Kaziranga National Park, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated in the Nagaon and Golaghat districts of Assam. This esteemed national park is a prominent tourist destination, particularly known for its diverse wildlife, including the iconic Indian one-horned rhinoceros. Kaziranga experiences a tropical climate, making summer and winter the most suitable seasons for wildlife tours. While summer days can be hot and humid, the nights are generally mild. However, visiting during the monsoon season is not advisable, as the Brahmaputra River floods the park, which remains closed to visitors from June 1st to September 30th.
• Kaziranga National Park is open to tourists from October 1st to May 30th each year, providing ample opportunities to experience its wildlife safari. The park remains closed to all tourism activities during the rest of the year due to the rainy season. The heavy rainfall in the region leads to flooding in the Kaziranga forest, as much of the parkland is situated on and around the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.
• When the park reopens for tourism in October, the climate is notably pleasant. The recent conclusion of the monsoon season leaves the forest with a lush green cover and abundant water bodies, enhancing its natural beauty. The period from November to mid-December is particularly favorable, offering pleasant weather conditions, making it an ideal time to visit.
• From November to May, the park is accessible during designated visiting hours, and the weather remains moderate and enjoyable throughout these months. While the winter season does bring colder temperatures, particularly during its peak, the climate is generally mild and comfortable. Visitors should exercise caution during the winter, but overall, the atmosphere is mild and pleasant.
• The winter season in Kaziranga extends from December to February, with cold yet enjoyable weather. The period from mid-December to mid-January is the coldest, and while it is not overly harsh, visitors sensitive to cold weather should bring warm woolen clothing and other essentials. Outside of this peak winter period, the cold remains manageable, allowing for an enjoyable visit without the need for extensive preparations.
March and April bring the spring season to Kaziranga, characterized by moderate weather. While the days may feel slightly warm, temperatures cool down as evening approaches. Tourism activity tends to increase during these months, as the pleasant weather requires less preparation and fewer items compared to the colder season. Many tourists consider November, February, and April the ideal months to visit Kaziranga, as they offer a balance between comfort and favorable conditions, avoiding the harsh cold. However, those who enjoy colder weather can still find delight in visiting Kaziranga during December and January.
The monsoon season in Kaziranga National Park typically intensifies from June to September, characterized by heavy rainfall that leads to significant flooding, particularly from the Brahmaputra River. As a result, the park is closed during this period. The onset of monsoon in June brings substantial rainfall, with the region receiving an average of 2,220 mm (87 inches) by the end of September. This excessive rainfall often causes severe flooding, submerging approximately three-quarters of the park's western region. Consequently, this period is not ideal for visiting Kaziranga for wildlife holidays.
[Please note that the dates mentioned above regarding the opening and closure of Kaziranga National Park are subject to last-minute changes depending on the prevailing weather conditions.]