.
- Small cash for boats, offerings, and street food.
Top attractions
- Dashashwamedh Ghat: evening Ganga Aarti ceremony.
- Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple and old city lanes.
- Sarnath: Buddhist heritage site (day trip).
- Assi Ghat and Banaras Hindu University campus.