One way to describe India is vast - meaning its weather tends to boggle the mind, changing wildly depending on where you are. Overall, the country is the most pleasant from November to March when Agra, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Goa and Delhi aren't sizzling hot. It's best to avoid Kerala and the coastline after the monsoon hits at the end of May and instead head north to the grand forts, the trails of the Himalayas or hill stations in Ladakh - but take a rain coat! As the rain eases up in September, Delhi and the Golden Triangle are more bearable to visit and the backwaters of Kerala are calling for you to drift along them. March is a stellar time to explore the wildlife parks of central India, including the famous, tiger-filled Ranthambore. Goa is the perfect place to enjoy some winter sun but by May, the coastal areas are awash with rain and the central cities reach high humidity - its the perfect time to head to the Himalayan hills. Indian festivals are a medley of colour and sound, a great opportunity to see the country at her brightest. Diwali, the festival of lights, usually takes place in early October or November, and the brilliantly colourful Holi festival is in March.