Things to Do in New Delhi in October

October Weather in New Delhi

33°C (91°F) High Temp

19°C (67°F) Low Temp

10 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - October marks the end of monsoon season with clear skies, comfortable 19-33°C (67-91°F) temperatures, and minimal rainfall of just 10mm (0.4 inches)
Festival season begins - Dussehra celebrations transform the city with elaborate processions, and Diwali preparations create vibrant markets and spectacular light displays throughout the month
Best air quality of the year - Pre-winter winds clear pollution levels to their annual low, with AQI typically 150-200 compared to 400+ in winter months
Shoulder season pricing - Hotel rates drop 30-40% from peak winter prices while flight costs remain reasonable, plus shorter queues at major attractions like Red Fort and India Gate

Considerations

Occasional dust storms - Delhi's transition weather brings 2-3 sudden dust storms monthly that can disrupt outdoor plans and require masks
Temperature swings - Daily variations of 14°C (25°F) between morning and afternoon mean constant wardrobe adjustments and layering challenges
Festival crowds at religious sites - Dussehra week brings massive crowds to temples and heritage sites, with Humayun's Tomb and Lotus Temple experiencing 3x normal visitor numbers

Best Activities in October

Red Fort and Old Delhi Heritage Walking Tours

October's comfortable temperatures make exploring Chandni Chowk's narrow lanes bearable, with morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours. Monsoon damage repairs are complete, and pre-Diwali cleaning makes monuments photo-ready. The 65% humidity is manageable compared to summer's 85%.

Booking Tip: Book early morning slots (6-9am) to avoid afternoon heat buildup. Tours typically cost ₹1,500-2,500 per person including guide and entry fees. Look for certified guides registered with Delhi Tourism. See current heritage tour options in the booking section below.

India Gate and Central Delhi Cycling Tours

October's clear mornings with 6-8km/h (4-5mph) gentle breezes make cycling Delhi's 20km (12.4 mile) central circuit ideal. Air quality improvement means better visibility of Rashtrapati Bhavan from India Gate. Early morning starts at 6am capitalize on 19°C (67°F) temperatures before traffic builds.

Booking Tip: Half-day cycling tours run ₹2,000-3,500 including bike rental, helmet, and breakfast stop. Book with operators providing pollution masks despite improved October air quality. Reserve 5-7 days ahead through licensed tour operators listed in booking options below.

Humayun's Tomb and Lodhi Gardens Photography Tours

Post-monsoon greenery reaches peak lushness in October, while softer UV index of 6 (compared to summer's 11) creates perfect natural lighting for golden hour shots. The 10mm rainfall keeps gardens vibrant without muddy pathways that plague September visits.

Booking Tip: Photography-focused tours cost ₹3,000-4,500 for 4-5 hours including equipment guidance. Morning tours (7-11am) offer best light and comfortable 25°C (77°F) temperatures. Professional guides available through booking widget below specialize in heritage architecture.

Connaught Place and Khan Market Food Tours

October marks the return of street food vendors after monsoon closures, with Diwali sweet preparations creating special seasonal offerings. Comfortable evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make 3-hour food walks enjoyable, and reduced rainfall means consistent vendor availability.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours (5-8pm) cost ₹2,500-4,000 including tastings at 8-10 stops. Book with operators who provide bottled water and basic first aid. Groups limited to 8-12 people for authentic experiences. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Akshardham Temple and East Delhi Cultural Tours

October's stable weather with only 2 rainy days monthly makes outdoor temple complex exploration reliable. Dussehra celebrations add special cultural programs and evening light shows. Comfortable 28°C (82°F) afternoon temperatures allow full complex exploration without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Full day cultural tours range ₹4,000-6,000 including transportation, temple entry, and cultural show tickets. Tuesday closures require careful planning. Book 10-14 days ahead as October religious tourism increases. Licensed operators available through booking options below.

Chandni Chowk Rickshaw and Market Tours

Pre-Diwali shopping season creates vibrant market atmosphere with special textile displays and jewelry collections. October's improved air quality makes open rickshaw rides comfortable, while 19°C (67°F) morning temperatures prevent the claustrophobic feeling of summer market visits.

Booking Tip: Half-day rickshaw tours cost ₹1,800-2,800 per person including market guide and refreshment stops. Morning departures (8-11am) essential before crowd buildup. Negotiate fixed rates with registered rickshaw operators. Current market tour packages in booking widget below.

October Events & Festivals

Early to Mid October

Dussehra Celebrations at Red Fort

Ten-day festival culminating in dramatic Ravana effigy burning with 15-meter (49-foot) tall structures. Evening programs feature traditional dance performances and food stalls throughout Old Delhi area.

Throughout October

Delhi International Arts Festival

Month-long cultural celebration featuring international performers at venues across Delhi including Purana Qila and Siri Fort Auditorium. Mix of traditional and contemporary arts with special October evening programs.

Mid to Late October

Diwali Preparation Markets

Special night markets in Karol Bagh and Lajpat Nagar selling traditional sweets, decorative diyas, and rangoli supplies. Markets extend hours until 11pm throughout October with cultural performances on weekends.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight layers - Morning temperatures drop to 19°C (67°F) while afternoons reach 33°C (91°F), requiring easy-to-remove clothing combinations

Dust masks or N95s - October dust storms can reduce visibility to 200m (656ft) and irritate respiratory systems despite improved general air quality

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 still requires protection, especially during 10am-3pm outdoor sightseeing

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable fabric - Heritage site visits involve 5-8km (3-5 mile) walking on uneven surfaces with 65% humidity

Light rain jacket or umbrella - Though only 2 rainy days expected, October showers can be sudden and heavy for 20-30 minutes

Cotton or linen clothing - Breathable natural fabrics manage moderate humidity better than synthetic materials in temple and market visits

Portable fan or cooling towel - Afternoon temple visits can feel warm despite comfortable overall temperatures due to crowd density

Hand sanitizer and wet wipes - Increased festival activities and food tours require extra hygiene precautions

Power bank and universal adapter - Extended photography sessions in optimal October lighting conditions drain batteries quickly

Small daypack with water bottle - Minimum 2 liters needed for full-day heritage site tours despite comfortable temperatures

Insider Knowledge

Book heritage site tickets online in advance - October's comfortable weather increases domestic tourism by 40%, creating unexpected queues at Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb despite shoulder season classification

Visit markets between 7-9am for authentic local experience - Vendors set up early to avoid afternoon heat, offering fresh produce and better prices before tourist crowds arrive

Use Delhi Metro's new Phase 4 extensions - Recently opened routes to Noida and Gurgaon cut travel times by 30-45 minutes compared to road transport, especially valuable during October festival traffic

Time outdoor activities for 6-11am window - October's 14°C (25°F) daily temperature swing means morning comfort transforms to afternoon warmth requiring indoor backup plans

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating festival impact - Many tourists don't realize October Dussehra celebrations close major roads around Red Fort and Old Delhi for 3-4 hours during evening processions

Packing only summer clothes - October mornings at 19°C (67°F) catch visitors off-guard who expect consistent heat, leading to uncomfortable early morning site visits

Skipping air quality checks - Despite October improvements, dust storms can spike AQI to 300+ within hours, making outdoor plans temporarily inadvisable