Goa is the smallest state in India. It is situated in the middle of western coast of the country. Western coastal part of the state is plain. Center lies on a highland plateau while eastern edge of Goa is on foothills of mountains. The region has pronounced subequatorial climate with distinct rain and dry seasons.

Goa has mild temperature range without excessive heat or any kind of cold. Air rarely warms up higher than 33 °C (91 °F) or cools lower than 20 °C (86 °F). Even coolest nights of January are pleasantly warm, especially comparing to temperate climate. Relative air humidity is high year round, but due to closeness of the sea there is no stuffiness and overall weather is pleasant.

Seasons

Contents:

• Spring
• Summer
• Autumn
• Winter

Spring in Goa

In many countries spring is the most attractive season. In Goa it is different. Time between March and May is the hottest period of a year. At afternoon temperature usually rises to 33 °C (91 °F). Nighttime averages are gradually growing from 24 °C (75 °F) in March to 27 °C (80 °F) in May. The sea warms up from 28 °C (82 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F) through the season.

March and April are dry. First significant precipitation occurs in May with rapid growth of monthly amount of precipitation from 12 mm (0.4”) in April to 112 mm (4.4”) in May. And this is nothing comparing to summer showers during monsoon seasons.

Climate of the Spring Months

March Max average t°: +33 °C (91 °F) Min average t°: +24.5 °C (76 °F) Water t°: +28.5 °C (83 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 3 mm (0.1")

April Max average t°: +34 °C (93 °F) Min average t°: +25.5 °C (78 °F) Water t°: +29.5 °C (85 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 0.5 mm (0.02")

May Max average t°: +33 °C (91 °F) Min average t°: +26.5 °C (80 °F) Water t°: +29.5 °C (85 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 1 day Precipitation: 20 mm (0.8")

Spring Holidays

March – Goa Carnival.
April – Goa Food and Cultural festival, Lairai Zatra.
May – Goa Cashew and Coconut Fest, Holy Spirit Feast.

Summer in Goa

Summer days are windy and rainy in Goa. It is time when it rains on daily basis and strong monsoons causing significant waves on the sea. Due to abundant rainfall daily averages to 25-29 °C (77-84 °F) and the sea cools down to 28 °C (82 °F). Closeness to the sea and frequent rainfall are causing relative humidity of 100%. This isn’t the best conditions for vacationing. During July, the rainiest month of a tear, the state receives almost 1000 mm (39”) of precipitation. In addition waves are driving debris to coasts of Goa. All in all summer weather in the state is the worst.

Climate of the Summer Months

June Max average t°: +30 °C (86 °F) Min average t°: +27 °C (81 °F) Water t°: +29 °C (85 °F) Sundial in the day: 5 hours Rainy days: 24 days Precipitation: 913 mm (35.9")

July Max average t°: +29 °C (85 °F) Min average t°: +26 °C (79 °F) Water t°: +28 °C (82 °F) Sundial in the day: 4 hours Rainy days: 30 days Precipitation: 1086 mm (42.7")

August Max average t°: +29 °C (85 °F) Min average t°: +25.5 °C (78 °F) Water t°: +27 °C (81 °F) Sundial in the day: 4.5 hours Rainy days: 29 days Precipitation: 834 mm (32.8")

Summer Holidays

June – Sao Joao.
July – Chikhal Kalo.
August – Bonderam Festival.
August 15 – Independence Day.

Autumn in Goa

September is the last month of raging monsoons, though amount of precipitation is roughly three times lower than at the beginning of rainy season. In first autumn month temperature grows a bit, but nights become cooler due to breezes. In October there is only around one rainy week. Later in this month tourist season begins.

But it is better to schedule a visit to Goa for November when all remains of rainy seasons are already removed from beaches and weather is finally completely dry. There are only two rainy days in last month of autumn. The sea is as warm as always.

Climate of the Autumn Months

September Max average t°: +30.5 °C (87 °F) Min average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Water t°: +27.5 °C (82 °F) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 13 days Precipitation: 16 mm (0.6")

October Max average t°: +33 °C (91 °F) Min average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Water t°: +28.5 °C (83 °F) Sundial in the day: 8.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 6 mm (0.2")

November Max average t°: +34 °C (93 °F) Min average t°: +24 °C (76 °F) Water t°: +29 °C (84 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 2 mm (0.08")

Autumn Holidays

September – Ganesh Chaturthi.
October – Dussehra.
November – Diwali, Tripurari Poornima.
November 14 – Children Day.

Winter in Goa

Winter is the best time to go to Goa. Along with plenty of winter celebrations it offers great weather. Daily temperature ranges between 20 °C (68 °F) at night and around 31 °C (88 °F) at afternoon. Daytime heat is eased by light sea winds and the air is dry. Evenings bring pleasant warmth and the sea is cooler than usually with around 26 °C (79 °F). Sun shines for 10 hours day, so respective precaution measures are necessary. Sunscreen and good old hat will provide enough protection from sunburns.

Climate of the Winter Months

December Max average t°: +33.5 °C (92 °F) Min average t°: +23.5 °C (74 °F) Water t°: +28 °C (82 °F) Sundial in the day: 10 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 6.5 mm (0.3")

January Max average t°: +33 °C (91 °F) Min average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Water t°: +27.5 °C (81 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 0.1 mm (0.01")

February Max average t°: +33 °C (91 °F) Min average t°: +23.5 °C (74 °F) Water t°: +27.7 °C (82 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 0 days Precipitation: 0.3 mm (0.01")

Winter Holidays

December – St. Francis Xavier’s feast, Immaculate Conception Feat, Datta Jayanti, Christmas.
January – Feast of Three Kings.
January 26 – Republic Day Celebration.
February – Grape Escapade, Shigmotsav/Gulalotsav Festival.