GOA WEATHER, CLIMATE
AND HOLIDAY INFORMATION
Goa Tourist Overview
Goa is India's smallest state, located
in West India in the region of Konkan. The state is divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Goa
was a Portuguese province until 1961 and it is now India's richest state. Therefore,
Goa residents enjoy a better quality of life and good infrastructure.
Goa’s main industry is tourism, as it is a popular destination
for domestic and international tourists. This is due to its beautiful beaches
and weather. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In Winter,
tourists from abroad come to Goa to enjoy the climate. In Summer, tourists from
across India come to enjoy the cooler Monsoon weather. Take a look at the climate profiles for Goa for a better understanding of the seasonal variations in Goa's climate.
Goa Weather and Climate
Goa's climate is predominately influenced by the surrounding
Arabian Sea. However, coastal areas tend to be much cooler than area's further
inland therefore it is advised to take this into account when choosing where to
stay - as this weather map for Goa shows.
From the months of June to September, Goa has
a tropical monsoon climate and is hot and humid. Goa's temperatures
range between lows of 14°C to highs of 30°C during
these months. Rainfall has been recorded to range between 172 mm and 693 mm.
July tends to be the wettest month of the year and you can expect to see rain
or drizzle falling on 28 of these days. During this time Goa is very humid
(approximately 90% humidity) and evening temperatures rarely drop below 24°C.
The ideal time to visit Goa is between October and May.
Temperatures range between lows of 16°C to highs of
33°C. The driest months are between December and March, as there is 0mm of
rainfall. During these months, Goa is still very humid (approximately 73%
humidity) and evening temperatures rarely drop below a comfortable 20°C.
Goa Holiday and Tourist Information
Accommodation
Goa has an array of accommodation for all needs. Whether you
are planning on a budget, or looking for a more up market place to stay, Goa
has a range of hotels, resorts and guest houses to suit your needs.
Goa beaches
*The long and isolated stretch of Agonda Beach (South Goa) is ideal for
those looking to escape the commercial tourism. Angona beach is quiet and
relatively uncrowned, despite some souvenir stalls and restaurants. It has
simple huts on the beach, available for rent.
*Anjuna Beach (North Goa) represents the hippy legacy. Curlies is a very
popular spot, at the southern end of the beach. Most of the shacks close by
midnight because of sound restrictions, but at the northern end of the beach,
some shacks stay open all night. Anjuna Beach's famous Paradiso Disco is also
located there.
*Varca, Cavelossim & Morbor (in South Goa) are pristine
fishing beaches. Goa’s luxury resorts are located here. There are a few beach
shacks, water sports, and local vendors, but the beaches remain clean with
white sand. Most of the nightlife is located at the resorts. Visitors can look
forward to live music, cultural performances, and casinos.
*Patnem Beach (South Goa) is a small, quiet beach. It is located between
two cliffs and it is an ideal place to relax. The beach has a range of gorgeous
huts, with private bathrooms.
*Mandrem, Morjim, & Asvem beaches host trendy bars and
resorts. The area also has a number of yoga retreats. The beaches are
known for their protected turtle population.
*Benaulim Beach
(South Goa) is known for its fishing industry, it is a beautiful stretch of
beach. Water sports and dolphin sightseeing trips are popular here. Although
the beach can get a little crowded at peak times, in December.
Goa Tourist attractions
*The Anjuna flea market is held every Wednesday from morning
until evening, except during the monsoon
season, on the southern end of Anjuna Beach. The market hosts over 500 stalls,
and is still growing! The stalls display a huge variety of goods but you must
negotiate to get a bargain!
*Old Goa was once the Portuguese capital of Goa India.
Today, Old Goa is known for its grand churches and cathedrals. Some of the
buildings have become museums now. It is worth visiting the famous Convent and
Church of Saint Francis of Assisi.
*Goa is home to an array of birds and animals. It is
definitely worth visiting the main wildlife sanctuaries: Bhagwan Mahvir and
Cotigao.
*Visit Goa’s spice plantations around Ponda. Goa's tropical
climate and dense forests makes it ideal for growing spices. The spice farms
are open to visitors and you can enjoy a guided tour and spicy lunch there.( http://www.myweather2.com/Holiday-Destinations/India/Ponda).
Travel Awards for Goa
In 2012, Goa was awarded with the 'Value Destination (India)'
and 'Best Destination for Relaxation (India)' and Runners-Up of 'Best Food
Destination(India)' and 'Best Family Destination(India)' by the Lonely Planet
Magazine India.
In 2011, Goa received the following awards:
* 'Best State' for Beach Tourism from the Safari India
National Tourism.
*'Best City to Travel To' in India by the CNBC Awaaz Travel
Awards.
*'Favourite Winter Destination' by the Outlook Traveller
Awards
* 'Best Wedding
Destination' (India) and 'Best Family
Destination' (India) and Runners-Up for 'Best Party Destination' (India) and 'Best
Honeymoon Destination' (India) by Travel Plus Leisure India and South Asia.