Best Time to Visit Shirdi for Darshan | Sai Baba Temple Guide

Planning a trip to Shirdi? Learn the best time to visit Shirdi for peaceful Sai Baba darshan, ideal months, weekdays, weather, festivals, and crowd tips.

SHIRDI & PILGRIMAGE

Anand Tiwari

1/22/20262 min read

woman in purple dress sitting on chair
woman in purple dress sitting on chair

Shirdi is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations, attracting millions of devotees every year. The town is home to the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, where devotees seek blessings, peace, and spiritual clarity. Choosing the right time to visit Shirdi can make a big difference in your darshan experience, helping you avoid heavy crowds and long waiting hours.

This guide explains the best time to visit Shirdi for darshan based on weather, crowd levels, weekdays, festivals, and daily temple timings.

Best Months to Visit Shirdi for Darshan

October to February (Best Overall Time)
This is considered the best season to visit Shirdi. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 28°C. Standing in queues for darshan is comfortable, and travel around the town is easier. Winter mornings and evenings also enhance the spiritual atmosphere.

March to May (Moderate but Hot)
Summer temperatures can rise above 40°C, making daytime darshan tiring. However, crowd levels are lower compared to peak months. If you plan to visit during summer, early morning or late-night darshan is recommended.

June to September (Monsoon Season)
Shirdi receives moderate rainfall during monsoon. The weather becomes cooler, and the town looks peaceful and refreshed. Crowds are moderate, except on weekends. Occasional rain may cause minor travel inconvenience, but darshan lines are generally manageable.

Best Days of the Week for Shirdi Darshan

Tuesday to Thursday (Least Crowded)
Midweek days are ideal for a calm darshan experience. Waiting times are shorter, and accommodation prices are usually lower.

Friday to Monday (Crowded)
Weekends attract a large number of devotees, especially from nearby states. Mondays and Thursdays are considered auspicious and are typically very crowded.

Best Time of Day for Darshan

Early Morning Darshan (4:00 AM – 7:00 AM)
This is the best time for peaceful darshan. The crowd is relatively thin, and the atmosphere feels deeply spiritual.

Late Night Darshan (After 9:30 PM)
Another good option for devotees who want shorter queues and a quieter experience.

Afternoon Hours (Avoid if Possible)
Afternoons are often crowded and tiring, especially during summer.

Best Time to Visit Shirdi During Festivals

Shirdi becomes extremely crowded during major festivals such as:

  • Ram Navami

  • Guru Purnima

  • Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

While these festivals hold special spiritual significance, darshan waiting times can extend to several hours or even an entire day. Visit during festivals only if you are prepared for long queues and heavy crowds.

Ideal Time for Senior Citizens and Families

For elderly devotees and families with children, the best time to visit Shirdi is during winter months on weekdays, preferably early morning. Many facilities like special darshan passes and senior citizen queues are available, but crowd control is still easier during off-peak times.

Final Recommendation

The best time to visit Shirdi for darshan is between October and February, on weekdays, during early morning or late-night hours. This combination offers pleasant weather, shorter queues, and a peaceful spiritual experience. Avoid weekends and major festivals if your priority is a smooth and calm darshan.

Planning your visit wisely ensures that your journey to Shirdi is not just a trip, but a deeply fulfilling spiritual experience.

Read More:

Why Shirdi is a holy place

History of Shirdi before Sai Baba

Dwarkamai significance in Sai Baba's life

What is the Chavadi procession in Shirdi

Sai Baba Samadhi history explained

Best time to visit Shirdi for darshan