The best months are November to February, with daytime temperatures in the high 20s and low humidity. March to early June is hot — daily highs over 40°C are normal in May — and the climb up Mangalagiri Hill becomes punishing. The southwest monsoon (June to September) brings sticky humidity but mostly afternoon thundershowers rather than long rain.
The temple's biggest festival is Narasimha Jayanti, in April or May, when the hilltop shrine fills with pilgrims for several days and overflow accommodation in Vijayawada gets tight. The annual Brahmotsavam, in February, is a more visually striking event — daily processions of the deity around the temple in elaborate vahanams.