Travelling to India from the UK is always special — whether it’s for a family vacation package, a long overdue solo trip, or to explore the cultural roots we proudly call home. But what if the same trip could be cheaper, calmer, and just as rewarding? That’s the magic of travelling during India’s shoulder seasons — the sweet spot between high and low tourist periods.
Let’s explore when to go, what to expect, and how you can make the most of your journey, including tips on budget travel India, affordable hotel bookings, and finding cheap flights UK to India.
Inshorts
Best off-peak months for UK travellers to India: April–June and September–early October
Airfares and hotel prices drop by 20–30% compared to winter months, making it easier to find cheap flights UK to India and affordable holiday packages UK
Weather: Cooler in hills (April–June), Fresh and green post-monsoon (Sept–Oct)
Ideal for families, students, and professionals looking to save money and avoid crowds with budget travel India options
Fewer tourists = easier bookings and more authentic local experiences
Great time for festive travel — Navratri, Durga Puja, early Diwali celebrations
Popular off-peak destinations: Goa, Kerala, Himachal, Sikkim, and Coorg
Tip: Fly midweek and use regional airports for extra savings
Understanding India’s Travel Seasons
India’s peak tourist season is between October and March, when the weather is cool and dry — perfect for sightseeing in Delhi, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Goa. This is when airfares and hotel prices are highest due to huge demand.
Then comes the off-season, mainly during the monsoon months of July to September, when some parts of India face heavy rains. But between these two extremes lies the most rewarding time of all — the shoulder season.
The shoulder season usually stretches from April to June (spring-summer) and September to early October (post-monsoon). This is when crowds thin out and travel costs drop sharply, yet you still get decent weather and vivid local experiences without battling traffic or queues.
This is the best off-peak travel time UK to India to find budget-friendly guided tours in India and eco-friendly travel packages India 2025.
Why These Months Are a Hidden Gems
Pocket-friendly flights and stays
Airlines and hotels reduce prices to attract travellers during shoulder months. UK–India round trips can be 20–30% cheaper compared to December or January, offering some of the cheapest flights from UK to India 2025.Manageable weather
April–June is hot in the plains but comfortable in the hills. This is a great time to visit Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, or Uttarakhand.
September–October, on the other hand, brings post-monsoon freshness — ideal for Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Goa. You’ll get lush greenery, fewer tourists, and fantastic room deals.Authentic local experiences
Without the tourist rush, you’ll find local people more relaxed and communities more open to interactions. Markets, temples, and cafes are less crowded, letting you enjoy India’s slower side — something you rarely get during peak months.Festival perks
September–October is also the festive season in India — with Navratri, Durga Puja, and Diwali approaching. You can enjoy the traditional excitement, local food, and vibrant décor, without the full chaos of December tourism.
Ideal Shoulder Season Picks by Region for UK to India
North India:
April–June is perfect for Shimla, Manali, Leh-Ladakh, and Nainital. Great mountain weather and fewer domestic tourists early in the season. Family-friendly accommodation in India near Delhi is also easier to book during this time.South India:
September–October shines for Kerala backwaters, Coorg, and Pondicherry, washed clean and fragrant after the rains.West India:
Goa’s shoulder months (June and September) are lush, peaceful, and budget-friendly. Hotels offer discounts up to 40%, and waterfalls like Dudhsagar are at their best.East India:
September–October is ideal for Darjeeling, Sikkim, and Odisha, as monsoons fade and skies clear.
Go for Connected Stopover Flights to Save Money
When flying from the UK to India, opting for connected flights can be a smart way to reduce travel costs. Instead of booking a direct flight, consider flights with stopovers or multi-city routes. These options often come with lower fares and give you the chance to explore a new city during your journey.
Many airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways, offer stopover flights that allow you to break your trip with a stay in their hub cities like Dubai, Singapore, Doha (where doha offers free city tours), Lisbon, Amsterdam, or Istanbul. These stopovers can turn a long-haul flight into an opportunity for a mini holiday, complete with free city tours or discounted hotel stays.
Using flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you find the best connected flight options. Just be sure to check visa requirements and layover durations — some stopovers last only a few hours, while others can span several days. Also, keep in mind that some countries require visas even for short stopovers, so checking this at the beginning of your planning is crucial.
By choosing connected flights, you not only save money but also add an exciting new city to your travel itinerary, making your trip even more rewarding. Don’t forget to click on the links provided by booking platforms and airlines to access special offers or email alerts for price drops and deals.
Tips to Further Maximise Savings on UK to India Flights
Book early, fly midweek: Airfares between Tuesday and Thursday are often lower.
Use flexible booking portals: Some platforms allow date adjustments for free during shoulder periods.
Avoid long weekends: Prices can temporarily spike around local holidays or school breaks.
Try regional airports: Flying into secondary airports like Kochi, Ahmedabad, or Amritsar can be cheaper than Delhi or Mumbai.
Clear your browser cookies: Sometimes, cookies turned on in your browser can affect flight prices shown. Try clearing cookies or using incognito mode to avoid blocking better deals.
Be cautious of problems accessing pages: Occasionally, websites may have loading issues or scripts blocking your access, sometimes triggered by bots or robots. Personally, I recommend using a reliable browser and ensuring javascript is enabled to avoid problems accessing flight booking pages.
Shop around different platforms: Don’t miss the chance to explore options beyond the usual sites — sometimes smaller or regional pages can offer better deals or unique stopover flights in Asia or Europe.
Consult travel agents near me for personalised advice on package holidays and travel insurance for India trip to ensure a smooth journey.
Final Thoughts
For UK travellers planning India trips, timing truly makes a difference. By choosing the off-peak windows of April–June or September–October, you get everything that makes India magical — minus the crowds and inflated rates. Whether you’re a student visiting family, a professional on a workation, or parents heading home with kids, these shoulder months give you space, savings, and serenity — the perfect blend for a meaningful journey back to the roots.
Remember, plenty of hours and days can be spent exploring a new city during stopovers, turning what might seem like a long wait into a remarkably lifelike experience of culture, cuisine, and local heat. So, plan your trip well, check your emails for updates, and enjoy every moment from the beginning to the end of your journey — personally, it makes the entire experience far more rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are UK to India multi city flights?
UK to India multi city flights allow travellers to book flights that stop in multiple cities within India or on the way to India, enabling them to explore more destinations without backtracking.
Can I include stopovers in my flight booking from the UK to India?
Yes, many airlines offer stopover flights with options to break your journey in hub cities like Dubai, Singapore, or Doha, often with perks like free city tours or discounted hotel stays.
How can I find the best deals on UK to India multi city flights?
Using flight comparison tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Kayak can help you find competitive prices. Booking midweek, clearing browser cookies, and considering regional airports can also maximize savings.
Do I need a visa for stopovers during my UK to India trip?
Visa requirements vary by country and stopover duration. Some countries require a transit visa even for short stopovers, so it’s important to check visa policies before booking.
What are the best times to travel from the UK to India to avoid crowds and save money?
The shoulder seasons—April to June and September to early October—are ideal for off-peak travel with fewer crowds, better prices on flights and hotels, and pleasant weather in many regions of India.
