Are you searching for the best time to visit Goa? Goa is a dream destination for many bachelors and college students. You open your Instagram and you are filled with memes of how planning a trip to Goa with your friends is such a difficult task! But do not worry my friends, because this article will make everything easy for you.
It has emerged as one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations because of its night-time vibe and pristine sandy beaches. In this article, I will tell you about the best time to visit and some of the cheapest things to do in Goa.
The Overall Best And Worst Time to Visit Goa
Best Time To Visit
The best times to visit Goa are usually throughout the months of November to April. This season is also known as the dry season. However, the decision to travel heavily depends on your budget and weather preferences.
Goa is located in a tropical region and has high temperatures throughout the year. But also being a coastal region, it keeps raining occasionally. Months from November to April are still hot but bearable which makes them ideal months to visit Goa to explore the place.
Over the span of these months, you will witness different festivals, carnivals, and wild parties taking over the shore. It is also the holiday season so you will find the beaches filled with tourists from all over the world.
Securing a hotel room and air ticket at a feasible price can be a bit difficult. Therefore, it is advised to research and pre-book all the tickets and make reservations beforehand.
Worst Time To Visit
In reality, there is no worse time to visit this beautiful place. However, as the months from June to August face extreme rainfall for more than 5 hours per day, there are chances of huge tides striking the beaches.
Moreover, the parks and many restaurants located near the beach are closed during these days. But if you are just looking to visit Goa with your family and for a peaceful getaway then these months are the best.
There are only locals and a few visitors during this time. So you can get access to beaches with fewer people and can experience a peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, you can also avail of discounted hotel prices and airfare tickets making it a very viable option.
Things to Do in Goa
Experience the Sunburn Festival in December
Every December, the world-famous Sunburn festival is held in Goa which is a three-day long event. It is Asia’s biggest EDM (Electronic Dance Music) festival. Musicians, DJs, and singers from all over the world come here to present their art at this stage.
Sunburn festival has a vibe that is completely out of the ordinary. Along with EDM, there is a carnival with plenty of different rides, an Open-air cinema screening some of the best blockbuster movies, Bungee jumping, zip lining, and money other adventure activities.
It is usually held in the last week of December. Due to its popularity among its peers, tickets are released approximately six months before with a starting price of INR 2,500.
If you are planning to travel with your friends or significant other then this festival should definitely make it to your itinerary. You can choose to camp out on the Vagator grounds and experience the authentic Goan “hippie” culture in full swing!
Bring Out Your Sporty Self and Engage in Various Water Sports
There are plenty of benefits if you are visiting Goa during the dry season and one of those benefits is the availability and access to different water sports at the beach. Although they are a bit expensive if you choose to purchase a combo package, it can make your whole experience worthwhile.
Some of the activities that should not be missed are kneeboarding, kayaking, scuba diving, jet skiing, flyboarding, sport fishing, and speed boating. Trust me, you will cherish these experiences forever.
Most of these sports do not require you to know swimming. However, some sports do but there is no need to worry as they do have lifejackets and lifeguards on the spot for safety.
There are different price packages for water sports at different beaches all over Goa. Here is a brief summary. The prices may vary depending on the weather and your needs:
Beach | Price |
Calangute Beach | INR 850 (per adult) |
Baga Beach | INR 720 (per adult) |
Arjuna Beach | INR 899 (per adult) |
Vagator, North Goa | INR 1599 (per adult) |
Try Your Luck at the Casinos
Goa has always been a fan favorite among people who are looking for the best casinos. It is one of those states in India where gambling is legal. So dress up like you are Carrie from the sex and the city and try your luck at one of the casinos.
Here in Goa, the casinos float on a luxury cruise in the waters with a grand setting that draws the players. There is a huge collection of games that you can enjoy with amazing food and drink with a great ambiance.
You can explore the ravishing view of the night sky from the rooftop deck and enjoy a variety of stage performances including international dancers, Bollywood and Hollywood dance acts, and more.
As it is obvious, this place is appropriate only for adults. However, they do have a separate setting for the kids as well where they can enjoy several electronic games. Here are some of the casinos and their ticket prices below:
Casino | Ticket Price |
Deltin Royale Casino | INR 2,700 |
Bug daddy Casino | INR 3,500 |
Casino Pride | INR 2,000 |
Wander the Streets of Goa Collective Bazaar
This bazaar is an initiative by the HillTop Goa. it is a vibrant little market that showcases the amazing wealth of the skills possessed by the locals. There are a variety of food stalls, unique fashion & craft brands, kids’ corners, live music, DJs, bars, and much more.
The whole setup and the execution of the bazaar are fantastic. There is plenty for everyone to do despite their age group. You can dance, eat, see, and play with people from different parts of the world.
Everything being sold at this place is just incredible and handmade. The Goa Collective Bazaar is held every Friday and the entry price is Rs.100. It is the best way to experience Goa in its utmost authentic self.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that there is no worst or best time to visit Goa. It all just depends on your travel preferences and budget. You can travel to Goa during the dry season and have access to all the major activities around town. Though, you may have to pre-book the tickets.
But if you are looking for a change of environment, then visiting during the off-season will be a great choice. You will even get a discount on flight tickets and hotel rooms.
All in all, Goa is a great destination to spend your vacation. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and visit this dream destination with your loved ones! Also, if you are still planning your vacation then there are many ‘rowdy’ places in India, each with its own charm and character that would make some perfect memories.