WITH 727 MM OF RAIN SO FAR, GOA SURPASSES AUGUST AVERAGE

Indian culture intertwines with left over Portuguese influences in the sun-soaked region of Goa. This place is full of fun and frolic all the year round, but rain has its own charm. Many Goans vouch for the fact that Goa is at its best during the monsoon, when the countryside turns lush green almost overnight. Goa at this time of the year holds the envious reputation of selling the cheapest liquor and accommodation in the country.

Monsoon in Goa

Goa is one of the rainiest pockets of Monsoon in India, even with regard to other places along the west coast.

With 900 mm of rain on an average, July is the rainiest month. August receives good showers of 591 mm and rain continues as Southwest Monsoon withdraws in September as well. Weather during this time remains pleasant with maximums in higher twenties. The weather starts heating up by mid-September and given the humidity, even 32°C seems uncomfortable.

But Goa, in the first two weeks of September will fit well into your budget and though beaches and shacks will not reverberate with life and activity, serene hedonists can travel down south to enjoy the tranquility of unspoiled sand.

The usually quiet, sandy Agonda Beach is perfect for enjoying a brisk morning walk or a late night romantic moonlit stroll. You can also visit the World Heritage classed Old Town, delve in temples, mosques, and fascinating local museums.

Rain in August

With 726.7 mm of rain this month, Goa has left the monthly average of 591 mm far behind and rain has been 18% above normal.

This could be attributed to the cyclonic circulation over the west coast which gradually shifted upwards and the present system which emerged in the Bay of Bengal and revived Monsoon in India. During break in Monsoon conditions rain reduced along the Western Ghats resulting in just 3.7 mm of rain from the 18^th to 25^th of August. With revival of Southwest Monsoon around the 26^th rain picked in Goa and the city received 70 mm of rain. In the following days Goa received 81 mm, 101 mm and 147 mm of rain. According to the latest weather update bySkymet Meteorology Division in India, more showers are likely in the coming days.

The city's all-time highest August rain is 1721 mm, recorded in 1953. The lowest is 264 mm observed in the drought year of 2009.

Though Goa is not liberally festooned in the Monsoon season but it is definitely one of the cheapest time to visit this place. Rejuvenate your senses and energize your body with a range of holistic treatments. You can also choose to go off the beaten track, gear up with your walking boots or take a bumpy Jeep ride to one of the stunning waterfalls. Perched at the peak of the Western Ghats, Dudhsagar falls is a must visit here.

In the last couple of years, Goa has hit the sweet spot. East meets west in this modern yet antique tourist destination, filled with luxuries and great affordable food.  The anonymity of urban life is slowly sprawling into this place, yet Goa remains one of the friendliest places in India, infused with traditions of hospitality.  So, get going and pamper yourself in this heavenly land, savouring Goan delicacies along with chilled beer!