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"Step out into the sun and explore Gateway of India. February is an ideal time to visit Mumbai. Come hungry—the local cuisine is unforgettable."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Mumbai?
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is India's financial powerhouse and entertainment capital—a mesmerizing megacity of 21+ million people where extreme wealth and poverty coexist along the Arabian Sea coastline. This city of dreams draws millions seeking fortune in Bollywood, business, and beyond, creating an energy unlike anywhere else on Earth. Stand before the iconic Gateway of India, the grand basalt arch built in 1924 to commemorate King George V's visit, now Mumbai's most photographed landmark overlooking the harbor where ferries depart for Elephanta Island's UNESCO-listed cave temples.
Adjacent stands the legendary Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (1903), its red dome and Gothic-Moorish architecture symbolizing Indian hospitality and resilience after the 2008 terrorist attacks. Colonial Mumbai reveals itself in the Fort area's stunning Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings—Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST, formerly Victoria Terminus) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ornate Gothic Revival architecture making it the world's most magnificent railway station. Marine Drive's ~3.6 km Queen's Necklace promenade curves along the bay, lined with Art Deco apartment buildings that form part of Mumbai's UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic & Art Deco Ensembles; Mumbai is often cited as having the world's second-largest collection of Art Deco buildings after Miami.
Stroll at sunset when thousands of Mumbaikars gather on the sea wall, watch cricket on Oval Maidan's grass fields beneath Gothic university spires, and feel the city's democratic spirit. The food scene rivals anywhere globally—from legendary street food (vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri at Chowpatty Beach, dosas at Café Madras) to fine dining at institutions like Britannia & Co. for Parsi berry pulao or Trishna for butter-pepper-garlic crab.
Crawford Market overflows with produce, spices, and chaos, while Colaba Causeway mixes backpacker bazaars with boutiques. Experience the Dhobi Ghat open-air laundry where thousands of dhobis wash the city's clothes, take a Bollywood studio tour, explore the fishing village of Koli heritage at Worli, and visit Haji Ali Dargah mosque accessible via a causeway during low tide. The Elephanta Caves, a 9km ferry ride from Gateway, house magnificent 6th-century Hindu rock-cut sculptures including the famous Trimurti Shiva.
Dharavi, one of Asia's largest slums, offers respectful tours revealing entrepreneurship and community spirit that challenge stereotypes. From the hipster cafés of Bandra to the colonial clubs of South Mumbai, from the frenetic stock exchange to the serene Hanging Gardens, Mumbai embodies modern India's contradictions and aspirations. Visit October-March for pleasant temperatures (20-32°C / 68-90°F) avoiding the June-September monsoon when the city floods but transforms into a romantic rain-washed world.
What to Do
Iconic Sights
Gateway of India
Mumbai's most iconic landmark built in 1924. Visit at sunrise (around 06:00) to avoid crowds and capture the best light with the Taj Hotel backdrop. Evening is atmospheric but extremely crowded.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST)
UNESCO World Heritage railway station with stunning Victorian Gothic architecture. The exterior is best photographed at dusk when illuminated. Step inside during off-peak hours to admire the stained glass and ornate interiors.
Marine Drive & Queen's Necklace
~3.6 km seafront promenade curving along the bay. Walk the entire stretch at sunset when Art Deco buildings glow golden. Stay for the necklace of streetlights illuminating after dark. Best people-watching in Mumbai.
Cultural Experiences
Elephanta Caves
UNESCO World Heritage Hindu cave temples with magnificent 5th–8th century sculptures. Ferries depart Gateway of India every 30-60 minutes ($2.38 / ₹216 return, 1hr each way). Go early to avoid crowds. Closed Mondays. The Trimurti Shiva sculpture is breathtaking.
Dhobi Ghat
World's largest open-air laundry where thousands wash Mumbai's clothes by hand. Best viewed from Mahalaxmi Bridge overpass or join a respectful walking tour. Early morning (07:00–09:00) sees peak activity. Photography from the bridge is fine.
Dharavi Community Tours
Respectful tours of Asia's most famous informal settlement reveal entrepreneurship, recycling industry, and tight-knit community. Book with ethical operators like Reality Tours who reinvest profits locally. No photography of residents.
Food & Markets
Street Food Trail
Essential Mumbai foods: vada pav (spicy potato burger, $0.24–$0.36 / ₹22–₹32) anywhere, bhel puri and pav bhaji at Chowpatty Beach (evening), dosas at Café Madras in Matunga. Mohammed Ali Road for kebabs during Ramadan. Stick to busy stalls for freshness.
Crawford Market
Victorian-era market (architect William Emerson; decorative work includes carvings by John Lockwood Kipling) bursting with fruits, vegetables, spices, and pet birds. Go early morning for wholesale chaos. The colonial architecture alone is worth the visit.
Britannia & Co.
Legendary Parsi café since 1923 serving berry pulao (rice with zereshk berries) and dhansak. Cash only, limited hours (11:30–16:00). The 90+ year old owner still greets guests. Essential Mumbai institution.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: BOM
- From :
Best Time to Visit
October, November, December, January, February, March
Climate: Tropical
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 20°C | 0 | Excellent ((best)) |
| February | 31°C | 21°C | 0 | Excellent ((best)) |
| March | 32°C | 23°C | 0 | Excellent ((best)) |
| April | 33°C | 26°C | 0 | Good |
| May | 33°C | 28°C | 5 | Good |
| June | 31°C | 27°C | 27 | Wet |
| July | 29°C | 26°C | 31 | Wet |
| August | 29°C | 26°C | 31 | Wet |
| September | 29°C | 26°C | 28 | Wet |
| October | 32°C | 26°C | 12 | Excellent ((best)) |
| November | 32°C | 23°C | 2 | Excellent ((best)) |
| December | 30°C | 21°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): February 2026 is perfect for visiting Mumbai!
Practical Information
Getting There
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is one of India's busiest, located in the suburbs. Terminal 2 handles international flights. Prepaid taxi to South Mumbai (Colaba/Fort) costs $8.32–$11 / ₹755–₹970 (45min-2hrs depending on traffic). Uber/Ola cost similar. Metro Line 3 now connects the airport to some areas. Avoid arriving during rush hour (08:00–11:00, 18:00–21:00) when traffic is worst.
Getting Around
Local trains are fastest but intimidating—extremely crowded at rush hour (avoid 08:00–11:00, 18:00–20:00). Women-only carriages are safer. Buy a day pass for unlimited rides. Uber and Ola apps are reliable and affordable. Black-yellow taxis use meters. Auto-rickshaws serve suburbs only. BEST buses are comprehensive but slow. Walking is great in compact South Mumbai.
Money & Payments
Indian Rupee (INR, ₹). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ ₹91. Cards accepted at hotels, restaurants, larger shops. Street food, markets, small vendors cash-only. ATMs everywhere—avoid airport exchange (poor rates). UPI payments (Google Pay, PhonePe) ubiquitous if you can set up Indian number. Tipping: 10% in restaurants appreciated.
Language
Hindi and Marathi are main languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, business, and among educated classes. Taxi drivers may have limited English—know your destination in writing. Basic Hindi phrases appreciated: Namaste (hello), Dhanyavaad (thank you), Kitna? (how much?).
Cultural Tips
Remove shoes before entering homes and temples. Dress conservatively at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Use right hand for eating and giving/receiving. Bargaining expected in markets, not in fixed-price shops. Head wobble means yes/acknowledgment. Tipping 10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Don't photograph people without permission, especially in slums.
Get an eSIM
Stay connected without expensive roaming. Get a local eSIM for this trip starting from just a few dollars.
Claim Flight Compensation
Flight delayed or cancelled? You might be entitled to up to $713 in compensation. Check your claim here at no upfront cost.
Perfect 3-Day Mumbai Itinerary
Day 1: Colonial South Mumbai
Day 2: Temples, Markets & Street Food
Day 3: Modern Mumbai & Neighborhoods
Where to Stay
Colaba
Best for: Gateway of India, Taj Mahal Palace, colonial architecture, tourist center
Fort / Churchgate
Best for: CST station, business district, Art Deco buildings, Marine Drive access
Marine Drive / Nariman Point
Best for: Queen's Necklace promenade, Art Deco, sunset walks, upscale hotels
Bandra
Best for: Hip suburb, Bollywood celebrities, restaurants, nightlife, local vibe
Juhu
Best for: Beach, airport proximity, Bollywood homes, local beach life
Lower Parel / Worli
Best for: Mill district revival, modern Mumbai, business, sea link views
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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