Goa India’s vibrant coastal state has long been associated with being the perfect travel destination especially for yoga enthusiasts and spiritual travellers. Goa’s scenic beauty and atmosphere is suitable for spiritual retreats, wellness and ayurvedic centres and yoga teacher training in Goa programs, but most importantly what sets Goa apart from other locations is it’s welcoming atmosphere all year round. Goa offers an experience that is far from static, each season offers something unique suited to different experiences. For yoga travellers who are looking for more than just a vacation, understanding Goa’s seasonal rhythm can help them select the best time to visit Goa for specific purposes.
November to February – the peak tourist season
November to February in Goa witnesses the peak tourist season as Goa offers perfect weather that is dry and pleasant. The temperature in this period varies between 20 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius and supports activities like beach tourism, music festivals, cultural events, Serendipity arts festival, Sunburn festival in December. Preparations for the Goa Carnival starting Jan end to Feb, are in full swing and a variety of yoga teacher training courses are lined up.
It is between November to February that Goa sees a lot of tourist influx because of the beautiful weather which elevates the beauty and vibe of Goa. With the Goa’s skies clear of monsoon rains, lined with clear skies over head this tourists get to experience an ideal weather for lounging on the beach sightseeing and enjoying the nightlife of Goa. And even though Goa at this time of the year is highly popular for its EDM parties and colourful night activities it also offers rejuvenating and focused environment for yoga enthusiasts who are looking to immerse themselves in yoga teacher training courses. Many yoga ashrams and yoga schools schedule their yoga courses in Goa at this time due to the high demand by tourists for group as well as personal classes. Although, yoga practitioners who are looking for looking for solitude or an absolute calm and quiet experience, or a peaceful learning environment may find the energy a little fragmented, unless they choose remote centres or retreats away from tourist or commercial zones.
March to May – the Shoulder season
The period between March to May often popularly known as the Shoulder season is the transition period. The crowd begins to thin as tourists start returning, majority of the festivals are over, beaches are less crowded and the accommodation prices drop as weather grows slightly warmer. The temperature varies between 25 degree Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius making the weather humid and hot.
Yoga teacher training? Well, even though most of the yoga ashrams have green spaces lined with trees and shaded inland areas where heat can be easily managed, one may not find the weather most perfect, for yoga teacher training courses.
Goa has beaches which offers naturally pleasant evenings and early mornings perfect to immerse in nature walks, beach meditations, cycling etc. with quieter surroundings. So tourists and nature travellers seeking for deeply immersive transformations can find their way back to themselves in the cosy calm of Goa. This period might not be the most suited for serious Yoga teacher training classes but short training classes but yogis, budget bound travellers can benefit from the spacious environment with fewer tourists in spiritual retreats and programs. Tourist can immerse themselves in ayurvedic treatments and detox programmes that are also occurred in Goa along with light yoga practises to seek rejuvenation and healing that transforms one, externally as well as internally.
June to September – the monsoon season
June to September witnesses the monsoon season in Goa. At this time of the year the temperature in Goa ranges between 24 degree Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius and it receives frequent trains. The rivers swell and the forests thicken. Goa is covered in lush greenery and rains, observing a dramatic transformation of nature. Because of the monsoon season the tourist infrastructure closes for a brief. Especially in areas of North Goa so even though most of the yoga schools and ashrams are located near the serene beaches of North Goa, The hints and Heritage Stage in South Guwahati remain open for monsoon seekers.
This period in Goa is best for travellers looking for ayurvedic retreats, solitude, and looking for connecting with nature and earth. Other suitable activities in Goa during the monsoon season include detox programmes in Ayurveda like Panchkarma treatments, digital detox retreats as well as cultural activities to be enjoyed with the local communities in Goa. As for yoga teacher training this period of the year is not the most convenient and conventional choice. The monsoon season can affect the road conditions and disrupt travel. But for yoga travellers who seek solitude and maximum natural immersion, the monsoon season can shower therapy on them.
October – the transitional season
October is Goa’s best kept secret. This is the transitional season of the year with the monsoon coming to an end, Goa enters a state of rejuvenation. The humidity is clearing up, landscapes are still lush and the tourism machinery hasn’t gained full throttle, so the state is not flooding with tourists. It is an excellent time for balanced experience. A few occasional showers are best for nature enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. It is a perfect time for experiencing the pleasant climate, relaxing calm and activities of Goa like mud baths, cacao drinking, Bohemian activities and relaxing in the earthy cafes of Goa while mingling with a like-minded community. As for yoga teacher training courses this. Also well suited whether it is for Eco travellers and nature enthusiasts or first time visitors who are looking to experience yoga and solitude or for serious yoga practitioners who want to take up professional courses before the December rush starts to seep in.
Conclusion
Goa welcomes tourists and travellers all year round offering something unique for each. It offers physical, mental and emotional transformation. So choosing when to visit Goa completely depends on your purpose. For travellers who are drawn to music, beaches and the night life, November to February delivers the Goa of parties and postcards. Meanwhile travellers can seek a contemplative streak by embracing the rains and lush greenery in the monsoon season. Whereas for yoga teacher trainees and wellness seekers the period between October to March is the most ideal time for disciplined learning and focused practise. Yoga schools in Goa like AdiYogam which is based in Arambol in North Goa, offers yoga teacher training courses – from Hatha to Iyengar to Aerial Yoga in various formats under the guidance of Bharat Ram Ji, who has grown up in the traditional set up and guides his students all year round to become professionals and seek their personal journeys.
