Trade snow shovels for sunshine and family time. How to plan a few months in India, from booking the flight to leaving your Canadian home in good hands.
At a glance: how do I plan a winter in India from Canada?
Most long-stay travellers fly out in early to mid November and come back in March or early April. Book now for November. Leaving before mid-December usually avoids the holiday rush. Most of India is dry and pleasant from November to March, though the north gets cold and foggy in December and January. Before you go, check your visa or OCI, buy travel insurance for the whole stay, pack enough medication, and set up your home in Canada for winter.
Why more Canadian families are wintering in India
Every year, more of our travellers swap a Canadian winter for a few months with family in India. Grandparents want time with siblings and old friends. Retired couples want warm mornings and long walks instead of icy sidewalks. Some families split the season, with parents going early and children joining over the holidays or March break.
A long stay is different from a two-week holiday. It needs a bit more planning. The good news is that it is simple once you know the steps.
When to book and when to fly
Timing matters more than anything for fares. Here is what we see each year.
Travel window | What to expect | Our advice |
Fly out early to mid November | Good choice of seats | The sweet spot for long stays. Book now, as this is less than two months away. |
Fly out mid December to early January | Peak season fares | Avoid if you can. Holiday travellers fill these dates first. |
Fly home March to early April | Easier than the outbound rush | Canada is warming up, and India is not yet at its hottest. March break dates can be busier. |
We checked our live fares on 25 September 2026 for a one-way search from Vancouver. They were showing from CAD $989 per person to Delhi, from CAD $996 to Mumbai, from CAD $1,030 to Bengaluru and from CAD $1,186 to Ahmedabad. Prices change daily. We also fly from Toronto, Calgary, Montreal, Edmonton and Winnipeg. Search your own dates on our flights page.
The best places in India for a winter stay
India is big, and winter feels very different from north to south. Most people stay near family. If you have a choice, here is a simple guide.
Region | Winter weather | Good to know |
Punjab and Delhi | Cool days, cold nights, fog in Dec–Jan | Home for many of our families. Pack warm layers. Homes are rarely heated like in Canada. |
Gujarat (Ahmedabad) | Dry, sunny and mild | Comfortable all winter. Uttarayan kite festival in January. |
Rajasthan | Warm days, cool evenings | Lovely for short trips from Delhi or Ahmedabad. |
Mumbai and Maharashtra | Warm and dry | T-shirt weather most of the winter. |
Bengaluru and Hyderabad | Mild and pleasant | Among the most comfortable winter climates in India. |
Chennai and Tamil Nadu | Warm, rain easing by December | Best from late December to February. |
8 long-stay tips before you leave Canada
1. Check your visa or OCI early
Canadian passport holders need an Indian visa or an OCI card. If you hold OCI, carry it with your current passport. If you need a visa, check the type you apply for allows a stay as long as you plan, as each visa has its own limit per visit. Apply only through the official Indian visa website, and do it well ahead.
2. Know your provincial health plan's limits
Provincial plans such as MSP in BC and OHIP in Ontario have rules on how long you can be away. They also pay very little for care outside Canada. Check the rules for your province before you book a long stay.
3. Buy travel insurance for the whole trip
Make sure your policy covers every day you are away, not just the first few weeks. Tell the insurer about any existing health conditions. Keep a copy of the policy and emergency number on paper and on your phone.
4. Pack enough medication, plus extra
Bring enough for your whole stay and a couple of weeks more in case of delays. Keep it in the original labelled packaging, in your carry-on. A letter from your doctor listing your medicines is a good idea.
5. Get your Canadian home ready for winter
Ask a relative or neighbour to check the house regularly. Many home insurance policies have rules for empty homes, so call your insurer. Think about heating, frozen pipes and snow clearing. Canada Post can hold or forward your mail.
6. Put bills and payments on autopilot
Set up automatic payments for bills. Make sure pensions and benefits are paid by direct deposit. Let your bank know you will be abroad so your cards keep working.
7. Choose a fare that fits a long stay
Some fares limit how long you can stay before the return flight. Others charge more to change dates. Tell us how long you plan to be away, and we will match you with a suitable fare.
8. Register your trip
The Government of Canada offers free registration for Canadians abroad, so they can contact you in an emergency. Find it, and the latest India travel advice, at travel.gc.ca.
Travelling as a senior, or with family
Flying alone? Ask us to request wheelchair help and a special meal when you book. We can note it on every leg.
Keeping in touch: check your Canadian phone plan’s roaming costs, or plan to use Wi-Fi and WhatsApp video calls. Share your flight details and your address in India with family at home.
Children joining later? Book the family’s holiday or March break flights early. Those dates fill quickly.
Going to Punjab? Read our guide to flights from Vancouver to Amritsar, with tips on winter fog and connections.
Students and education staff in the family?MannPass gives verified members $25 off selected return flights between Canada and India. It is free, valid 30 days, renewable, and can’t be combined with other offers.
Why book your winter stay with Mann Travel?
Long stays come with long questions, and we are happy to answer them. Our team in Surrey, BC speaks Punjabi, Hindi and English, and we offer 24/7 support. We specialise in family and senior travel between Canada and India. We can also help with hotels for side trips. If your plans change mid-winter, get in touch and a real person will help.
Let’s take you home for the winter.
Search live fares at manntravel.ca/flights or call our Surrey team on (604) 265-9000. Tell us your dates and we’ll plan the rest with you.
frequently asked questions
When is the best time to go to India for the winter?
Fly out in early to mid November and return in March or early April. This avoids the December holiday rush and the Indian summer heat.
How early should I book a long winter stay?
Two to four months ahead. For a November departure, that means booking now.
Which part of India is warmest in winter?
The south and west, including Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Gujarat. Punjab and Delhi get cold and foggy in December and January.
Will my provincial health plan cover me in India?
Only a little, if at all, and there are limits on time away. Buy travel medical insurance that covers your whole stay, and check your province’s rules.
Do I need a visa to stay in India for the winter?
Yes, unless you hold an OCI card. Check that your visa allows a stay as long as you plan, and apply through the official Indian visa website.
Fares and availability change daily and depend on the airline, date and fare type. Visa, health plan and insurance rules can change. Always check official sources and live prices before booking.
