In India, August is that time of year when the monsoon season is nearing its end. The beginning of August witnesses heavy showers and towards the end of the month, the showers reduce.
Picture this. It’s raining. The miles of beaches lying uncrowded and accompanied by nothing but greenery everywhere. Kids merrily running off to school with their tiny bags and there’s the incandescent aroma of roasted corn on a cob, coated with tangy lime and homemade masala. You know you’ve come to the right place.
Tourism in Goa in August
Goa in August does not see a huge influx of foreign tourists. But neither is it completely deserted, as Indian tourists pour in, mostly to the high number of festivals and public holidays such as, Independence day, Eid Ul Fitr, Parsi New year (Shahenshahi), Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami and Shri Narayana Guru Jayanthi. Due to the monsoons, water sports along the Goan coast remain closed to avoid accidents.
August weather in Goa
There are plenty of perks Goa enjoys by being a coastal state. The best of which is just the right amount of rainfall; unlike places like Mumbai that get flooded every year.
The start of August is marked by heavy showers. Which gradually slows down toward the end. Giving way to short sunny days with the occasional drizzle every now and then, Goa looks the best during this season. If you plan your trip right, you can view scenic points with both bright sunny days as well as cloudy rainy days.
August is the only time you get to see the best of Goa’s weather – The monsoons and the summers.
Must-try things in Goa during August
If taking pictures is your thing. Then Goa in August is perfect for you. And if anyone tells you that Goa should be avoided in August. They probably don’t like you...
There’s also a bucket load of activities this year that you can partake.
1. Flyboarding at Chopdem Jetty
Not something one immediately associates with Goa, but Flyboarding has been steadily gaining momentum over here. So here is your chance to try it out Flyboarding in Goa. Apart from the famous Chopdem Jetty along the Chapora River which offers Flyboarding, even Morjim beach is a good option.
Flyboarding is very safe for non-swimmers under trained supervision, provided you don’t push the panic button.
2. River rafting in the Mhadei, Goa
There couldn’t have been a better time for some river rafting. When the monsoons usher in, the rivers are at the height of their glory. The experience is really addictive as you get shoved in the raft which drops at different water levels and leaves you with a heady feeling.
The strong unpredictable currents just adds to the excitement…But be warned. This is not for the faint hearted.
Try it out at Valpoi on the Mhadei River now and you won’t regret it!
Events happening in Goa during August
1. The Goa Monsoon Trekking Expedition 2017
The Youth Hostels Association of India is planning their Second Goa monsoon trek from 2nd August to 7th August. Some of their key visits include Charavane waterfall and Camp Dongurli. All the equipments and food will be covered under the fee.
Entree Fee : Rs 3400 ($55)
2. Vasco Saptah 2017
Photo courtesy: Joe Goauk
The festival that intrigues everyone the most, is the Vasco Saptah that is held a day after Nagpanchami that happens in July – august. The word ‘Saptah’ literally means seven days and the festival lasts for a week.
All along the roads and by-lanes of the city of Vasco, the vendors put up their make-shift stalls. Vendors from all over India come to sell everything from trinkets and toys to furniture and the latest in fashion.
The stalls even remain open upto 15 days. One cannot leave this without succumbing to the pretty goodies there are for sale! Be sure not to miss out on the fun.
3. Ganesh Chaturthi 2017 in Goa
Above photo: Umanath Anant Nail painting his Ganesh idols in Nagueshi, Goa
It’s time for homecoming and traditional ‘aartis’ and ‘bhajans’ in Goa as the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival locally known as ‘Chovoth’ starts on Friday. Lakhs of Goans head back to their native to celebrate this festival, where Lord Ganesha is worshipped and offered sweets like ‘neuryos’ and ‘modaks’.
A mud idol of Ganesha is installed in every household and worshipped for two, five, eleven or even twenty one days.
What should you not do?
Avoid swimming at the beaches. The current is very unpredictable this time of the year. Some beaches are even closed down due to the safety hazards.
Rash driving is always a sin, but during August be especially careful about driving as the roads are slippery and uneven. And never travel without a helmet on two-wheelers as the Goan Traffic Department is not all that generous.
August accommodations in Goa
Like the remainder of the monsoons, many hotels and resorts remain closed during August. It would be best if you planned your accommodations well in advanced. However expect dirt cheap nightly rates pretty much everywhere due to the low influx of tourists this time of the year.
During August if you’re looking out for a crowded place, then Calangute, Baga, Panjim and Mapusa will be the ideal place for you. If you want a much quieter environment, just by the sea shore, during August. Palolem and Cavelossim will be ideal for you.
Overall, you cannot call the month as the best time to see Goa in full swing. But if you don’t like crowds and want to see Goa in detail without any hassles that are common during peak season, then August is the perfect time for you to be in Goa.
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