Best Time To Visit Gir With Family The Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is the only place – not just in India but the whole world – where the mighty Asiatic Lion can be seen in the wild. The incredible encounters and overwhelming sights will make your family vacation all the more memorable.
Sprawling over 1400 sq. km, this land was once used as a hunting ground by the Nawabs of Junagarh. It was only later that it was converted into a sanctuary to safeguard the diminishing lion population.
Today, the Asiatic Lion is an endangered species. In Gir, you will find nearly 300 species of birds, 36 species of mammals, 2000 species of insects and 606 species of plants. There is no dearth of biodiversity here. In addition to lions, there are sloth bears, leopards, wild boars, spotted deer, hyenas, porcupines, marsh crocodiles, sarus cranes, long-billed vultures, etc.
While other national parks such as Corbett or Ranthambore lure tiger lovers, Gir National Park is for those who love the ‘king of the jungle’. If you are planning a trip here, keep in mind the different seasons and the best time to visit Gir before you decide.
Primarily, Gir weather is divided into:
- Summers (March to May)
- Monsoon (June to October)
- Winter (November to February)
| Season | Avg Min Temp | Avg Max Temp |
| Summer | 28°C | 48°C |
| Monsoon | Around 28°C range | |
| Winter | 10°C | 22°C |
As the protected area remains closed from June to October, the best time to visit Gir is in winter, from November to March. The summer months of April and May are very hot but ideal for wildlife photography and wildlife viewing.
Simply put, it depends on the kind of trip you want. For a family vacation, a pleasant time to visit would be November to March.
Summer in Gir (March to May)
Lasting from March to May, summers in Gir are extremely humid and hot. The temperature ranges between 28 °C and 42 °C. The summer winds come with a gush of hot air and if you’re not used to it, it could be difficult to bear hence it is not the best time to visit Gir
Animals face the brunt of the heat too. With such scorching heat, they prefer spending time in sheltered areas – under trees, near water bodies or elsewhere in the shade.
Although it’s hot, there are people who prefer travelling during summer. For such travellers, it’s recommended you rise early in the morning and set out for your adventure and wind up all activities by 11 am. Post 11 and closer to noon, it gets blistering hot. From 11 am until 5 pm, unwind anywhere indoors. From 5 pm the Gir weather becomes more tolerable. You have a good two hours to spend time outdoors as the sun sets only by 7 pm.
At night, the cool breeze allows you to camp outdoors. You can give this option a thought if you fancy some thrills during your family vacation.
Although summers are extreme and the heat is intolerable, photography enthusiasts cannot let go of the opportunity to capture great photos. Summer is this best time to visit Gir for wildlife photography. If you visit during summer, make sure you carry cotton clothes, a hat, sunscreen lotion, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Monsoon in Gir (June to October)
While the animals get a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat during the monsoon months, they also prefer to stay sheltered from the rain. It is also impossible to conduct safaris. Due to the rains, Gir is closed from June to October hence, it is not the best time to visit Gir. However, with the amount of rainfall that Gir receives, by the end of the season, the park is lush and thriving, freshly infused with life. It’s definitely a sight to behold. Monsoon prepares the park for the upcoming winter season.
Winter in Gir (November to February)
Winter is the best time to visit Gir for a family vacation. From November to February, the weather is pleasant and accommodating. It’s neither too hot nor too cold – the temperature ranges from 10 °C to 22 °C. The Gir weather, combined with the lush greenery, makes this the best time to visit Gir and indulge in various activities.
The animals too prefer the mild weather and it’s easy to spot them. This is why a jeep safari is a must. This three-hour journey allows you to explore the park along with a professional guide. You can encounter the majestic Asiatic lion, which is a thrilling and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The safari is conducted in four batches: at 6 am, 9 am, 12 pm, and 3 pm.
Another popular destination during your family vacation is the Gir Interpretation Zone, which is located within the sanctuary. Also known as Devaliya Safari Park, it offers you an opportunity to view several animals in their natural habitat. It’s like Gir forest in a nutshell!
Apart from this, there is a crocodile breeding centre near Sinh Sadan that highlights the importance of crocodile conservation and offers a wealth of information on the reptile.
Lastly, there are various birds to be found in Gir. From rare species to migratory birds, you will find them all here. Flamingo, pygmy woodpecker, Bonnelli’s eagle, etc. are some avian species that migrate to India during the winter.
There are several resorts in close proximity to Gir National Park and Sanctuary that offer some incredible experiences. The best among them is the Club Mahindra Safari Resort Gir. No matter when you visit Gir, you can have the best family vacation at this luxurious resort. It’s the perfect opportunity to get away from the chaos of the city and spend a few days in the midst of nature.
Though it’s located in the middle of the jungle, Club Mahindra Gir Resort has comfortable and spacious rooms that are equipped with a host of modern amenities for your convenience. Don’t forget to keep your camera handy, for you never know when you might spot a beautiful bird or animal in the vicinity.
When you’re not relaxing in your room, you can enjoy a swim, play outdoor games with your children, go trekking, cycling, enjoy a massage, go on a safari, and generally indulge yourself in a whole lot of activities in Gir Resort. Also, enjoy the local cuisines of Gujarat at the in-house restaurant, which serves a variety of dishes.
Read Club Mahindra reviews online by other members to understand how to make the most of your Club Mahindra membership and enjoy wonderful holidays. With so many exciting opportunities, make sure you opt for a Club Mahindra membership to enjoy a family vacation like never before!
