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Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is an interesting destination for those who wish to explore ancient temples, rich culture, and vibrant traditions. Bhubaneswar is also called the Temple City of India. It has a blend of historical monuments, lush green spaces, and modern amenities. The city has something for everyone who comes here for spirituality, history, or nature all year round. However, to make the most of your visit, it is essential to know the best time to visit Bhubaneswar.

In this article, we will guide you through the best time to visit Bhubaneswar and explain how the weather, festivals, and local events play a crucial role in shaping your experience of Bhubaneswar tourism.

Bhubaneswar is hot and tropical, so this region witnesses three seasons: summer, rainy, or monsoon, and winter. The climatic conditions can differ much according to the time of year one wishes to visit Bhubaneswar.

The next section discusses each of the seasons that Bhubaneswar encounters and their impact on travel to Bhubaneswar.

The winter season is said to be the best time to visit Bhubaneswar by many. The cool, dry, and pleasant climatic condition between October and February comprises the most comfortable days for outdoor attractions and historical sites within the city.

Pleasant Weather: Winter temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C, which is quite suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The cool evening time is very apt for a walk around Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden, or Lingaraj Temple, or Khandagiri Caves.

Ideal for temple visits: Bhubaneswar is famous for its ancient temples. The cooler weather of the winter season is thus more amenable to the visitation of places like Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswara Temple, and Rajarani Temple by tourists who may otherwise not enjoy the discomfort of heat.

Festivals and Events: Winter is the season when most of the festivals and cultural events occur in Bhubaneswar. For instance, Durga Puja, which occurs in October or November, is celebrated with much pomp and show in Bhubaneswar. The city is decorated with beautiful decorations, and various cultural performances take place.

Outdoor: You can do a lot with good weather conditions, like sightseeing the local nature spots- Nandankanan Zoological Park or enjoy a day-excursion to the nearby Puri Beach and the Konark Sun Temple, so easily accessible by road from Bhubaneswar.

In Bhubaneswar, the summer season always falls within the period of March to June. The hottest months are April and May, when temperatures often touch the scorching 40°C mark (104°F), making it very hot and humid, especially during afternoons.

Summer is hot. At such times, it is nearly impossible to see places outdoors, say, visiting temples or historical sites, which may demand a long queue of walking.

Humidity: The humid climate during summer may not allow one to be outside for much time, particularly if you're not used to such tropical climate conditions.

Outdoor Activities: Even though the hot sun may refrain one from long tours to places like Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves or Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden, one can always visit Odisha State Museum that is air-conditioned or can shop locally at Bapuji Nagar market.

Early Risers: If you are keen to visit in summer, it would be great to visit all the tourist spots early in the morning as the sun does not become that harsh and temperature also decreases a little.

Festival Enthusiasts: If you enjoy celebrating festivals, Rath Yatra of Puri is an event worth seeing that falls during June or July. That is also one reason for visiting the place during summer.

Monsoon in Bhubaneswar starts from June and extends till September. During the summer months, the town experiences heavy rain showers. July and August are the two wettest months.

Heavy Rainfall: The frequent rain showers may dampen your sightseeing and discourage outdoor activity. Moreover, it could be an inconvenience for those planning to visit the Nandankanan Zoo or take a walk around the Lingaraj Temple complex.

Humidity and Mud: Besides that, the humidity and wet conditions make outdoor excursions less enjoyable, particularly for people who are not fond of muddy tracks and swampy ground.

Limited Outdoor Activities: Heavy rainfall might limit your visit to nature places like Puri Beach or Konark, and some temples or caves would become slippery, which would be dangerous to opt for a trip.

Nature lovers : The monsoon does bring a fresh spurt of green to this region, and if you are fond of lush landscapes, this is a great time to see places like Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden or Nandankanan when the surroundings are lush and refreshing.

This might be off season, so some hotels may price their rooms even lower, along with fewer crowding in several attractions, as you can slow down and actually enjoy Bhubaneswar major tourist spots.

Although one can visit Bhubaneswar at any time of the year, the maximum tourist traffic is seen between October to February due to the pleasant climatic conditions during this time. So if you want to avoid large crowds, you can visit the city during the shoulder seasons of late September or early March. During these months, the climate is mild, tourism is low, and so are the crowds.

For Temple Visits: The peak season to see the popular Bhubaneswar temples, which include Lingaraj Temple, Mukteswara Temple, and Rajarani Temple is during the cooler winter months October to February so that you will be able to visit these pious places very comfortably.

Bhubaneswar also hosts various cultural events throughout the year. It is a must-visit in the winter for those interested in local art, dance, and traditions. For example, there are Durga Puja (October), Makar Sankranti (January), and the Mukteswar Dance Festival (December) that are done with great celebrations, performances, and vibrant cultural exhibitions.

For Nature and Wildlife: If you’re interested in enjoying nature and wildlife at places like Nandankanan Zoological Park, Ekamra Kanan Botanical Garden, or Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, the best time is during the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities.

The best time to visit Bhubaneswar is from October to February, the winter season. During this period, the climate is cool and pleasant, so one can sightsee, visit temples, or go out. It is also a great period for tourism because there are numerous festivals, cultural events, and lively celebrations taking place all over the city.

While summer (March to June) can be too hot and humid for comfortable outdoor exploration, and monsoon (July to September) may bring rain that limits outdoor activities, both seasons have their own unique experiences to offer for travelers who enjoy fewer crowds or enjoy lush green landscapes.

So, plan your trip to Bhubaneswar during the winter season for the best travel experience, and immerse yourself in the city's rich history, culture, and natural beauty!