Planning a trip to Asia’s Only Automobile-Free Hill Station and wondering the best time to visit Matheran. In this guide, we’ve shared everything that you need to know before visiting Matheran including the best time to visit considering various factors such as weather conditions, tourist crowds, and specific attractions that each season brings, month-wise temperature of Matheran and some faqs.
Matheran, a picturesque hill station nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India, offers a captivating blend of scenic beauty, tranquility, and a refreshing escape from the chaos of city life. Choosing the right time to visit Matheran is essential to make the most of its natural wonders and delightful experiences.
Best Time To Visit Matheran
Being a hill station Matheran enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Matheran is from October to May when the temperature ranges between 10 to 30 degree Celsius. From Oct to February you can expect cool and comfortable weather while between March to May the weather becomes little warmer yet pleasant for outdoor activities.
| Season | Best Time To Visit | Avg. Temperature |
| Winter (Oct to Feb) | Peak Season | 8 to 30 deg C |
| Summer (March to June) | Ideal time | 16 to 38 deg C |
| Monsoon (July to Sept) | Low season | 17 to 30 deg C |
Now let’s decode each & every season of Matheran in detail –
Matheran In Summer (March to June)
The Matheran in summer would be quite relaxing with warm yet pleasant weather. The avg. Temperature ranges between 20 to 34 degree Celsius with a cool & refreshing breeze. During peak summer when the plain land suffers from scorching heat then Matheran enjoys the pleasant climate with avg. temperature hovers around 35 degrees Celsius.
Summer is the ideal time to visit Matheran as you can enjoy outdoor activities like trekking, hiking etc. without even breaking a sweat or being too tired. The morning would be cool with hazy surroundings and the evening would be pleasant with the melody of nature. Therefore, it is the perfect time to enjoy the beautiful sunrise & sunset.
Apart from the pleasant climate summer also brings one of the best festivals of Matherna – Matheran Mahotsav or Matheran Green festival celebrated in the month of May. It is a 5-day festival organized by the MMC (Matheran Municipal Council). At this festival, you can enjoy local cultural programs, food, and much more.
Packing Tips – Pack light and comfortable clothing such as cotton shirts, shorts, and breathable footwear to beat the summer heat. Don’t forget to carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Things to do in Matheran in Summer
- Summer is the best time to enjoy cycling and biking in Matheran.
- Explore all the viewpoints of Matheran like Louisa Point, honeymoon hill point, Alexander Point, monkey point, echo point etc.
- Enjoy romantic sunset from Porcupine Point.
- Go for waterfall rappelling at Dodhani Waterfalls.
- Try your hand in rock climbing.
- Enjoy the scenic journey of the Neral-Matheran toy train.
- Trek to the Irshalgad fort.
Matheran In Monsoon (July to September)
Matheran enjoy heavy and refreshing monsoon from July to September. In monsoon, you can expect hazy surroundings with frequent heavy showers of rain. Every year Matheran receives around 150 inches of rainfall. And the avg. temperature in monsoon ranges between 22 to 32 degree Celsius.
The frequent showers of rain heal the forest & mountains and bring down every ounce of pollution from Air to earth. The rain gives new life to streams & waterfalls and makes the surroundings lush green. So, you’ll get to see plenty of waterfalls in every corner of the town. But despite the pleasant weather rain makes the surroundings hazy with layers of cloud and mist. And that makes the visibility very poor. So, from the viewpoints, you are only able to see the cloudy surroundings.
If you’re visiting Matheran in monsoon then be prepared to get wet and heavy downpours. Due to consistent rain, some terrains become slippery so outdoor activities become quite difficult. Also, Matheran is an automobile-free town so you’ll be exploring Matheran on foot. So, be ready with good hiking shoes and rain gear.
Matheran experiences fewer crowds during the monsoon season compared to other peak seasons. It can be an excellent time to visit if you prefer a quieter and more serene environment.
Things to do in Matheran in the monsoon –
- Enjoy nature walks and hiking.
- Enjoy the scenic views of waterfalls like Dodhani Waterfalls, Charlotte Falls etc.
- Relax and rejuvenate yourself amidst the beauty of nature.
- Witness spectacular sunrise & sunset from various viewpoints.
- Take part in Ganesha Mahotsav.
Matheran in Winter (October to February)
After the monsoon season, Matheran gets completely revived by the heavy rain. The surroundings look beautiful with lush green vegetation and the weather becomes pleasant with the cool breeze.
During winter, Matheran experiences pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The nights can get chilly, with temperatures dropping to around 10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, winter is the best time to visit Matheran.
Winter is also one of the busiest seasons, especially in December and January when tourists from nearby cities visit Matheran to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Starting the new year amidst nature with the chirping of birds would be the best thing you can do.
Packing Tips – It is advisable to carry warm clothing, especially during the evenings and early mornings.
Things to do in Matheran in Winter
- Go camping under the stars.
- Go for trekking & hiking and explore the hidden beauty of Matheran.
- Capture the beauty of various viewpoints like Echo Point, Louisa Point, Porcupine Point, Alexander Point, Panorama Point etc.
- Enjoy horse riding and the Matheran-Neral toy train.
- Go for nature walks.
- Spot the wildlife.
Matheran Weather
| Month | Avg. Temperature |
| January | 8 to 15 deg C |
| February | 12 to 30 deg C |
| March | 16 to 31 deg C |
| April | 20 to 35 deg C |
| May | 22 to 38 deg C |
| June | 21 to 31 deg C |
| July | 20 to 30 deg C |
| August | 18 to 28 deg C |
| September | 17 to 25 deg C |
| October | 14 to 28 deg C |
| November | 10 to 25 deg C |
| December | 9 to 24 deg C |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is off-season in Matheran?
The off-season in Matheran typically refers to the period from June to September, which coincides with the monsoon season. During this time, Matheran experiences heavy rainfall, which may result in slippery trails and limited outdoor activities. As a result, tourist footfall is relatively low, and accommodation rates may be more affordable compared to peak seasons.
How many days are required to visit Matheran?
To explore the beauty of Matheran thoroughly, it is recommended to plan a trip for at least 3 days. This duration allows you to enjoy leisurely walks through the scenic trails, visit popular viewpoints, indulge in outdoor activities, and experience the tranquility of this charming hill station.
Is it good to visit Matheran in monsoon?
Visiting Matheran in the monsoon can be a unique and enchanting experience. The lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered landscapes create a mesmerizing ambiance. However, it’s important to note that heavy rains can make trekking trails slippery, and some outdoor activities may be restricted. It’s advisable to check weather conditions and take necessary precautions while exploring Matheran during the monsoon season.
Is it good to visit Matheran in summers?
Matheran is a popular summer getaway due to its pleasant climate and cooler temperatures compared to nearby cities. The hill station offers a refreshing escape from the scorching heat, making it an ideal destination for a summer retreat. Visitors can enjoy pleasant walks, panoramic views, and the tranquility of the surrounding forests.
How to reach Matheran?
Matheran can be reached by various modes of transportation. The nearest railway station is Neral, which is well-connected to major cities in Maharashtra. From Neral, you can take the scenic toy train or hire a taxi to reach Matheran. Alternatively, you can drive to Dasturi Naka, the entry point of Matheran, and then proceed on foot, horseback, or hire a hand-pulled rickshaw to explore the hill station.