Quick answer: The best time to ride a motorcycle in India depends on the region. October to March suits most of the plains and the south, the high Himalayas (Ladakh and Spiti) open only from about June to September, and the July to September monsoon is best avoided in most places.
Key takeaways
- Ladakh and Spiti: roughly June to September. Road opening dates change every year, so always confirm them from official sources.
- Rajasthan: November to February is the most comfortable. India Loves To Ride (ILTR) does not run its Rajasthan tour in May and June because of the heat.
- Western Ghats: October to March is a good time to ride.
- Arunachal Pradesh: April to June and October to November, with the monsoon best avoided.
Month by month: where to ride in India
| Month | Himalaya (Ladakh, Spiti) | Rajasthan | Western Ghats | Arunachal Pradesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Closed by snow | Best, coldest month | Good | Cold, heavy snow can close Sela Pass |
| February | Closed by snow | Best | Good | Cold, snow possible |
| March | Closed by snow | Good, warming up | Good | Roads generally open |
| April | Closed or restricted | Hot, early starts | Hot, less suitable | Best |
| May | Opening, experienced riders only | Too hot, we do not run | Hot, less suitable | Best |
| June | Main season begins | Too hot, we do not run | Monsoon | Best, rain starts |
| July | Main season | Heaviest rain | Monsoon | Avoid, landslides |
| August | Main season, flash floods can block roads | Heavy rain | Monsoon | Avoid, landslides |
| September | Main season | Monsoon ending | Wet | Risky, rain easing |
| October | Only with a live road check | Good, warm days | Good | Best |
| November | Closed by snow | Best | Good | Best |
| December | Closed by snow | Best, cold mornings | Good | Cold, snow can close Sela Pass |
When is the best time to ride in Ladakh and Spiti?
June to September is the safest window. Travel sites that track Border Roads Organisation (BRO) announcements say the Manali–Leh road is at its best from mid-June to mid-September. The opening date moves a lot. It was reported open on 23 April in 2024 and 13 May in 2025. In 2026 the BRO connected the highway on 12 May, and two-way tourist traffic followed from 1 June. In 2025 the road closed to all vehicles on 20 November.
The Manali–Kaza road into Spiti follows a similar rhythm. In 2026 the Kunzum Pass was cleared in the second half of May. Late-season trouble is still possible: in August 2025 flash floods and snowfall briefly blocked the Manali–Leh road. Leave a spare day in your plan.
Always confirm road dates from official sources before you travel. Himachal and Ladakh roads open and close with snow, landslides and flash floods, and the dates change every year. Check with the BRO, the Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh district administrations, and local police or tourism offices. Wait a few days after any reopening announcement before you cross the high passes.
Be ready for bad weather. Himalayan weather can turn cold fast, and your hands can feel frozen on the road. Carry waterproof riding gear and always keep a backup set with you.
For routes, permits and altitude advice, read our Ladakh motorcycle trip guide, or see the Epic Himalayan Motorcycle Adventure.
When is the best time to ride in Rajasthan?
November to February is the most comfortable, with October and March close behind. ILTR runs its Royal Rajasthan tour in every month except May and June, when the heat is too much. In hot months our groups leave at 6:00 AM and rest in the afternoon. In the cold season they leave around 9:00 AM. The aim is always to reach the destination before sunset.
Fog happens only in December and January, at night, when it is cold. In the monsoon, riders carry rain gear. One September, a dust storm hit Jaisalmer and the group sheltered in a nearby establishment until it passed. The full breakdown is in our month-by-month Rajasthan guide, and you can see the Royal Rajasthan Motorcycle Tour.
When is the best time to ride in the Western Ghats?
October to March is the best time to ride in the Western Ghats. The monsoon normally reaches Kerala around 1 June and covers the whole country by about 8 July, so the wet season is best avoided on the Ghats. See the Western Ghats Motorcycle Adventure.
When is the best time to ride in Arunachal Pradesh and the North East?
April to June and October to November are the safest months. The Tawang district tourism page lists March to June and September to November as good seasons. July to September brings heavy rain, roadblocks and landslides, and passes like Sela can close for a time. In winter, snow can close the high roads.
ILTR ran a North East tour in May that crossed Sela Pass (about 13,700 ft) on motorcycles. Our Arunachal Pradesh motorcycle trip guide has the route and permits, and the Explore Untamed India page shows the tour.
Respect the people and places you ride through. In the North East, or anywhere else in the world, respect the locals and their traditions and culture. Do not get into arguments. If something does go wrong, involve the ILTR team to resolve it. Never take matters into your own hands.
Should you ride in the monsoon?
Only if you plan for it. The monsoon normally starts retreating from northwest India around 17 September and has withdrawn completely by about 15 October. Wet roads, landslides and poor visibility add real risk, so carry waterproof gear, ride shorter days and keep spare time in your plan.
FAQ
What is the best month to ride a motorcycle in India overall?
There is no single month. November is the easiest, since Rajasthan, the Western Ghats and Arunachal Pradesh are all good then. For the high Himalayas, pick June to September.
Can you ride in India all year?
Yes, but not in the same place. Himalayan roads close in winter and Rajasthan is too hot in May and June, so you move the route with the seasons.
When does the Manali–Leh highway open?
In recent years it has opened between late April and late May, depending on snow clearance. Confirm the current status from official sources such as the BRO and the district administrations before you travel.
Is the monsoon bad for motorcycle touring?
It makes most regions harder and riskier, mainly because of landslides and slippery roads. If you ride, carry rain gear and plan extra buffer days.
What should I carry for riding in the Himalayas?
Waterproof riding gear, plus a backup set, since the weather can turn cold quickly and your hands can freeze.
How should I behave when riding in the North East?
Respect the local people, traditions and culture. Avoid arguments, and if a problem comes up, bring in the ILTR team rather than handling it yourself.
Do I need permits?
Some regions do, and the rules change. Read the permit sections of our Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh guides, and foreign riders should also read our guide for foreign riders.
Plan your ride with ILTR
India Loves To Ride is a New Delhi-based motorcycle community that designs and leads its own tours. Tell us the month you can travel and we will suggest the region that suits it. Write to us at join@indialovestoride.in. Trips are customizable, so prices on our trip pages are shown as approximate cost.
Last reviewed: 28 October 2026. Road status and rules change, so check before you travel. Sources: Manali–Leh highway opening dates; Manali–Leh highway status 2026; Manali–Leh road status log; Manali–Kaza road status 2026; IMD monsoon dates, The Tribune; Tawang District, best time to visit; Best time to visit Tawang.
