Varanasi in April 2025: Top Attractions, Weather, Things to Do & Travel Tips

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Varanasi in April 2025: Top Attractions, Weather, Things to Do & Travel Tips

Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is not just a city—it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and a place where life, death, and spirituality coexist like nowhere else. Every corner echoes with chants, every ghatside flame flickers with ritual, and every boat ride on the Ganges whispers tales that are centuries old. Visiting Varanasi in April offers a unique blend of spiritual immersion and early summer vibrance.

It’s the time when pilgrims and travelers come together in the soft glow of golden evenings, and the ghats—bathed in sunlight—reverberate with the soul-touching energy of evening aartis, mantra chants, and the gentle lap of the sacred Ganga.

April is also a transitional month in Varanasi: the cool breezes of early spring slowly give way to the dry warmth of summer. While the temperature starts to rise, the mornings and evenings remain pleasant and highly photogenic, offering ideal conditions for temple visits, boat rides, photography, and cultural experiences.

“Kashi is not a destination. It’s a mirror for your inner self. And April lets you see it all—clearly and calmly.”

Whether you’re coming to seek blessings at Kashi Vishwanath Temple, experience the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, explore the labyrinth of ancient alleys, or simply sit quietly by the river, this guide will give you everything you need to plan your perfect Varanasi trip in April.

Weather in Varanasi in April 

Weather in Varanasi in April 

April marks the beginning of the summer season in Varanasi. The city starts heating up gradually, yet it hasn’t reached the peak levels of May and June. This makes April a practical month for travel, provided you plan your activities wisely—early mornings and evenings are ideal, while midday calls for shade, rest, or indoor exploration.

Varanasi Weather in April – At a Glance

Time of Day Temperature Range What to Expect
Morning 22°C – 26°C Cool, comfortable air
Afternoon 34°C – 38°C Dry, sunny, and hot
Evening 28°C – 30°C Warm but breezy
Night 24°C – 26°C Pleasantly warm
  • Rainfall: Rare (average 3–5 mm for the month)
  • Humidity: Low to moderate
  • UV Index: High (wear sunscreen when out mid-day)
  • Best Time for Outdoor Activities: 5:30 AM to 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

 Why April Works for Spiritual Travelers

April is perfect if you:

  • Prefer smaller crowds (compared to Diwali, Kartik Purnima, or winter season)
  • Want to experience Varanasi rituals and temples at a relaxed pace
  • Enjoy early sunrises on the river
  • Appreciate quiet ghats in the late evening light

Also, if you’re visiting in mid to late April, you’ll notice fewer tourists than the winter months, and this allows you to connect with Varanasi on a deeper, more personal level.

“The heat drives the noise away—and what remains is stillness, ritual, and light.”

 What to Pack for Varanasi in April

Here’s your essential packing checklist tailored for April weather:

 Clothing:

  • Light cotton shirts and pants
  • Full-sleeved tops (to protect from sun while staying airy)
  • Loose-fitting kurtas (great for temple visits and comfortable wear)
  • A lightweight scarf or stole (for temples and sun protection)
  • Comfortable sandals or walking shoes
  • Sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or cap

 Essentials:

  • High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or above)
  • Lip balm and face mist (to stay hydrated)
  • A refillable water bottle (stay eco-conscious and hydrated)
  • Basic medicines for heat-related fatigue (ORS, paracetamol)
  • Face masks or a cotton cloth (can help with dust in alleys)
  • Power bank (if you’re using your phone for photos/maps)

 Safety Tips for the Weather

  • Avoid being out between 12 PM to 3 PM, especially near the ghats where there’s little shade.
  • Drink only filtered or bottled water to stay safe and hydrated.
  • Use aloe vera gel or sandalwood powder locally available to soothe sun-exposed skin.
  • Wear light colors—white, beige, pastels—to stay cool and blend in with the spiritual ambiance.

 The Beauty of April Light

April brings a clear and golden sunlight that gives the ghats a soft radiance—perfect for photography and quiet moments.

  • Sunrise: Around 5:40 AM
  • Sunset: Around 6:20 PM

This is the month where you can start your day with a boat ride, witness morning aartis, return for a cool brunch, and explore shaded alleys or museums till the sun sets.

Check out this:   Varanasi Tour – 3 Nights 4 Days Itinerary

Top Attractions in Varanasi in April

April offers a less crowded, more intimate version of Varanasi. The morning and evening windows are especially magical, as golden sunlight bathes the ghats, temples, and the winding alleys in soft hues.

Here are the must-visit places in Varanasi during April, along with the best times to visit and what makes each unique during this month:

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the most sacred temples of Lord Shiva, this Jyotirlinga is the spiritual heart of Varanasi. The temple remains open all day, but in April, it’s best to go early morning or after sunset.

  • Best Time: 5 AM – 8 AM or after 7 PM
  • Tip: Visit after a Ganga boat ride at sunrise for a deeply spiritual start to your day.

Dashashwamedh Ghat

Famous for the evening Ganga Aarti, this ghat is where fire, water, mantra, and emotion come together. In April, the weather is still bearable for sitting outdoors and enjoying the complete Aarti experience.

  • Best Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
  • Pro Tip: Get a front-row view from a boat anchored just off the ghat.

Manikarnika Ghat

India’s most revered cremation ground, it is where the eternal fire of liberation (moksha) burns. While this can be intense, it’s an essential part of understanding Varanasi’s philosophy on life and death Where Cremation Ceremony at Manikarnika Ghat.

  • Approach with sensitivity. It’s not a tourist attraction, but a sacred space.

Assi Ghat

Less chaotic than Dashashwamedh, Assi Ghat is popular among yoga practitioners and long-stay travelers. April mornings here are peaceful, perfect for sunrise yoga or music recitals.

  • Best Time: 5:30 AM – 8:00 AM
  • Tip: Try lemon tea from a ghat-side vendor while watching the boats glide by.

Ramnagar Fort

Located across the river, this 18th-century fort offers a historical perspective of Kashi’s royal lineage. Visit in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a quiet sunset over the river.

  • Best Time: 4 PM – 6 PM
  • Entry: ₹20–₹50
  • Bonus: Check out the vintage car museum and old armory.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

This temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is especially vibrant on Tuesdays. It’s an active devotional space and great for those seeking spiritual protection and energy.

  • April Tip: Bring fresh marigold garlands early morning; the temple smells divine.

 Things to Do in Varanasi in April 

Varanasi isn’t just about seeing—it’s about feeling, absorbing, participating. In April, the relative quiet and good weather open up possibilities to engage deeply with its rhythm.

 1. Sunrise Boat Ride on the Ganges

This is the top thing to do in Varanasi, and April mornings make it magical.

  •  Glide past ancient ghats, hear the temple bells, and watch pilgrims bathe at dawn.
  • Cost: ₹150–₹300 per person (shared) or ₹600–₹1000 (private)
  • Duration: 45 mins to 1.5 hours

 2. Attend the Ganga Aarti

Held every evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat, this grand ritual involves seven priests performing synchronized movements with fire lamps, incense, and conch shells.

  • Reach by 6 PM to get a good spot.
  • Hire a boat or sit on the steps of the ghat.

 3. Take a Food Tour

April evenings are perfect for trying:

  • Kachori Sabzi at Ram Bhandar
  • Banarasi Tamatar Chaat at Deena Chaat
  • Lassi at Blue Lassi Shop
  • Banarasi Paan – don’t miss this sweet finale!

Tip: Don’t eat street food in Varanasi with the afternoon heat. Stick to early lunch or evening walks.

 4. Explore the Alleys of Old Varanasi

Walk through Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazaar, and Bengali Tola—ancient lanes filled with shops selling silk sarees, rudraksha beads, idols, and incense.

 5. Visit Sarnath

Just 10 km from the city, Sarnath is where Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment.

  • Visit Dhamek Stupa, Ashoka Pillar, and Buddhist Monasteries
  • Go early in the morning or late afternoon

 6. Join a Yoga or Music Session

Several ghats and rooftops offer early morning meditation and classical music workshops. Ask your hotel or local café for schedules.

How to Reach Varanasi – By Air, Train, and Road

Varanasi is one of India’s most accessible spiritual destinations, with connections by air, rail, and road from almost every major city.

 By Air

  • Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (VNS)
    Located 25 km from the city center

Flights Available:

  • Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and more
  • International flights from Dubai, Sharjah, and Kathmandu (limited)
  • To City: Taxis available (₹700–₹1000), or book an Uber/Ola in advance

 By Train

  • Varanasi Junction (BSB) is the main railway station.
  • Manduadih (now known as Banaras Station) and Kashi Station also serve the city.

Popular Trains:

  • Vande Bharat Express (from Delhi)
  • Kashi Vishwanath Express
  • Shiv Ganga Express

Tip: Book AC coaches if traveling in April—non-AC can get hot during the day.

 Travel By Road

  • From Allahabad/Prayagraj: ~2.5 hrs (120 km)
  • From Lucknow: ~5 hrs (300 km)
  • From Patna: ~4–5 hrs (250 km)
  • NH 19 connects Varanasi to other major cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Several government and private Volvo buses run from Delhi, Lucknow, and Bodh Gaya.

Where to Stay in Varanasi in April 

Where you stay in Varanasi can completely transform your experience. In April, as temperatures start to rise, choosing a well-located and comfortable stay with AC rooms and easy access to major ghats is essential.

Here’s a curated guide based on location, budget, and experience type:

 1. Ghatside Guesthouses – Stay Where the Soul of the City Lives

Waking up to the sound of temple bells and the view of boats gliding down the Ganga is a Varanasi dream come true. There are several beautiful guesthouses and boutique hotels right by the river.

 Top Picks:

  • BrijRama Palace – A Heritage Hotel
    Built in the 18th century and now restored to royalty, this is one of the most luxurious properties on the ghats. Incredible architecture, cultural programs, and divine views.
  • Ganges View Hotel – Assi Ghat
    A beautiful mix of art, tradition, and comfort. Their rooftop is a great spot for morning tea.
  • Ganpati Guest House – Meer Ghat
    A favorite among international travelers. Budget-friendly and well-maintained.

Why choose a ghat-side stay? You’re right in the heart of Varanasi’s spiritual rhythm—perfect for early morning rituals and boat rides.

 2. Mid-Range Hotels – Comfort & Proximity

Ideal for travelers who want AC rooms, room service, and modern bathrooms, but without breaking the bank.

 Recommended:

  • Hotel Alka – Close to Dashashwamedh Ghat, with river-facing rooms.
  • Dwivedi Hotels – Palace on Steps – Basic but charming, right above the Ganga.
  • Hotel Surya, Kaiser Palace – Set in a historic building with spacious rooms and gardens.

Tip: Always confirm AC availability when booking for April. It makes a big difference during afternoons.

 3. Luxury Hotels – For the Ultimate Retreat

If you’re visiting for a spiritual holiday with comfort in mind, these hotels offer top-class amenities, spa treatments, and peace after long walks through the ghats.

Top Luxury Stays:

  • Taj Ganges – A calm retreat set in landscaped gardens, about 4 km from the ghats.
  • Radisson Hotel Varanasi – A modern hotel with pool, gym, and great food.
  • Amritara Suryauday Haveli – A former royal residence, now a boutique stay on Shivala Ghat.

 Booking Tips for April:

  • Choose riverside properties for views, but inland hotels for better cooling and amenities.
  • April is shoulder season, so you can get great deals—book at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Always check if hotels offer airport/train station pickup, especially if arriving at odd hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is April too hot to visit Varanasi?

It’s warm but manageable. Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or after 5 PM. Afternoons are best spent indoors at a museum, café, or your hotel.

Q2: What are the best souvenirs to buy in Varanasi?

  • Banarasi silk sarees
  • Rudraksha malas
  • Wooden toys and brass idols
  • Ganga jal (holy river water)
  • Classical music instruments (like tabla, sitar)

Q3: Can I take a dip in the Ganges in April?

Yes, the water levels are safe, and many pilgrims do so. Use Assi Ghat or Dashashwamedh Ghat where there are clean steps and guards. Morning dips are safest.

Q4: Is Varanasi safe for solo travelers or women in April?

Yes, especially around the main ghats and temples. Just avoid deserted alleys late at night and use registered guides or apps for navigation.

 Travel Tips for April Visitors

  • Start early (5:30 AM) to experience the best of the ghats, sunrise, and cool breeze.
  • Stay hydrated: carry bottled water or ORS packets.
  • Use sunscreen and wear light cottons – the sun can be sharp, even if the breeze feels cool.
  • Ask before photographing locals, especially during rituals or in cremation areas.
  • Carry a power bank – GPS, maps, and camera apps drain phone batteries fast in the heat.

 3-Day Sample Itinerary for Varanasi in April

Here’s a thoughtfully paced itinerary to balance early explorations, temple visits, food walks, and downtime, perfect for April’s warm afternoons and breezy evenings.

1 Day – Arrival & River Rituals

  • Arrive by train/flight
  • Check-in and refresh
  • Sunset Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat
  • Dinner at a rooftop café overlooking the river

2 Day – Temples & Old City

  • Sunrise boat ride + Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple
  • Breakfast at Blue Lassi or Brown Bread Bakery
  • Explore old lanes: Vishwanath Gali, Thatheri Bazaar
  • Rest during the afternoon
  • Evening visit to Assi Ghat + Attend music/yoga session

3 Day – Fort, Sarnath & Departure

  • Early visit to Sankat Mochan Temple or Durga Kund
  • Breakfast and checkout
  • Visit Ramnagar Fort or half-day trip to Sarnath
  • Final shopping or chai break near Godowlia
  • Head to airport/train station

Final Thoughts: Why Varanasi in April

Varanasi in April is a soulful blend of sunlight, ritual, and raw spiritual energy. The early mornings are golden, the evenings glow with lamps, and the city invites you not to “see,” but to surrender, reflect, and simply be.

It’s not just about ghats and gods—it’s about learning how time flows differently here, how silence can speak louder than words, and how a sunrise on the Ganges can stay in your heart forever.

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