As the Pench National Park borders Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, its climatic factors include a typical tropical climate with extreme weather variations. Therefore, the tourist season is open from October to June every year. However, during the monsoon period, some buffer zones on the Maharashtra side of the national park can be visited. Like most national parks in central India, Pench National Park is best visited during the winter season.
Bordering the southern region of Madhya Pradesh, the national park shares a subtropical climate with the state. Summer falls between March and June when the temperature ranges between 28°C and 45°C. By July, the scorching heat starts to wane, and heavy rainfall sets in. That effectively seals Pench until September. The time most suited to visit Pench National Park is the winter season that follows. The sanctuary remains open to visitors from October to June every year. During the rainy season, a few buffer zones on the Maharashtra side remain accessible.
Since the national park is located in the southernmost part of Madhya Pradesh, it has a sub-tropical climate. In summer, which usually prevails from March to June, it is very hot, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 45°C. Starting in July, the persistent scorching heat is prone to moderate after heavy rainfall; the park is still closed till September. The winter months are thus the best time to see Pench National Park.
Pench National Park reopens in October immediately after it closes during the monsoon season. This is the most feasible season to be planned for visiting the land of Mowgli because of the pleasant weather. During this time, the temperature prevails between 10°C and 28°C. However, during December and January, early mornings and evenings may get cold. There is a possibility that temperatures can drop extremely low and frost sets in; hence, traveling with little warm clothing might be required. The thick vegetation is comparatively sparse and makes wildlife spotting much easier. Time of Jeep Safari: 6:30 am–10:30 am and 2:00 pm–6:00 pm. Safaris in Pench take place at varying times according to the season.
Spring is the next best season after winter to visit the park. Safaris can be comfortably conducted at any part of the day within its designated hours. During the months of March-April, migratory and local birds are seen as gray-headed fishing eagles, Malabar pied hornbill, Indian pitta, coots, bar-headed geese, peafowl, kingfishers, and crimson-breasted barbets. During the spring season, tourists can also have a glimpse of the luxuriant flora composed of different rare species of medicinal plants, ghost trees, or the White Kulu, bamboo, teak, and many other types.
Although all the vegetation in Pench National Park starts getting lean from March onwards, the probability of tiger sightings goes high between March and May months. The scorching summer heat dehydrates all the grass and dwindles the water sources, ultimately increasing the probability of sighting wild animals, especially the big cats of prey, around the few remaining water sources. However, during this period, the temperature can rise to 42°C, and safaris during the daytime become hot and uncomfortable. If visiting Pench in summer, best wear light-colored clothes made of cotton or linen, as well as carry a water bottle to avoid dehydration. Safaris during the morning are not as uncomfortable as late afternoon ones. However, in June, it becomes more humid, and the heat can become so intense that tourists turn up their noses. Also, the increased onset of monsoons makes safaris difficult to handle.
The monsoon usually hits Pench National Park during the second week of June, and most of the days receive moderate to heavy rainfall. In addition, this season is the breeding time for many animals, but light rain may transform into heavy rain at times. Therefore, parts of this national park fall under Madhya Pradesh and are closed during rainy seasons, from July to September. Nevertheless, some safari zones remain open on the Maharashtra side. After monsoon, the park gets all green and fresh as entrances get opened to visitors from October onwards.
The park remains closed on one day each on the occasion of Holi and Diwali, besides Wednesday evening. However, the part of the national park that comprises Maharashtra remains open throughout the year. Visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly so as not to miss unforgettable memories of seeing animals in the wild or experiencing the breathtaking Pench National Park scenery.