Mumbai & Maharashtra are best visited from November to March during the cool dry season. Mumbai climate is then pleasant (20-32 °C by day, 18-22 °C at night), moderate humidity (55-70%), generally clear sky, warm sea (27-28 °C). This is high tourist season but crowds remain reasonable compared to Delhi-Rajasthan or Goa.
December-February is the comfortable peak — perfect weather, festivals (Mumbai Marathon mid-January, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Mumbai first week of February one of Asia's largest arts festivals, Sufi Music Festival). November and March offer interesting compromises.
The hot humid season (April-May) is exhausting in Mumbai — 33-36 °C with 75-85% humidity. The monsoon (June-September) is particularly intense in coastal Maharashtra. Mumbai receives 2,500 mm of rain per year, one of India's wettest cities, concentrated on June-August. Urban floods are regular and sometimes catastrophic. Avoid Mumbai in July-August except seasoned travellers seeking the unique experience.
November and February-March are the best crowd-climate-rates compromises.
Read also
- Mumbai — financial megacity — Bombay, Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Bollywood, Bandra-Worli Sea Link — Asia's densest city.
- India — complete country guide — Everything to know: mandatory e-Visa, currency, regions, best time to visit.
- Goa — The neighbouring state south (1h domestic flight from Mumbai): beaches, Portuguese heritage, nightlife.
- Delhi & Rajasthan — Golden Triangle and Maharaja palaces: classic Northern alternative.