Best Time To Visit Gir National Park

Best Time to Visit Gir National Park

Gir National Park is located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, which has a subtropical climate. Gir National Park, too, experiences a tropical climate, fluctuating between hot and cool conditions throughout the year. The period from April to June is marked by intense heat, with temperatures often rising significantly. Conversely, from November to February, the weather remains cool and pleasant, making it the peak season for tourists. December, in particular, sees notably cold conditions in the national park, contributing to its popularity among visitors during this time. 

Detailed Seasonal Overview to Visit Gir 

• Peak Seasons - Winter and Early Summer 

• Off Season - Late Summer and Monsoon

Winter Season (November to February): The winter season is considered the best time to visit Gir National Park. During this period, the temperature ranges from 10°C to 22°C, creating pleasant weather conditions for wildlife exploration. The cool air, clear skies, and active wildlife make winter the perfect time for safaris. The months of October, November and February are the most comfortable as the temperature remains neither too cold nor too hot. Winter is considered the peak tourist season in Gir, and hence, an advance booking of safari is highly recommended. 

Coldest Month: January

Summer Season (March to June): Summers in Gir can be harsh, with temperatures rising between 29°C and 42°C. Although the afternoons can be scorching, mornings and late evenings are still good for spotting wildlife, as animals often gather around water bodies to escape the heat. The early summer weather in March is endurable, but from April onwards till July, the temperature increases and the afternoon safaris are challenging. However, there are fair chances of wildlife sightings. Hence, the peak summer months are considered the shoulder season for Gir wildlife tourism.

Hottest Month: May

Monsoon Season (July to October): The monsoon season brings significant rainfall to Gir, and the park remains closed from mid-June to mid-October. However, the Devaliya Safari Park remains open during the monsoon season, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience a limited safari. This special enclosure allows tourists to see lions and other wildlife species in a more controlled environment, making it a good alternative during the rainy months. The sanctuary is lush with greenery during this time, but wildlife activity is less predictable, making the Devaliya safari an excellent option for a brief encounter.

Wettest Month: August

Climatic Conditions in Gir National Park

Needless to mention, just like most of the national parks in India, the most comfortable time to visit is during the winter season when temperatures are mild, and wildlife is more active. The summer months bring higher temperatures, but the likelihood of spotting wildlife near water sources increases, making the visit rewarding. The monsoon season sees heavy rainfall, which rejuvenates the forest but restricts safaris, except for the Devaliya Park.

Here is a monthly breakdown of a rough estimate of temperature changes in Gir National Park.

Month	Min Temperature	Max Temperature
January	10°C	22°C
February	15°C	24°C
March	18°C	28°C
April	22°C	35°C
May	26°C	42°C
June	27°C	39°C
July	24°C	33°C
August	24°C	31°C
September	23°C	32°C
October	21°C	34°C
November	15°C	27°C
December	12°C	24°C

The best time to visit Gir National Park is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool, and the wildlife is easy to spot. The best part of the safari in Gir is that it is conducted throughout the year. During the monsoon, Devaliya Safari Park remains open, offering an alternative when safari in Gir is discontinued.