January
Dry seasonCool, clear days
- Feast of the Three Kings (6 Jan) at Reis Magos, Cansaulim and Chandor
- Food and Cultural Festival, Margao (Goa Tourism, tentative)
- Cashew harvest begins late in the month
Goa right now
There’s Always Something Happening in Goa
From village celebrations and traditional festivals to markets, food, music and cultural gatherings, Goa’s calendar changes with the seasons.
A year in Goa
Goa Month by Month
Weather, festivals and seasonal highlights for every month. The current month is highlighted.
February
Dry seasonWarm and sunny
- Goa Carnival parades in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and more
- Shiv Jayanti (19 Feb)
- Peak season for beaches and markets
March
SummerGetting hotter
- Shigmo float parades across Goa
- Cashew and urrak season in the villages
April
SummerHot, humid
- Heritage Festival, Saligao (tentative)
- Spirit of Goa Festival, Colva (tentative)
- Mango and jackfruit season
May
SummerHot, pre-monsoon
- Village temple zatras
- Quieter beaches and good stay value
- Last month for many beach shacks
June
MonsoonMonsoon arrives
- Sao Joao (24 Jun), especially in Siolim
- Paddy planting begins
- Sea swimming unsafe; enjoy the green
July
MonsoonHeavy rain
- Chikhal Kalo mud festival, Marcel
- Waterfalls and monsoon walks with guides
August
MonsoonRain and sun
- Bonderam on Divar (fourth Saturday)
- Ganesh Chaturthi (date varies, Aug–Sep)
September
MonsoonMonsoon eases
- Green landscapes at their best
- Wellness and slow stays
October
Dry seasonSeason opens
- Dudhsagar reopens for authorised visits
- Shacks and cruises restart
- Deepotsav, Porvorim (tentative)
November
Dry seasonPleasant
- Narkasur effigies on Diwali eve
- IFFI film festival, Panaji
- Anjuna and Arpora markets restart
December
Dry seasonPeak season
- Feast of St Francis Xavier (3 Dec), Old Goa
- Christmas stars and carols
- Ramponkaranche Fest, Arambol (tentative)
Dates marked tentative follow Goa Tourism’s published festival calendar for 2026–27. Festival dates, venues and programmes can change, so we confirm them with organisers before you plan around them.
Every week
Goa’s Weekly Markets
Fridays, all year
Mapusa Friday Market
Spices, chouriço sausages, produce and pottery in North Goa’s busiest local market.
Wednesdays, about Nov–Mar
Anjuna Flea Market
Clothes, crafts and music beside Anjuna beach.
Saturdays, about Nov–Apr
Arpora Saturday Night Market
Evening food stalls, shopping and live music.
Seasons
Choosing When to Visit
October to February is the dry, pleasant season and the busiest. Beaches, markets and festivals are in full swing, and December is peak time.
March to May is hotter and quieter, with cashew season, mangoes and better value on stays.
June to September is the monsoon. Goa turns green, festivals such as Sao Joao and Bonderam take place, and it is a lovely time for slow and wellness stays. Sea swimming is unsafe in this season.
Festival FAQs
When is Goa Carnival?
Goa Carnival is held in February, just before Lent, with float parades in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, Vasco and other towns. Exact dates change every year.
When is Sao Joao celebrated?
Sao Joao is celebrated on 24 June, at the start of the monsoon. Siolim is famous for its boat parade and festivities.
When is Shigmo?
Shigmo is a spring festival held in March, with colourful float parades in towns across Goa.
When is Bonderam?
Bonderam is usually held on the fourth Saturday of August on Divar island.
When is the Feast of St Francis Xavier?
The feast is on 3 December at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa.
Your Goa Is Waiting to Be Discovered.
Tell us your dates, who’s travelling and the Goa you have in mind. Our Panjim team will take it from there.