It is not just a long weekend. It is the long weekend of the year. Three days, an Independence Day buzz in the air, and India split between dodging rain clouds and chasing sunshine. Whether you are plotting a quick hill escape, eyeing a sunny beach, or just want to know if your picnic plans will survive the monsoon - we are keeping tabs on the weather so you do not have to. Follow this LIVE blog for August 15-17 for the latest updates on where it is raining, where it is perfect, and which spots are calling your name.
Independence Day Weekend LIVE: Sunny Escapes, Rain Alerts, Travel Hacks, PNR And Flight Updates:
Independence Day Long Weekend Trip Plans LIVE: Where Indians Are Travelling
With the 79th Independence Day falling on a Friday, Indians are using the long weekend opportunity to plan quick domestic and international trips. Data reveals top destinations Indians are picking this year. Click on the link to see the top picks.
Independence Day Long Weekend Trip Plans LIVE:
Quick Monsoon Packing Tips for Hassle-Free Travel
1. Pack a Rain Jacket
Skip flimsy ponchos and invest in a lightweight, waterproof, and breathable jacket. Keeps you dry without feeling like a sauna.
2. Waterproof Your Footwear
Carry quick-dry sandals or water-resistant trekking shoes to avoid soggy misery.
3. Carry Dry Bags
Protect your phone, passport, and camera from surprise showers.
4. Choose Quick-Dry Clothes
Synthetic fabrics dry in hours, unlike cotton, which stays damp and heavy.
5. Pack a Compact Umbrella
A sturdy, wind-resistant one fits easily in your bag for city walks.
6. Keep a First-Aid & Mosquito Kit
Be ready for slippery treks and insect bites.
7. Carry a Power Bank
Rainy days can mean long waits—keep your devices charged and safe.
8. Take a Light Towel
Microfibre towels save space and dry in minutes.
East & Northeast - Lush, But Which Spots Are Safe?
Odisha plains & Jharkhand plateaus - Manageable rains, earthy greens, forest trails, and less flood drama than upper NE.
Avoid Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh in monsoon - These spots face "heavy to very heavy" rain and landslide risk-so not the safest bet this long weekend.
Digha, Mandarmani (West Bengal coast) - Monsoon lovers' picks for laid-back seaside charms. It's nearly booked up, but still worth the beautiful rainy scenes.
South India - Beaches & Hill Escapes That Work
Gokarna & Murudeshwar (Karnataka) - It is rain-friendly, has black-sand beaches, and witnessing occasional sunny bursts. The place is great for beach lovers who want fewer crowds.
Pondicherry - Indulge in East Coast charm with less rain, French vibes, and boutique cafes. You can expect occasional showers
Munnar, Coorg, and Coorg-adjacent spots (Kerala/Karnataka) - Hill stations that literally glow. Do visit tea estates and waterfalls for post-monsoon mossy greenery everywhere.
Independence Day Long Weekend Live: East & Northeast - Lush, But Which Spots Are Safe?
Weather in Kolkata, West Bengal, India
August 15 (Friday): 32°/27° - Cloudy with a little rain in the afternoon
August 16 (Saturday): 34°/ 27° - Mostly cloudy with a little rain
August 17 (Sunday): 32°/27° - Cloudy; a little rain in the morning followed by heavy showers in the afternoon.
Weather in Guwahati, Assam, India
August 15 (Friday): 33°/26° - Mostly cloudy with a bit of rain in the afternoon
August 16 (Saturday): 35°/27° - Hot with a blend of sun and clouds; caution advised if outside for extended periods
August 17 (Sunday): 33°/26° - A couple of morning thunderstorms; otherwise, mostly cloudy
- Kolkata: Typical monsoon behaviour - humid, moderate showers frequent, especially toward the afternoon. Umbrellas are a must.
- Guwahati (Assam): Mostly cloudy with afternoon thunderstorms but mixed with hot, sunny spells on Saturday (Aug 16).
- Where to Go in the East: Skip areas with heavy rainfall, such as Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Meghalaya (which often receive "heavy to hefty" downpours), and opt for regions like the Odisha plains or Jharkhand plateaus, where showers are moderate but manageable.
Independence Day Long Weekend Trip Plans LIVE: South India - Beach Weather vs. Rain-Hit Areas
Weather in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
August 15 (Friday): 26°/20° - Cloudy and breezy; a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon
August 16 (Saturday): 26°/20° - Cloudy and breezy; a thundershower in parts of the area in the afternoon
August 17 (Sunday): 26°/20° - Cloudy with a couple of thundershowers in the afternoon
- Bengaluru: Cloudy with breezy thundershowers expected daily, light-to-moderate rain mixed with sunny breaks.
- Chennai and Tamil Nadu Coast: A classic monsoon mix-humid, warm, with frequent showers and breezy evenings. Beaches might be hit or miss, but serene and uncrowded.
- Coastal alternatives: For a better balance of beach and weather, consider Gokarna or Murudeshwar-these Karnataka black-sand beaches often dodge the heaviest showers and offer clear spells with coastal charm.
Independence Day Long Weekend Trip Plans LIVE: Travel Advisory - Uttarakhand Cloudburst:
A recent cloudburst in Uttarkashi's Dharali village has led to flash floods, causing significant disruption. With more rainfall expected in the coming days, it's advisable to avoid travel to Uttarakhand for the Independence Day long weekend. Instead, consider exploring safer destinations like Nainital, Mussoorie, or Rishikesh, which are currently experiencing milder weather conditions.
Safer North India Alternatives:
- Ladakh & Spiti Valley - Dry, high-altitude deserts with clear skies.
- Heritage & Cultural Spots - Agra, Orchha, Amritsar.
- Hill Retreats with Manageable Rain - Nainital, Rishikesh, Dharamshala, Kasauli.
Travel Tips for the Long Weekend:
- Check live weather updates and local advisories before leaving.
- Book stays with flexible cancellation policies.
- Keep rain gear, waterproof bags, and trekking shoes ready even for milder destinations.
- Monitor PNR status and flight ticket updates to avoid last-minute surprises.
Independence Day Weekend LIVE: Travel Advisory - Jammu & Kashmir Cloudburst
A cloudburst in Jammu & Kashmir's Kishtwar has triggered flash floods, suspending the Machail Mata yatra and disrupting local travel. Avoid non-essential trips to the region until conditions improve.
Why to Avoid J&K This Weekend
- Cloudburst impact: Heavy rainfall and flash floods have hit the Kishtwar area.
- Yatra suspended: Machail Mata pilgrimage halted for safety.
- Possible transport delays: Roads and trekking routes may be affected.
North India Alternatives for the Long Weekend:
- Dry & Scenic: Ladakh, Spiti Valley
- Heritage Escapes: Agra, Orchha, Amritsar
- Hill Retreats (Moderate Rain): Nainital, Rishikesh, Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj, Kasauli
- Offbeat Picks: Chamba (Himachal), Mandawa (Rajasthan)
Travel Tips:
- Check live weather updates before departure.
- Keep rain gear even in "dry" destinations-monsoon can surprise you.
- Book stays with flexible cancellation policies.
Independence Day Long Weekend Trip Plans LIVE:
India North And West: Which Places Are Receiving Less Rainfall Than Others
1. Udaipur, Rajasthan
Gentle rain turns the City of Lakes into a dreamscape. Glide across Lake Pichola, explore palace balconies, and watch sunsets that look like oil paintings.
2. Pushkar & Jaisalmer
The Thar Desert barely notices the monsoon. Ride camels over golden dunes, sip chai on fort rooftops, and sleep under a billion stars without worrying about wet tents.
3. Mount Abu
Cool breezes and misty peaks, minus the coastal chaos. Nakki Lake, sunset points, and forest trails make this the perfect unplugged monsoon hideaway.
4. Rann of Kutch, Gujarat
The rains here are fleeting, leaving the salt flats dazzling under bursts of sunshine. Great for photography, cultural tours, and spotting migratory birds.
5. Leh & Ladakh
While much of India gets drenched, Ladakh stays mostly dry in August. Think monasteries in golden light, turquoise lakes, and endless Himalayan views.
West India - Monsoon Watch, Dry Pockets, Coastal Alerts
Mumbai Weather:
August 15 (Friday): 32°/27° - Variable cloudiness with a couple of thunderstorms.
August 16 (Saturday): 34°/28° - Cloudy with a touch of rain.
August 17 (Sunday): 34°/28° - Cloudy; occasional rain and thunderstorms.
- Mumbai Region: Cloudy, periodic rain, with a Yellow Watch for heavy rainfall in effect. Rain likely intensifies into the weekend.
- Vidarbha (Maharashtra interior): Hit with heavy downpours recently-regions like Wardha, Amravati are waterlogged; more rain expected till the 19th.
- Dryer Getaway: Consider Rajasthan or northwestern interiors like Mount Abu-lighter rain, drier conditions, and still some monsoon charm.
Independence Day Long Weekend Live:
New Delhi Weather:
August 15 (Friday): 32°/27° - Variable cloudiness with a couple of thunderstorms.
August 16 (Saturday): 34°/28° - Cloudy with a touch of rain.
August 17 (Sunday): 34°/28° - Cloudy; occasional rain and thunderstorms.
- Delhi-NCR: Cloudy skies, occasional thunderstorms, and daytime highs hovering around 32-34°C. While Friday (Aug 15) looks manageable with only light morning showers, the wet pattern continues through the weekend.
- Weekend Vibe: Expect persistent showers, light to moderate, with possible waterlogging and disruptions, especially in the NCR zone.
- Spot to Consider: If you're skipping the soggy plains, Ladakh or Spiti remain top-tier picks - these rain-shadow desert havens stay arid, with crisp skies and stunning views. Prefer heritage with fewer crowds? Agra offers moody monsoon light, while Orchha's temple-draped lanes turn romantic under soft, wet skies. And for a moody hill vibe, Dharamshala/McLeod Ganj rains about 290 mm across roughly 14 days - think mist-soaked pines, Tibetan cafe, and lush drama (just pack a raincoat)
- Rajasthan: Still drier than the rest, though some cloud cover - and occasional showers - are possible. But the silver lining? Cooler temps and those dramatic, green-soaked backdrops.
