Geographical location
Short for GOI by abbreviationfinder, Goa is located in the southwest of India and is the smallest Indian state with an area of 3702 square kilometers and around 1.5 million inhabitants. The population density is about twice as high as in Germany, with an average of 394 people living in an area of one square kilometer.
The capital of Goa is Panaji, which the Portuguese also called Nova Goa. Goa was a Portuguese colony for around 450 years, and the influences in architecture and cultural imprinting cannot be denied to this day. Above all the church “Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception” is an impressive testimony to colonial history, many locals in the region around Goa are Catholics.
Goa has large areas of forest that take up around 40 percent of the total area and are predominant in the highlands. In the low-lying areas on the coast, the vegetation had to give way to the heavy settlement, but the region is still considered to be relatively natural and is still a retreat for many rare animal species.
In addition to over 400 different species of birds, various mammals are also native to the west coast of India. Several species of cats (e.g. civet) and various types of monkeys (especially langurs) live in the forests around Goa. With a little luck, sambar deer, sloth bears and porcupines can also be seen in the denser forest areas of the region.
Goa is one of the most important travel destinations in India, tourism developed especially in the late 1960s through a pronounced hippie movement. The term “Goa party” is still a household word, but a completely normal beach tourism has long since developed on the coast, high-class hotels and resorts are now available for a relaxing beach holiday.
Climate in Goa
The Indian Goa has a tropical climate, which is mainly determined by the monsoons. The rainy season in the region is from June to September. During this period, over 2500 mm of rain falls, in July alone up to 922 mm pours in just 31 days. In the mountain regions, the amount of precipitation can even triple during the rainy season.
During this time, temperatures range between 28 and 32 ° C. At the end of September the rainy season ends slowly, the weather becomes drier and more pleasant. Another decisive factor is the considerable drop in humidity, which then levels off at around 60% at an elevated but tolerable level. However, the first half of October remains changeable for most of the years.
The dry season in Goa follows from late October to April. The temperatures rise to up to 34 ° C. There is usually no precipitation during this time. The hottest month is May With average daily values between 33 and 35 degrees in the shade, towards the middle of the month the strongly increasing humidity heralds the change to the monsoon season (from June).
When to go to Goa
The tropical climate and the influences of the monsoons largely determine the best travel time in Goa. A trip to Goa is highly recommended between November and April. The dry season is much more comfortable for travelers than the rainy season. The temperatures are perfect for a beach holiday, the weather is sunny and there is almost no rain, especially between December and April.
During this travel time you can count on around 10 hours of sunshine a day and the beautiful beaches around Goa show themselves in all their glory. At the end of the drying time, the humidity rises again noticeably. For Europeans, the humid, hot air in May is almost unbearable.
From June onwards the heavy rains begin, which usually end in late September or early October. This monsoon season in Goa is only recommended as a travel time for experienced India travelers, as the cityscape can be characterized by sometimes heavy flooding and the actually relaxed beach atmosphere and the popular nightlife of Goa are not to be found, some hotels even close completely.
Temperatures, precipitation, sunshine in Panjim (Goa)
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
| Daytime temperature | 32 ° C | 32 ° C | 33 ° C | 33 ° C | 33 ° C | 30 ° C | 29 ° C | 29 ° C | 30 ° C | 31 ° C | 33 ° C | 33 ° C |
| Night temperature | 20 ° C | 20 ° C | 23 ° C | 25 ° C | 26 ° C | 24 ° C | 24 ° C | 24 ° C | 24 ° C | 24 ° C | 22 ° C | 20 ° C |
| Water temperature | 27 ° C | 27 ° C | 28 ° C | 29 ° C | 29 ° C | 28 ° C | 27 ° C | 27 ° C | 27 ° C | 28 ° C | 28 ° C | 27 ° C |
| Precipitation in mm | 1 | 0 | 1 | 13 | 93 | 870 | 922 | 527 | 253 | 121 | 35 | 10 |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 27 | 13 | 14 | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Hours of sunshine | 10 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
| Sunrise | 7:05 | 7:00 | 6:45 | 6:20 | 6:05 | 6:05 | 6:10 | 6:20 | 6:25 | 6:25 | 6:35 | 6:55 |
| Sunset | 18:25 | 18:40 | 18:45 | 18:50 | 18:55 | 19:05 | 19:10 | 19:00 | 18:35 | 18:15 | 18:00 | 18:05 |
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Panjim is 27.2 ° C. For comparison: Munich reaches an average of 8.6 ° C, in Berlin it is 9.6 ° C. The warmest month is May (29.8 ° C), coldest month of January with mean values of 25.9 ° C. The maximum water temperature in Panjim is 29 ° C. Comfortable bathing is possible at these temperatures. All months have a water temperature of at least 21 ° C and are therefore suitable for a beach holiday.
Precipitation
The annual precipitation is 2846 mm on 90 days with precipitation. For comparison: In Munich, 967 mm, in Berlin 570 mm, precipitation is measured annually. The months of June, July, August and September are considered the rainy season, as more than 175 mm of precipitation can be expected per month. Overall, about 2572 mm of precipitation can be expected in the rainy season. You cannot expect snow in any month in Panjim.
Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 10.3 hours of sunshine per day. On average over the year the sun shines for 7.8 hours per day. For comparison: In Munich and Berlin, the sun shines an average of 4.7 hours per day throughout the year.
Cities nearby
The following larger towns are nearby and have a similar climate: Vasco da Gama.
Highlights and attractions
One of the most famous beaches in the region is Agonda Beach, it is considered the most beautiful beach in Goa. In Canacona you will find the picturesque Palolem Beach, which is especially suitable for relaxation. An insider tip is Mandrem Beach in the town of the same name, which is particularly suitable for families and couples looking for peace and relaxation.
Incidentally, free-range cows are part of the Indian beach scene, they are a popular photo motif, but do not interfere with holiday fun. How do you say it so beautifully: Different countries, different customs! In Panaji you should definitely visit the Basilica of Bon Jesus, one of the cultural highlights of the capital. Nature lovers should plan a tour to the Dudhsagar waterfalls and a trip to the Bhagwan Mahavir nature reserve.
Goa weather in March, April and May
Daily temperatures averaging 33 ° C can be expected over the next three months. The temperatures hardly fluctuate during this time.
Do you want to go on a beach holiday? The water temperatures are in March, April and May 28-29 ° C. This is great weather for a great time on the beach and in the water.
You can expect about 0 days of rainfall in March, about one day in April and about 4 days in May.
In the period from March to May, the sun shines an average of 9 to 10 hours a day. The sunniest weather in Panjim is in April, but with a little less sun you have to get by in March.
