Fares to India follow a clear yearly pattern, driven by festivals, school holidays abroad and the weather in India. Knowing it helps you pick the right dates.
The pattern at a glance
| Months | Demand | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-December to early January | Very high | Christmas, New Year and wedding season. The most expensive time to fly. |
| Mid-January to March | Medium | Good weather in most of India, with fares easing after New Year. |
| April to June | Medium to high | Hot in much of India. Fares rise as summer holidays approach. |
| July and August | High | Summer holidays in the UK, USA and Canada. Monsoon season in India. |
| September to early November | Lower | Often the best value, but Diwali (October or November) causes a spike. |
Ways to pay less
- Avoid the peak weeks if you can: the second half of December, the week of Diwali, and the start of summer holidays abroad.
- Be flexible by a few days. Midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare one-stop flights. Routes via the Gulf, Europe or Southeast Asia are frequently cheaper than nonstops.
- Search nearby airports. In the UK, compare London Heathrow and Gatwick with Manchester and Birmingham. In the US, compare JFK and Newark.
- Consider an open-jaw trip. Flying into one Indian city and out of another can save money and backtracking.
- Book early for peak dates. For December and Diwali, three to four months ahead is sensible.
- Check the total price. Include baggage, seat selection and any payment fees before comparing fares.
Region-by-region notes
- From the UK: London has the widest choice, including nonstop flights to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Regional airports usually connect via the Gulf or Europe.
- From the USA and Canada: nonstop flights are long, about 13 to 17 hours, and can be pricey. One-stop options can cut the fare noticeably.
- From Australia: nonstop flights to Delhi exist, but one-stop routes via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok are often cheaper.
- From the Gulf: there are many short flights to cities across India. Fares rise around Eid, Onam and the summer holidays.
Start searching
Compare fares on flights to India, or go straight to popular routes like London to Delhi, New York to Delhi or Toronto to Delhi.
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