SHOULD WE VISIT GOA DURING OFF-SEASON?
We would say Yes!, but go with the right expectations. Goa during off-season is very different from what it is like during the cooler months.
Fewer parties
Choppy seas, not perfectly safe for swimming
No water sports on offer
But,
The countryside is mesmerizingly pretty, rice paddies and streams
If you are on the right beaches, there is still enough activity
Alot less tourists
Great deals on hotels, especially the upper-end of boutique hotels
Which months are considered off-season months?
The months May to September are considered off-season. May is usually unbearably hot. The monsoons hit Goa by early or mid June. It starts cooling down once the rains arrive and the countryside starts turning green.
WHICH BEACHES/AREAS SHOULD WE VISIT IN GOA DURING OFF-SEASON?
Generally speaking choose a beach in North Goa. (or a resort in South Goa)
We’d say in and around Baga-Calangute if you want to be walking or a short-ride distance from shacks/resturants which are still open. Baga-Calangute tends be open all season. A bunch of beach-shacks would be open, a number of shopping stalls would be open too.
If you like the quiet, then you can stay aroung Anjuna and Vagator. However, expect most resturants and shopping in and around to be shut. On the other hand it is really nice and peaceful.
Avoid the very North of Goa, Arambol/Mandrem/Ashvem would be very desolate.
WHAT ABOUT THE BEACHES IN SOUTH GOA?
We love the beaches in South Goa. Palolem, Patnem and Agondi are really peaceful and pretty beaches. However, they would almost completely empty during end of May onwards. You can still pick a nice resort in South Goa or stay in North Goa and go for a drive to South Goa.
WHAT ABOUT THE NIGHT LIFE?
Minimal, but if you are lucky and get the news from the right people you might still find some parties. Few shacks on Anjuna would occasionally have parties during off-season. Most of the major clubs, like club Cabana are shut during off-season
WHICH COOL/REALLY NICE HOTELS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND STAYING AT IN GOA DURING OFF-SEASON?
Goa has innumerable five-stars, equal number of really cool and hip/boutique hotels to stay at. Get in touch with us and we’d love to help you plan your trip to Goa and beyond