Best Time to
Visit
Kanha tiger safaris run twice daily — a morning drive from around sunrise for four to five hours, and an afternoon drive from around 15:00 until sunset. Entry is by permit in a registered jeep with a Forest Department guide, through Khatia, Mukki or Sarhi gates. Core-zone permits are limited by zone and vehicle and should be booked several weeks ahead for peak months. Courtyard House arranges permits, zones and naturalists in-house.
"Best Weather" and "Best Sightings" Are Not the Same Month
If you want comfort
November to February
If you want to see a tiger
March to June
If you want photography
February and March, when the light is good
Months Table
| Month | Temp | Conditions | Sightings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct (from mid) | 18–32°C | Reopens, forest green and dense | Moderate | Green landscape, low crowds, softest light |
| Nov | 10–29°C | Crisp, clear, comfortable | Good and improving | Best all-round month for a first visit |
| Dec | 6–26°C | Cold mornings, brilliant afternoons | Good | Peak season. Book early. Serious layers. |
| Jan | 5–25°C | Coldest. Dawn near freezing | Good | Excellent weather, heaviest traffic |
| Feb | 9–29°C | Warming, cover thinning | Very good | Arguably the best balance of the year |
| Mar | 15–34°C | Warm, dry, water concentrating | Very good | Strong sightings, manageable heat |
| Apr | 21–39°C | Hot | Excellent | A serious wildlife month |
| May | 25–44°C | Very hot | Excellent | For the committed. Waterholes do the work. |
| Jun (to 30th) | 26–42°C | Hot, humid, pre-monsoon | Excellent | Highest odds, hardest conditions, lowest rates |
| Jul–mid Oct | Monsoon | Core zones closed | — | Park closed. Some buffer zones may operate. |