Weather Overview for Goa

Goa is a small coastal state that lies on the west coast in the southern half of India. It is situated in a tropical zone and so experiences a tropical climate, which is generally hot and humid with very little seasonal variation in temperature. The temperature remains between 26°C and 29°C throughout the year. Instead seasons are defined by rainfall.

Goa’s climate is characterised by two distinct seasons – the dry season from October to May and the monsoon season from June to September. Almost all of the yearly rainfall occurs during the wet season and these months can see as much as 3000mm. Rain is almost nonexistent at other times of year. Rainfall affects humidity and this greatly alters the perception of heat between the seasons.

In the monsoon season Goa is very quiet which some visitors may like, but there is a good reason for steering clear in this season. Heavy rainfall lashes the region for 3 months. It is heaviest in July. High rainfall often causes flash flooding and also pushes humidity up. The heat decreases but is made to feel just as hot as in the dry season by the increased humidity when it isn’t wet and windy.

Post-monsoon, however, is a great time as the skies clear and rainfall or even cloudy skies are almost unheard of. The last rains may not disappear until early October, but then the weather becomes perfect for a beach holiday. The months of December, January and February are probably the best time to visit Goa; you are guaranteed sunshine and humidity is at its lowest. However, it is still very hot; temperatures frequently hit the mid 30s. Night time temperatures can at this time of year go down into the mid teens – that’s very cool for this part of India! The average high is 32°C and the average low is 19°C.

From March Goa enters its pre-monsoon stage when things get hotter and more humid. This is undoubtedly the hottest time of year; while the average high is only 1°C up at 33°C, the increased humidity makes it feel much worse. Humidity gets into the 90s, which is pretty stifling.  If travelling late in this season in May, when even the average low is oppressive at 27°C, you won’t want to do much other than doze in the shade or more likely just run for the air-conditioning.

The climate of Goa is influenced by the surrounding Arabian Sea and this causes variations between the coastal and inland areas. Goa is a large area, almost 4000km². The climate described is that of the coast: where most visitors will spend their stay. Even just a short way inland, however, it can get noticeably hotter as there is no cooling sea breeze to relieve the heat. In the east there are sizeable mountains – the highest point in Goa is 1167m – and these higher regions experience cooler temperatures and more rain than the coast.