Haridwar has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is from October to March, when temperatures are comfortable for walking the ghats and visiting temples. Winters (December–February) can be cold at night — temperatures occasionally drop near freezing — but days are pleasant and clear.
April and May bring intense heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C; the city remains busy with pilgrims but is uncomfortable for sightseeing. The monsoon arrives in June or July and brings welcome relief from the heat, but the Ganges rises significantly and can affect access to some ghats. The forest in Rajaji National Park is lush during and after the monsoon.
Key events: The Kumbh Mela comes to Haridwar every twelve years (next in 2034), drawing tens of millions of pilgrims over several weeks — the city essentially transforms. The Ardh Kumbh (half-Kumbh) takes place every six years. The Kanwar Mela in July–August brings millions of Shiva devotees who collect Ganges water to carry to temples across northern India. During these events, accommodation is extremely scarce and prices skyrocket; book well in advance or avoid altogether unless you are genuinely interested in the spectacle.