Ganpatipule on the coast of the Arabian Sea has a typical tropical warm climate. Summers are hot, monsoons are wet and winters are just about right. Ganpatipule is a small town by the beach, but it has renowned temples frequented by pilgrims and lovely beaches for a weekend getaway.  If you could choose the right season to visit, Ganpatipule has a lot in store to offer the eager tourist.

Ganpatipule is a throughout the year tourist destination and every weather has its own highlights for you. There are water sports to enjoy, pristine beaches to hang out at and long drives to the nearest towns. The most ideal season to enjoy the town at its fullest then is probably winter from the months of November to February.

Summer in Ganpatipule and Ratangiri awakens to the fragrance of Alphonso mangoes. You find the roads lined by mango trees, summer’s sherbet flowers and gulmohars in reds and oranges. Summer by the coast is hot and sultry. Treat yourself to watermelons, mango slices, refreshing kokum juices and tender coconuts.

Days are hot but early mornings and sunsets are pleasant, with a sea breeze blowing in from the sea. Evenings are ideal times of the day to sit by the beach, watching the sun set. Fringed by coconut and casuarina groves, the beaches offer ample shade during the summer.

Monsoon poses a pretty sight of the coastal town, with the verdant greenery of the moss and lichen that grow over the rocks on the seaside and a cloudy sky when it’s not raining. Monsoon offers a picturesque setting, but it’s not a preferred time for adventure sports on the seas that are generally rough during the rains and not safe to venture into.

Travel to the locations nearby might pose a damper as well. But if you would not mind the rains, Ganpatipule is a good touristy place to visit during the rainy season as well. Keep umbrellas and a raincoat handy. Ganesh Chaturthi (August – September) celebrated with great enthusiasm, turns the coastal town a lively one with a number of pilgrims joining in from the neighboring towns for the celebrations.

The winters commence by about the far end of October and last till February. Pleasant winter brings a respite from the scorching heat of summer and the showers of monsoon. Days are dry and pleasing, while the nights are breezy and cool. Winter is peak season and the right time for indulging in kayaking, parasailing and going off on banana boat rides on the sea.

You can explore the countryside, go on long drives to Ratnagiri or Chiplun. The seas and the woodlands near Ganpatipule are idyllic places for winter’s bird watching stints. Grab your camera and binoculars and head off to the forests to photo shoot Orange headed thrushes, Hornbills and White naped woodpeckers.