Best Time to Visit Pench

Best Time to Visit Pench National Park

Pench National Park is one of the celebrated wildlife destinations in India. It is spread across 2 states - Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Being located in the central part of India, Pench experiences tropical and subtropical type of climate. The national park typically experiences 3 types of weather conditions - summer, winter and monsoon. The Pench wildlife safaris are conducted in full fledged in the winter and summer months. In the monsoon season, safaris are continued but in a limited number. There are a total of 10 safari entry gates to Pench National Park combining both from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh sides. Every weather condition provides a different forest experience in Pench. 

A Detailed Season-Wise Analysis is Given Below:

Pench in Summer

Months - March to June

In the summer months the temperature tends to range between 28℃ - 48℃. The early summer months March to mid-April are comparatively cooler in the morning hours. The afternoon safaris are quite hot due to the scorching sun. Those going to Pench safari must carry hats, scarves, sunglasses and water. Apply proper sunscreen to avoid sunburn. But the chances of spotting wildlife are at its peak in the summer season. As forest vegetation dries up, thereby enhancing the visibility of the visitors. Also the water sources dries up in the forest so the wildlife movement increases to quench their thirst. Despite the hot weather, the summer is considered the best time to visit Pench National Park due to the high frequency of wildlife sightings, especially Bengal tigers.

Pench in Winter 

Months - October to February

The temperature in Pench National Park dips between 6℃ - 31℃ during the winter season. The December and January months are the coolest. The morning safaris are quite cold and visitors need to layer themselves with warm clothes. The afternoon safaris are the most comfortable during the winter season. The sun’s warmth feels comfortable and the wildlife sighting also remains fair. The forest is greener after the monsoon. So, both the forest landscape and Pench wildlife creates a mesmerising experience. Tourists must carry warm clothes and other necessary items to avoid the cold. Considering the wildlife spotting opportunities, the weather and the landscape, winter is also an ideal time to plan a wildlife trip to Pench National Park.

Pench in Monsoon

Months - July to September

The monsoon season brings a completely different kind of ambience to Pench National Park. The region receives nearly 1300 mm of average rainfall and the temperature ranges between 23℃ - 34℃. The safaris tracks become muddy and it gets difficult to traverse across the forest. Also, the Pench forest becomes denser, barring from clear visibility and spotting wild animals during the safaris. The weather too becomes hot and humid. Hence, the monsoon is considered the off-season and not very travel friendly, as the safaris cannot be enjoyed at its fullest. The Pench core zones are closed down, whereas the buffer zones continue with the safari activities in limited numbers. However, the safaris are subject to sudden cancellation without prior notice due to worsening of weather conditions. The hotels and resorts in Pench lower their rates and tourists looking for relaxed staycation amid the forest can choose the monsoon season to visit Pench. 

Pench Tourist Season at a Glance