25 August 2025

Traveling During the Monsoon

When I told my loved ones I was going to India... right in the middle of July, the reaction was unanimous: “But... it’s the monsoon! You’ll spend your vacation in the rain!” So yes, it rains. Sometimes heavily. Sometimes every day. But you know what? Traveling during the monsoon is far from a bad idea.

What Exactly Is the Monsoon?

Before experiencing it, I imagined the monsoon as one big black cloud stuck over my head for three months. The reality is quite different: • The mornings are often sunny, • then late in the afternoon, a huge storm breaks out, • afterwards, everything is washed, refreshed... and you go on as if nothing happened.

In India, I loved watching the rain fall from a chai shop, with my steaming tea and the scent of spices mixing with the smell of wet earth. Honestly, it’s a unique atmosphere.

One day, I couldn’t resist: I went out dancing in the rain. Soaked from head to toe, I kept laughing like a fool. And you know what? It became one of my most beautiful memories.

The (Big) Advantages of Traveling During the Monsoon

• Nature bursts with greenery: rice fields shine, hills are covered in mist, everything feels more vivid. • Fewer crowds: visiting the Taj Mahal or a temple in Kerala without the crowds changes everything. • Lower prices: hotels and plane tickets are much more affordable than in high season.

And then there are those little everyday scenes you wouldn’t see otherwise: children jumping in puddles, soaked from head to toe, laughing hysterically. It reminds us to focus on what really matters: enjoying the little things, just jumping, playing... and being happy.

Minor Drawbacks (But Nothing Dramatic)

Of course, let’s be honest: • Your sandals won’t always dry as fast as you’d like, • some excursions (boat rides, hikes) may be postponed, • and yes, you might have to take out your umbrella more than once.

But if you travel with a bit of flexibility, it goes smoothly.

Where to Travel Despite the Monsoon?

Good news: the monsoon doesn’t hit everywhere at the same time. For example: • In Bali, even during the wet season, rain often falls in heavy showers then the sun comes back. • In Sri Lanka, when the west coast is rainy, the east coast is usually sunny. • In Vietnam, the north and south have different monsoon seasons: there’s always a dry spot somewhere. • In South India, Kerala under the rain is magical: the backwaters overflow with life, the tea plantations are an incredible green. And then... taking a tuk-tuk through flooded streets feels like surfing on water. You weave between cars, half-splashed, a big smile on your face: sensations guaranteed!

My Tips as a “Monsoon Survivor”

• Invest in a light raincoat (umbrella + scooter in India = mission impossible). • Keep a flexible schedule: plan a museum, a massage, or a covered temple visit for heavy storms. • Don’t forget that rain is part of the journey: instead of complaining, enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Traveling During the Monsoon Is Not About “Enduring the Rain”

It means discovering a greener, calmer, more authentic destination. Personally, I have wonderful memories from my trips during this season — and I even believe it gave them a special flavor.