Shantiniketan in Bolpur, West Bengal is a beautiful place to visit anytime of the year except the summers. Popular not only for Tagore’s legacy left behind, Shantiniketan is blessed with charming natural beauty and is an opportunity to witness the bloom of Bengal’s countryside. There are many festivals that are celebrated with much fervor at different times of the year and some may even coincide with the best time to visit the town. Here's a break down of different seasons and weather patterns that Shantiniketan sees.

Summers in Shantiniketan are best avoided. Starting from April till June, the town experiences extreme heat, humidity and discomfort. Temperatures continue to rise unabated. 40°C mark is crossed with ease and some years may find the mercury touching 42°C and 43°C. Any outside activity like something as simple as exploring and sightseeing can be exhausting and seem a daunting task. It is recommended to let summer pass before you venture into Birbhum district.

Monsoon sets in the month of July and the rains are more than welcomed and cherished after the scorching sultry summers. Shantiniketan receives moderate rainfall and it drastically causes temperatures to move down. There may be occasionally heavy showers but overall it is a good time to explore Shantiniketan and witness the raw beauty of the countryside. The trees get a new lease of life and are refreshed; the smell of wet soil is intoxicating. It is advisable to carry some monsoon gear and light clothes to combat the rains and be prepared for some amount of humidity.

If you want to witness Shantiniketan at its best and its festive best, winter is the season. No rains, no scorching heat, no grey skies. Cool and pleasant weather, refreshing breeze and lots of clear blue skies. It is a great time to explore the beauties of Shantiniketan, Tagore’s abode, the Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary, the Khoai River and spend the evenings listening to the mesmerizing ‘baul’ songs. Winter also coincides with Poush Mela, which is celebrated with must fervor and enthusiasm. It celebrates the harvest season with much singing, dancing and merrymaking. The end of the winter season also sees the celebration of ‘Basanta Utsav’ or Holi which is celebrated joyously by the students of the university and others. Holi, the festival of colors has the skies painted in different hues and shades, and is truly an amazing experience here in this town.