Best Time to Visit Dudhwa National Park – Season, Safari & Weather Guide
Discover the best season to visit Dudhwa National Park — from November to April, when the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve is open for visitors.
Learn the park timings, entry months, and ideal weather for jeep safaris and birdwatching.
Best Time to Visit Dudhwa National Park (With Safari Timings)
Dudhwa National Park welcomes tourists every year from 15th November to 15th June — the official Dudhwa Tiger Reserve opening months as announced by the U.P. Forest Department.
Picking the right Dudhwa National Park visiting season makes a big difference to your safari — whether you’re hoping for cool, comfortable weather, higher chances of spotting Royal Bengal Tigers and Indian One-Horned Rhinos, or scenic landscapes for photography.
This is the best time to visit Dudhwa National Park, when visibility is high and trails are open for tourists. Book your safari according to the best weather, and time/
Quick Answer: What is the Best Time to Visit Dudhwa National Park?
The best time to visit Dudhwa National Park is from November to April, when the climate is pleasant and safaris are comfortable.
For tiger and rhino sightings, the hotter months of March to May are ideal — the best month for tiger safari in Dudhwa — while December to February is perfect for birdwatching.
The park remains closed from July to October, as per the Dudhwa National Park open and close months and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve opening dates guidelines.
Opening Months & Safari Timings
The Dudhwa National Park open for tourists only during the dry season, when roads are accessible and wildlife activity is at its peak.
Park Open: 15 November – 15 June (official Dudhwa National Park open month 2025)
Closed Season: July – October (monsoon, breeding, and safety closure; Dudhwa Park closed)
Safari Timings:
Morning Safari – 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Evening Safari – 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Note: Timings may vary slightly by season and sunrise.
Quick Tips for Visitors
Most travelers visit Dudhwa from November to April, considered the best season to visit Dudhwa National Park — cool weather, clear skies, and active wildlife.
If you’re a birdwatcher, December to February is ideal, while March to May is the Dudhwa National Park safari season for tiger sightings.
Always check the Dudhwa National Park weather before travel and carry essentials suited to the temperature in Dudhwa National Park.
What to Carry:
Winters (Nov–Feb): Woolens, gloves, caps
Summers (Mar–May): Cotton clothes, hats, sunscreen, water bottles
All Year: Camera + binoculars for bird and mammal watching
Season-Wise Travel Guide to Dudhwa
Winter (November – February): Best for Comfortable Safaris
This is the Dudhwa tourist season — mild weather (10°C–25°C), great visibility, and perfect for families or first-time travelers.
Migratory birds arrive, turning Dudhwa into a paradise for photographers and safaris are comfortable throughout this Dudhwa National Park visiting season.
Pleasant climate, ideal for families and first-time visitors
High chances of spotting swamp deer, rhinos, and a variety of birds
Can get chilly during early safaris → carry woollens
Peak tourist season, so book permits and stays in advance
Summer (March – June): Best for Tiger & Rhino Sightings
March–May is the best month for tiger safari in Dudhwa, especially near the grassland zones. With temperatures rising from 25°C to 40°C, summer brings hot, dry days. While it’s less comfortable than winter, it offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities. As waterholes shrink, animals like tigers, rhinos, and elephants are more easily spotted.
Fewer tourists, giving a quieter experience
Excellent time for serious wildlife photographers
Carry hats, light cotton clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water
Best chance for tiger sightings, especially in April–May
Monsoon (July – October) – Park Closed
During the monsoon, Dudhwa receives heavy rainfall (~1,500–1,600 mm annually). The Dudhwa Park closed period allows for animal breeding and forest regeneration under the Forest Department’s guidelines.
Breeding season for animals
No safaris or stays allowed during this time
Ideal only for researchers under Forest Dept. permits
Month-by-Month Weather & Safari Experience in Dudhwa
| Month | Experience |
|---|---|
| November | Park reopens after monsoon; pleasant climate for first safaris (Dudhwa National Park open month 2025) |
| December – January | Prime birdwatching season; misty forests and clear trails |
| February | Balanced sightings of birds and mammals; ideal Dudhwa National Park timing |
| March – April | Best mix of weather & activity; good for tiger sightings |
| May – June | Hot but rewarding; Dudhwa Tiger Reserve opening months attract fewer tourists |
| July – October | Monsoon rains; Dudhwa Park closed for breeding season |
Weather in Dudhwa National Park
Dudhwa follows a classic Terai climate — cool winters, hot summers, and heavy monsoon rains.
The temperature in Dudhwa National Park varies from 10°C to 25°C in winter and up to 40°C in summer.
The Dudhwa National Park weather between November and April offers the most comfortable conditions for safaris and photography.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasantly cool, between 10°C and 25°C. Perfect for jeep safaris, birdwatching, and family trips. Early mornings can be foggy, so carrying warm clothes is essential. Migratory birds like geese, storks, and hornbills flock to Dudhwa in this season, making it a paradise for photographers.
Summer (Mar–Jun): Temperatures climb up to 40°C, but this is when you’ll have the highest chance of spotting tigers, rhinos, and elephants around shrinking waterholes. Though the heat can be harsh, wildlife activity is intense, especially in April–May.
Monsoon (Jul–Oct): The region receives 1,500–1,600 mm rainfall, turning the forest lush and green. But the park remains closed for safety reasons and breeding season, ensuring animals have a disturbance-free environment.
👉 Best Season Overall: November to April, when weather is comfortable, sightings are high, and safari conditions are at their best.
Dudhwa Climate & Temperature at a Glance
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | Nov – Feb | 10°C – 25°C | Pleasant safaris, migratory birds, families |
| Summer | Mar – Jun | 25°C – 40°C | Best tiger & rhino sightings, fewer tourists |
| Monsoon | Jul – Oct | 22°C – 35°C | Park closed, breeding & conservation season |
Why Season Choice is Important for Your Dudhwa Safari
Unlike other reserves such as Jim Corbett or Ranthambore, Dudhwa offers a more secluded, less commercialized experience. Each season changes the Terai’s landscape dramatically:
Less-crowded safaris → more exclusive wildlife moments
Rare species sightings like the one-horned rhinoceros and barasingha (swamp deer)
Unique Terai ecosystem that feels different in winter fog, summer heat, or monsoon greenery
🔹 For comfortable weather and birdlife, plan your trip in Nov–Feb.
🔹 For close encounters with big cats and rhinos, the best months are Mar–May.
Best Time to Visit Dudhwa – Traveler Recommendations
Best Time for Families
November to February (pleasant weather, easy safaris, comfortable for kids & elders)
Best Time for Photographers
December to February (foggy mornings, migratory birds, unique Terai landscapes)
Best Time for Tiger & Rhino Spotting
April to May (animals gather near waterholes, higher chances of sightings)
Not Recommended Months
July to October ((Dudhwa Park closed due to heavy monsoon and breeding season)
Official Guidelines & Verified Data
According to the U.P. Forest Department, Dudhwa receives around 1,500 mm of rainfall annually, and safari timings may shift slightly depending on daylight hours.
All safari schedules, opening and closing dates, and visitor rules are governed under Project Tiger regulations and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.Visitors are advised to follow forest rules, check Dudhwa National Park timing, and confirm safari permits during the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve opening months.
Best Time to Visit Dudhwa FAQs
The best time is November to April, when the climate is cool and pleasant. Wildlife activity is high, safaris are comfortable, and migratory birds arrive. For tiger and rhino sightings, the hotter stretch of March to May is ideal. According to the U.P. Forest Department, the park operates only during the dry season for visitor safety and better animal viewing.
es. The park remains open until 15th June, though temperatures can rise above 38–40°C. Sightings are still rewarding, especially near waterholes, but mid-day hours may be uncomfortable.
December to February are prime months for bird lovers. Wetlands attract migratory species such as bar-headed geese, painted storks, and hornbills. Wildlife Institute of India surveys confirm Dudhwa hosts over 450 bird species.
The park is closed during the monsoon season (July to October) due to heavy rainfall, unsafe terrain, and to allow wildlife breeding. This closure follows Project Tiger and U.P. Forest Department regulations.
Safaris run in two shifts:
Morning → 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM
Evening → 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Timings may shift slightly with sunrise and sunset changes.
Winter (Nov–Feb): Misty mornings, migratory birds, golden light — perfect for landscapes and bird photography.
Summer (Mar–May): Clear visibility, dry forest, and higher chances of capturing tigers and rhinos.
Yes, winter is the most family-friendly season. The weather is comfortable, safaris are easy for children and elders, and wildlife is active throughout the day.
April and May are considered the best months for tiger sightings, as animals move frequently around waterholes during the dry summer.
Both reserves are special, but Dudhwa is less crowded and offers species like the Indian one-horned rhinoceros and barasingha (swamp deer) that Corbett does not. This makes Dudhwa unique for wildlife enthusiasts.
Winters (Nov–Feb): Woollen jackets, gloves, caps
Summers (Mar–Jun): Cotton clothes, hats, sunscreen, water bottles
All seasons: Binoculars and camera for birding and wildlife
Heavy rainfall makes tracks unsafe, rivers overflow, and animals breed during this season. To protect both visitors and wildlife, the park remains closed from July to October.
It is best to book 30–45 days in advance, especially for weekends and peak months (Dec–Feb). Permits are limited and issued on a first-come, first-serve basis by the Forest Department.