Imagine the vibe of Goa during monsoon!
Let me tell you how it feels! The rain-kissed beaches, vibrant festivals, serene backwaters, colorful beach shacks, occasional drizzle, dreamy beach stays and delicious Goan cuisine. This is what monsoon in Goa is all about.
Visiting Goa during the monsoon means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty at its finest. This August, make your monsoon memorable and melodious with Goa.
Here's all what you need to know before planning your monsoon trip to Goa.
How is the weather in Goa during the monsoon?
The best time to visit Goa depends on you actually! Monsoon in Goa lasts from June to September.
This period is characterized by heavy rainfall, humidity and transforming the lush greenery even more green. Coastal winds are very common during this time. Day temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C during daytime and 20°C to 25°C at night.
Best Beaches to Visit in Goa During Monsoon
Searching for the best places to visit in Goa? Here are the best beaches in Goa you cannot miss!
Beaches in North Goa
1. Candolim Beach, Swimmable (with caution)
Nestled under the shadow of Fort Aguada, Candolim Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. This beach in Goa offers peaceful retreat with ample space for long walks and sunbathing.
2. Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach is synonymous with the hippie culture of the 1960s and 70s. It’s renowned for its lively flea markets, trance parties, and stunning rocky shores. Monsoon makes this beach in goa not only dramatic with agrresive waves but also beautiful to watch from afar, exploring a different side of Goa altogether.
3. Vagator Beach
Divided into Big Vagator and Little Vagator, this beach in Goa is known for its striking red cliffs and scenic beauty. While you are in this, visit the nearby Chapora Fort along with the panoramic views of the Arabian sea.
4. Calangute Beach, Swimmable (with caution)
Often referred to as the “Queen of Beaches,” Calangute is the largest beach in North Goa. From pretty beach shacks to delicious Goan cuisine available right in front of the beach, Calangute is a must visit place in monsoon.
5. Morjim Beach, Swimmable (with caution)
Known as “Little Russia” due to its popularity among Russian tourists, Morjim Beach is always in the news as a famous nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Surrounded with golden sand and swaying palm trees, I bet, Morjim and monsoon will be the best decision you would take.
Beaches in South Goa
1. Palolem Beach, Swimmable (with caution)
This crescent shaped beach is known for its tranquil ambience. Lined up by colorful beach huts, you can also spot dolphins here.
2. Colva Beach, Swimmable (with caution)
Colva Beach is one of the oldest and largest beaches in South Goa. The white sand, 360 degree unhindered view of the sea and the dreamy beach shacks make this place a must visit for any beach lover.
3. Agonda Beach
Those who love the madness of crowds should definitely visit the vibrant and ever-lively Agonda Beach, a beach that never sleeps. Lined up by popular beach shacks hosting regular beach parties, this beach is a tranquil escape in Goa during monsoon.
4. Benaulim Beach:
This beach in South Goa is comparatively less crowded. One of the key highlights is that the beach shacks here serve you the fresh catch of the day, make your beach day better and tastier.
5. Betalbatim Beach, Swimmable (with caution)
Betalbatim Beach, also known as the Sunset Beach, is famous for its stunning sunsets and golden sands. If you are lucky, you can also see bioluminescence at Batalbatim beach, making the sea all glow up at night. Whether you are up for a morning walk or an evening stroll, this beach is perfect to relax and unwind.
Best Things To Do In Goa During Monsoon
1. Explore Dudhsagar Falls and Tambdi Surla Waterfalls: Dudhsagar Falls is one of India's tallest and most majestic waterfalls. It cascades down from a height of 310 meters, creating a breathtaking sight especially during the monsoon when it is in full flow.
You can easily reach by a short trek or opt for a jeep safari from Kulem. Another hidden gem in Goa during monsoon is the Tambdi Surla Waterfalls, located near the ancient Tambdi Surla Temple. Reach this serene waterfall by a trek through Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, making the journey even better.
2. Visit Sahakari Spice Farm: This popular spice plantation in Ponda, also one of the most popular Goa tourist places, is a must visit in Goa.
They offer guided tours where you can see, smell and taste various spices grown locally. you can find spices like cardamom, pepper, vanilla, and cinnamon. The highlight of this tour is the concluding traditional Goan meals prepared with fresh spices.
3. Go for Monsoon Treks: There are many monsoon treks in and around Goa to exlpore. You can go for the Todo waterfalls trek, relatively an unknown one but an adventurous one.
It starts from Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary and the path traverses through dense forests and the Todo falls.
4. Explore Aguada Fort and Chapora Fort: Goa is filled with architectural marvel at every nooks and corners. Out of which these two are a must visit - Aguada Fort, a 17th century fort by the
Portuguese and the Chapora Fort, most popularly shown in Dil Chahta Hai bollywood movie. These are undoubtedly one of the must visit places in Goa.
5. Experiencing Bonderam Festival: Celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August on Divar Island, located in the Mandovi River, this festival is a must experience in Goa during monsoon. It celebrates the old practice of resolving disputes between the various wards of the village by planting flags, known as 'bandeiras.' You can see Goa roads covered with colorful parades, lively music and traditional float competitions.
6. Tito’s Lane in Baga: Do not miss visiting this happeing street in Goa, popularky known as Tito's Lane.
The most popular one here is Tito's Nightclub, established in 1971 by Tito Henry De Souza during the hippie tourism boom. This lane showcases the best nightlife scenes in Goa with many more popular cafes like Club Tito's, Cafe Mambo and Bollywood Discotheque.
7. Enjoy Curlies in Arjuna: Visiting goa and not going to this vibrant beach shack in Goa is an absolute sin.
Curlies is a legendary beach shack located on Anjuna Beach, serving wide range of dishes, including Goan specialties, seafood, and international cuisine. It also has an attached bar offering variety of Goa special cocktails, mocktails and other beverages.
8. Try Goa's famous beverage Feni: The origin of feni, a unique potent spirit is in Goa itself. It is made by fermenting and distilling either the juice of the cashew apple or the sap of the coconut palm.
You can get these local Feni at local bars, often served with soda, lime and chili. To make your first feni experience memorable, you can also visit distilleries that offer tours and tastings like Cazulo Premium Feni and Aani Ek.
Read more about these North Goa places to visit
Wellness and Yoga Retreats In Goa During Monsoon
As monsoon sets in Goa, this city can show you colors you cannot even eiamgine. Apart from the hustle and bustle in Goa, you can also expereicne some of the best Wellness and Yoga Retreats In Goa
1. Purple Valley Yoga Retreat: Nestled in the lush greenery of Assagao in North Goa, this retreat organises yoga courses,
workshops and guided meditation sessions to soothe your senses. It also has accomodation, swimming pool and a garden to add to the comfort.
2. Ashiyana Yoga Retreat Village: Situated near Mandrem Beach in North Goa, this retreat is surrounded by tropical garden and
coconut groves. Variety of yoga styles, including Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga, along with holistic wellness programs and detox retreats are the key highlights here.
3. Bamboo Yoga Retreat: If you are in search of a laid back yet immersive yoga experience in Goa, visit the Bamboo Yoga Retreat,
located on Patnem Beach in South Goa. Practice yoga with the sound of waves in the background, relax in cozy beach huts and make your time worthwhile.
Confused about the best South Goa places to visit? Get your South Goa Guide from Tripoto
Top Places To Stay In Goa During Monsoon
Budget-Friendly
1. Zostel Goa: It offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms for budget travelers. Situated in Calangute, you will get a communal kitchen, a lounge area and perfect views here.
2. The Funky Monkey Hostel: Located in Anjuna, close to the famous Anjuna Beach, this stay includes a shared kitchen, a garden lounge and regular events like BBQ nights and music sessions to keep the night alive.
Affordable Luxury
3. Vivanta by Taj, Panaji: Vivanta by Taj in Panaji offers a luxurious stay without breaking the bank. Located close to Mandovi River, you can enjoy amenities like rooftop pool, multiple dining options, fitness center, and a spa offering a range of treatments.
4. The Park Calangute Goa: If you are in search of a chic beachfront, then this is it. : Located on Calangute Beach, this stay provides easy access to the beach making your stay even better. There is also a beachfront pool and an attached bar.
Luxury Resorts
5. Taj Exotica Resort & Spa: Located on Benaulim Beach in South Goa, this luxurious resort in Goa is set amidst 56 acres of lush gardens. With multiple restaurants, a luxurious spa, a golf course, and swimming pools, your stay will be unparalleled here.
6. The Leela Goa: Situated on Mobor Beach in South Goa, this luxurious stay in Goa is all about elegant rooms, suites, and villas, each designed with a blend of traditional Indian and contemporary style.
Read more about these 10 Luxury Villas in Goa for a perfect weekend ahead
Now that you know how to explore Goa in monsoon like a pro, all you need to do is get your flight tickets done, pack your bags and raincoat and embark on a memorable monsoon trip right away.
Do not forget to share your experience with Tripoto in form of comments, blogs, photoblogs and videos!