Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Goa In Monsoons

The monsoon in Goa isn’t just a season—it’s a mood. The kind that smells like wet earth, tastes like hot mirchi bhaji, and sounds like old Konkani songs crackling on the radio. But if you’re expecting sun hats and sunset parties, you might want to read this first.

Because here’s the truth: Goa during the rains is not for everyone.

It’s not the Goa of EDM nights, jam-packed shacks, and golden tans. It’s the Goa of muddy alleys, overflowing rivers, surprise power cuts, and frogs louder than your Spotify.

But—and this is a big but—if you pack right, plan smart, and vibe with the rain rather than fight it, the monsoons here can be absolute magic.

So, before you book that “off-season steal deal,” here’s a no-nonsense, fun, and totally un-touristy guide on what to keep in mind while visiting Goa during monsoons.

1. Forget the Beaches. Think Fields, Forests, and Falls.

Yes, most beaches are rough, wild, and sometimes even closed off for safety. But guess what comes alive in the rains? Waterfalls in full thunder, paddy fields glowing neon green, and forest trails with mist curling like something out of a dream.

Local Faves:

• Chorla Ghats (for that moody mountain road drive)

• Netravali Falls or Kuskem Falls (less crowded, more wow)

• Backwater kayaking in the Chapora or Sal backwaters

Pro Tip: Don’t Google “places to visit in North Goa.” Ask your homestay host instead.

2. Bring a Raincoat, Not an Umbrella

Umbrellas here are like that flaky friend—great in theory, but one strong gust and they’re gone. Invest in a decent poncho or rain jacket with a hoodie. You’ll thank me when you’re scooting through a drizzle in Siolim or hopping over puddles in Panjim.

Also: Carry flip-flops that don’t slip. And don’t wear white. Unless you enjoy unexpected transparency.

3. Plan for Power Cuts (And Embrace the Candlelight Life)

Stormy evenings in Goa come with drama—crashing rain, wind shaking your window, and the occasional blackout. It’s annoying and kind of romantic.

What to Pack:

• A torch or headlamp (your phone torch is not loyal)

• A good book (ideally something moody—Gabriel García Márquez hits different in a Goan monsoon)

• A fully charged power bank, because Instagram waits for no raincloud

4. Not Everything Will Be Open—and That’s Okay

Most beach shacks shut down by June. Some clubs and restaurants take a break. Water sports? Cancelled. But the good news is: the places that stay open? Are often the best anyway.

The rains bring out the real Goa—the fish curry still simmers, the markets still buzz, and locals finally get to breathe without the party crowd.

Rainy Season Gems:

• Nostalgia in Raia (for Goan-Portuguese food)

• Café Bodega in Panjim (for a rainy chai + art moment)

• Gunpowder in Assagao (if they’re open, go!)

5. Stay In a Homestay or Heritage Home (Not a Beachside Shack)

Unless you enjoy watching your luggage float away, don’t pick those “right on the beach” huts. Instead, go a little inland—into villages like Aldona, Siolim, Saligao, or Chandor. The heritage houses here are built for the rains—with big verandas, tiled roofs, and old fans that hum lullabies.

Bonus: Locals might invite you for rain snacks. Yes, that’s a thing.

6. Carry Mosquito Repellent. And Then Carry Some More.

With the lush greenery comes lush breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Especially near fields and ponds. So unless you want to be their buffet, come prepared. Creams, sprays, patches—choose your warrior.

Local Fix: Burn dried coconut husks in a corner of your balcony or room. Works like a charm (and smells like nostalgia).

7. Try the Monsoon Menu – It’s a Whole Vibe

The food changes with the season. Think steaming fish thalis, spicy xitt kodi, fried mackerels, ukde tandul (red rice) with mango curry, and of course, patoleo—a sweet rice-coconut-jaggery treat steamed in turmeric leaves.

Rain Snacks You Must Try:

• Mirchi bhaji with chai at a roadside stall

• Choris pao (Goan sausage bread) while watching the rain

• Shevyo (string hoppers) if you’re lucky to find homemade ones

8. Roads Will Flood. Drive Like Your Grandmother Is Watching.

Not kidding—Goa’s roads get slippery, potholed, and occasionally underwater. Avoid driving at night if you don’t know the roads well. Scooters are fun, but cars are safer in deep-rain days.

What to Watch For:

• Waterlogged shortcuts (Google Maps doesn’t show water levels)

• Sudden village feasts that block roads (true story)

• Frogs. So many frogs.

9. Markets Are Open—And Gloriously Muddy

Mapusa Market is still a must-visit in the rains. It smells like wet earth, cloves, fried fish, and local gossip. You’ll find monsoon veggies like tendli, bamboo shoot, wild mushrooms (roen almi), and spiced pickles that locals hoard.

Bring:

• A reusable shopping bag

• Small change

• Your best bargaining game (and a smile)

10. Let Go of Plans. The Rain Doesn’t Care.

Here’s the real trick to enjoying Goa during monsoons: Don’t try to fight the rain. Don’t plan a rigid itinerary. Wake up, look out of the window, and then decide. Goa during rains works on mood, not clocks.

You may plan a trek, but end up sipping feni in someone’s verandah. You may want to beach-hop, but spend the day in a museum instead. That’s the charm. You slow down, and Goa shows up in ways you didn’t expect.

Bonus: Listen to the Rain Like a Local

Put your phone down. Step outside. Stand under a sloping roof. Close your eyes. Listen to the rain thudding against the tiles, frogs croaking from somewhere far, a bike splashing past, the sound of someone making tea. That? That’s Goa too.

TLDR – What to Keep in Mind While Visiting Goa During Monsoons:

• Beach parties are out, secret trails and spice farms are in

• Carry gear: poncho, mosquito spray, water-resistant shoes

• Stay in inland villages, not beach huts

• Don’t expect everything to be open—and celebrate that

• Embrace slow days, hot food, and wet walks

• Always, always keep an extra pair of socks

Goa during the monsoons isn’t for the impatient or the party-hungry. It’s for the ones who can enjoy a quiet cup of tea with the sky pouring outside, for those who find joy in muddy lanes, surprise power cuts, and the smell of rain-soaked mango trees.

So if you’re the kind who likes your vacation with a side of stillness and soul—Goa in the rains might just be the best Goa of all.