Best time to visit Goa

Best Time for Honeymooners

With its beautiful beaches, olden Portuguese buildings, luxury resorts and more, Goa is all the rage among newly wedded couples as a honeymoon destination. Although November to February is the best time to visit Goa, any time between October to April is excellent for a honeymoon, if you wish to avoid the peak season.

Best Time for Adventure Seekers 

The combination of its sandy beaches, scenic water bodies and availability of a range of adventure sports makes Goa the ultimate destination for any adventure enthusiast. The peak season (December and January) is a great time in Goa for anyone, and everyone – the weather is excellent, the waters are calm, and all facilities are available! With warm days and cold nights, these months are ideal for any outdoor activities, from trekking and sightseeing to water sports.

The monsoon season is an alternative for those adventure seekers who are on a tight budget. Nature is at its full bloom in Goa from June to September, and one can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, hiking and white river rafting at this time. Be sure to spend time at Goa’s many wildlife sanctuaries, parks, waterfalls, landscapes and beaches to make the most of the monsoon.

For water sports enthusiasts, a great time to visit Goa is from October to May. These months experience cool and calm waters and cloudless skies. Some favourite activities are scuba diving, parasailing, dinghy sailing, swimming, jet skiing and banana boat riding.

Goa in Winter (November – February)

With ideal weather, exciting activities and plenty of festivities and celebrations, the winter season is the favourite time of the year in Goa for most tourists. The weather at this time is usually pleasant and calm, and days may become slightly chilly. The temperatures typically range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius, with moderate humidity levels.

Most people enjoy spending time at the beach or participating in outdoor activities and water sports during this time. One can head to one of the many parades, parties and fairs being held everywhere. Several weddings and engagements are also commonly celebrated during these winter months.

In December, the entire state is covered with lights, Christmas trees and decorations to celebrate Christmas. Traditional midnight masses and feasts are extremely popular during this time. New Year celebrations take place with great enthusiasm too, complete with parties, fireworks and music festivals. For music-lovers, Goa has become a trendy destination with popular music festivals like Sunburn and VH1 Supersonic.

Other festivals to look out for include the Grape Escapade, which is India’s most prominent wine festival and is held in January. It brings together wine connoisseurs from all over the country and the world. The Goa Food and Cultural Festival is a favourite among culinary art and food lovers in February that celebrates the delicious Goan cuisine, including fish n chips and fish curry. The ‘Intruz’ or the Goa Carnival held in February, consists of fun and enjoyment preceding the month of Lent. Food, drinks, music, dance, parades, floats, parties – it’s all a part of the celebration!

However, due to this time of the year being peak season, hotels are packed, and fares are usually high, so be sure to book in advance!

Goa in Monsoon (July – September)

Most people associate Goa to its sunshine and sandy beaches, and therefore usually avoid travelling to Goa in Monsoon. Beach facilities, as well as water sports like scuba-diving, are typically discontinued. Goa experiences heavy rainfall during these months, with July being the wettest month of the year. However, if you enjoy the rain, natural beauty and lush greenery all around you, then this is the perfect time for your trip to Goa.

Don’t let the weather rain on your parade; you can still enjoy some fun activities in Goa! Although it is not advisable to visit beaches and go swimming, you can take advantage of the national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and spice plantations instead. Further, activities like trekking, bird-watching and white water rafting are in full swing during these months. You can also enjoy off-peak season fares, and discounts on food, flights and hotel stay. Those who are looking for a relaxed time away from their fast-paced lives will especially enjoy Goa at this time.

The Sao Joao festival is celebrated during June and consists of a feast honouring Saint John the Baptist, the prophet who baptised Jesus in River Jordan. It is a festival worth visiting Goa for, and usually involves folk dances and many other local traditions such as dressing up in leaves and men jumping into wells to grab bottles of feni (a type of alcohol found locally).

The Saptah Festival takes place in August to honour those who lost their lives during an epidemic in Vasco. It is believed that during this desperate time, locals had turned to Lord Damodar for blessings, an avatar of Lord Shiva, and worshipped a pure coconut as a symbol of worship. Today, devotees continue to visit the Damodar temple to seek blessings during the festival.

Goa in Summer (March – June)

Goa in summer is sweltering, with high humidity levels and temperatures rising to 40 degrees Celsius. Although the beach areas remain relatively breezy, being outdoors is difficult for most. Not many tourists visit Goa at this time of the year, and there are relatively fewer activities to indulge in.

However, most accommodation options in Goa offer incredibly reasonable prices during summer. So for those who do not mind the heat, or for those who are looking to spend most of their time indoors for some peace, this is a perfect time to visit Goa. You can also avoid the usual crowds in Goa if you choose to travel during this time. 

A popular festival celebrated in Goa during these months is the Shigmo festival, which is celebrated by the Hindu community of Goa every March. The celebration of this colourful festival consists of folk dances and ‘warrior dances’, as well as the famous Shigmo Parade.

Another fun festival worth mentioning is the Goa Cashew and Coconut Fest, held in May. This celebrates cashews, coconuts and their origin with unique cuisine, art and activities all over the state, including cashew stomping and coconut breaking.

How to Reach Goa

Goa is easily accessible by road, rail, and air from most parts of India and international destinations. The Dabolim Airport (the only airport in Goa) is an international airport and a military airbase. It is connected by regular flights to all Indian cities as well as international destinations like London, Dubai, Moscow, Doha, Kuala Lumpur among others. The airport has two terminals where Terminal 1 is domestic while Terminal 2 is the international terminal. Vasco da Gama Railway Station and Madgaon Station are the two major railheads serving Goa. Both stations are extremely well-linked to all parts of India. Apart from this, plenty of long-distance inter-state buses ply to and from Goa which is connected through four national highways.

The nearest major entry point to Goa from different parts of the world is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. Mumbai being the major city is easily accessible to Goa via flights, railways, and roadways.

Beaches in Goa – Bountiful Nature

Everything else can take a backseat when you are in the vicinity of the gorgeous beaches of Goa. Here’s our list of the most stunning golden-sand jewels from the region’s treasury.

1. Baga

Undoubtedly, the most famous and happening beach in Goa, Baga is known for its pulsating beach parties, exciting nightlife and delicious seafood. It is the perfect place to indulge in water sports and enjoy a sunbath during the day and dance to foot-tapping music at night, all in the company of a lively crowd.

  • Famous For: Recreation area with water sports, eateries, bars, nightspots & a festive atmosphere
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Parasailing and dolphin cruises

2. Calangute

Termed the Queen of Beaches in Goa, Calangute’s drawcard is its shimmering golden sand and the whimsical rise and fall of waves. Peppered with sun lounges, cool restaurants, clubs, and shacks, the beach is a traveller’s delight. Because of its huge popularity among tourists, Calangute is one of the top 10 places to visit in Goa with family.

  • Famous For: The nightlife of Calangute Beach is the best with crazy parties and live music
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Water skiing and banana rides

3. Candolim

Picturesque beauty and serene atmosphere make Candolim a great spot to relax and rejuvenate during your beach holidays. The scrub-covered sand dunes are among the major attractions of this beach.

  • Famous For: The Candolim Beach in Goa offers a peaceful environment and there are many shaft bars that offer the local taste of Goa
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Kite surfing and paragliding

4. Sinquerim

Dotted with swaying palm trees, the captivating Sinquerim beach is the best place to spend a few tranquil moments, alone or with your crazy pack. The beach offers mesmerising views of the historic Fort Aguada.

  • Famous For: Sinquerim Beach is one of the best places to visit in North Goa for watersports. It is well-known for its world-class parasailing, scuba diving, water skiing, windsurfing, and fishing amenities
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Crocodile spotting, skiing and paragliding

5. Vagator

Vagator exudes a laid-back feel while still being steeped in the rave culture. It is split into two beaches – Big Vagator and Small Vagator and is famous for its dramatic red cliffs.

  • Famous For: Vagator Beach has black rock cliffs overlooking the water. The beach was rated one of the cleanest in Goa
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Scuba diving, kayaking, and jet ski ride

6. Anjuna

Anjuna is a 30-km-long beach that features unusual rock formations and towering palm trees. Happening nightclubs, pubs, and Saturday night bazaar make it one of the most popular places to visit in Goa at night.

  • Famous For: Anjuna is famous for trance parties held on its beach
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Bumping rides, water scooters, trance parties, and flea market shopping

7. Palolem

Shaped like a beautiful crescent, the palm-fringed Palolem beach boasts of stunning views and white sand and is regarded as Goa’s finest beach. Apart from indulging in water sports and sampling authentic Goan dishes, you can engage in some retail therapy from the Tibetan market shops lining the beach. Palolem is considered to be among the best places to visit in Goa for couples to spend some quality time.

  • Famous For: Palolem Beach offers an opportunity of a lifetime to spot the Dolphins from a cruise
  • Location: South Goa
  • Top Activities: Swimming, attending a yoga class, dolphin spotting, and partying at a silent disco

8. Arambol

Arambol counts among the gorgeous beaches in Goa and for all the right reasons. A distinct Bohemian vibe and a string of budget accommodation options add to the popularity of the place.

  • Famous For: Arambol Beach is also famous for the sweet water lagoon or lake that is located at the end of the adjacent beach
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Attend a night party, yoga and meditation session, paragliding, kite surfing, and sunbathing

9. Agonda

A hidden gem, Agonda is an unspoiled scenic beach located in the southern region and certainly counts among the less-crowded beaches in Goa. The beach witnesses fewer crowds and is ideal for swimming, sunbathing or simply lazing around.

  • Famous For: Agonda Beach is perfect for swimming and chilling
  • Location: South Goa
  • Top Activities: Swimming and beach walking

10. Morjim

Its natural beauty notwithstanding, Morjim beach is mainly popular as a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles that can be seen here in large numbers. It is also a great place to spot various species of birds.

  • Famous For:  Morjim is renowned as the nesting place for Olive Ridley turtles
  • Location: North Goa
  • Top Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, boating, and swimming

11. Butterfly

A secluded wonder, Butterfly Beach is among the most beautiful but less exploited beaches in Goa. You can find a variety of butterfly species on this beach. The beach is accessible only by boats as no roadways wind up to it.

  • Famous For: Enclosed by a thick forest on one side and leading to the open sea on the other, the beach has a unique and picturesque landscape
  • Location: South Goa
  • Top Activities: Canoeing, boat riding, snorkelling and kayaking

12. Colva

Fringed with coconut trees, Colva is a serene beach that exhibits a unique charm of its own. The colourful fishing boats bobbing on the water add to the quaint beauty of the beach. This picturesque beach is one of the best places in Goa to visit for photography.

  • Famous For: The 2.5 km long beach is known for its powdery white sands flanked by swaying coconut trees that add to its beauty
  • Location: South Goa
  • Top Activities: Candle-light dinners, swimming, parasailing, banana boat ride, and water scooter

13. Baina Beach

Baina is a coastal gem in Goa, offering a perfect blend of sandy shores, azure waters, and a lively atmosphere. With its pristine beaches and a plethora of water sports activities, Baina attracts tourists from far and wide.

  • Famous For: This crescent-shaped beach lies between the Zuari Nagar hills on the right and the Dabolim plateau to the left. Baina Beach is famed as the site of India’s first-ever underwater sea walk.
  • Location: South Goa
  • Top Activities: Water sports, Explore the Japanese Garden, Visit the St. Andrew’s Church

14. Varca Beach

One who is looking forward to a tranquil and romantic holiday in Goa, far from the clamour of the tourists even during the peak season, the Varca Beach in Goa is a perfect pick. It also offers a utopian nature for people who seek meditation and yoga. Varca can be among the peaceful places to visit in Goa with friends. Down the shore, amidst the whispering palm grove, Varca Beach is dotted with exotic spa resorts where one can spend some idealistic and rejuvenating moments.

  • Famous For: Picturesque beach known for its calm waters, wooden fishing boats & food vendors
  • Location: South Goa
  • Top Activities: Water sports and Nightlife

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