Best time for rafting in Rishikesh
How the river and the weather change across the season.
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Quick answer
The best time for river rafting in Rishikesh is September to June. September to November has strong water and crisp weather, which suits bigger rapids. December to February is cooler with calmer rapids, which suits first-timers and families. March to June is warm and the busiest. Rafting is typically closed in July and August.
Updated 4 November 2026 by the Thrill Destiny booking deskMonth by month
| Months | What it is like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| September to November | Post-monsoon, strong water, crisp weather | Bigger rapids |
| December to February | Winter, cooler water, calmer rapids | First-timers and families |
| March to June | Warm weather, exciting rapids, the busiest months | Everyone. Book early. |
| July to August | Monsoon. Rafting is typically closed for safety. | Bungee only. Check with us first. |
Time of day
Each route has two slots: 6 AM to 9 AM and 9 AM to 4 PM. A morning slot leaves the rest of your day free for a bungee in Shivpuri.
Which route suits which season
- December to February: calmer rapids suit first-timers and families, so look at the 9 km and 12 km routes.
- September to November: strong water suits bigger rapids, so look at the 16 km route or longer.
- March to June: these are the busiest months, so book early. The 18 km route has open slots with no group minimum.
Weekdays and weekends
Weekend prices are higher on the shorter routes: the 16 km route is ₹400 on weekdays and ₹450 on weekends. The 24 km and 26 km routes cost the same on all days, and so does drone and DSLR rafting.
What if a trip is cancelled?
If a trip is cancelled for weather or safety, we help you rebook. Rescheduling otherwise depends on availability and needs 24 hours of notice.
Add a bungee to your rafting day
A 6 AM to 9 AM rafting slot leaves your afternoon free for a jump. See the one-day plan with costs. In July and August, when rafting is typically closed, message us about bungee first.
What every rafting trip includes
- Free pick and drop from your hotel or our stay.
- A trained river guide, a life jacket and a helmet.
- Slippers and a changing room.
How to book
You book with a ₹100 per person advance on WhatsApp, or ₹500 with drone and DSLR video.
Questions
When is rafting closed in Rishikesh?
It is typically closed in July and August, during the monsoon.
What is the best month for beginners?
December to February has calmer rapids, which suits first-timers and families.
Which months are the busiest?
March to June.
Can I raft in the monsoon?
Rafting is typically closed in July and August for safety. Check with us first.
Which months have the biggest rapids?
September to November has strong water, which suits bigger rapids.
Is the morning or the daytime slot better?
Prices are the same on most routes. A 6 AM to 9 AM slot leaves the rest of your day free for a bungee in Shivpuri.
How much advance do I pay for rafting?
₹100 per person, or ₹500 with drone and DSLR video.