Mumbai
Colonial-era landmarks, Art Deco buildings by the sea and the Hindi film industry make Mumbai a city to plan around its monsoon season.
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Mumbai is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and India's financial and commercial capital, on the Konkan coast of western India. The city began as seven islands, which were joined into one landmass by reclamation, a process complete by 1845. The Gateway of India, built in 1911 for a royal visit, stands on the waterfront, and Art Deco buildings line Marine Drive. Marathi is the most spoken language, with Hindi and English widely used, and Bollywood, the Hindi film industry, is based here.
Walk Marine Drive, Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu Beach, then take a boat to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most city beaches are unfit for swimming; Girgaum Chowpatty and Juhu Beach are the exceptions. December to February is the most comfortable period, with cooler weather. The southwest monsoon runs from June to late September, with the heaviest rain usually in July, and flooding can disrupt travel.
Mumbai in five
- Avoid the local trains at rush hourSuburban trains are the fastest way north, but they are packed at peak times. Travel mid-morning or use the women-only coaches.
- Take the ferry to ElephantaBoats leave from the Gateway of India for the rock-cut caves, about an hour each way. The caves are closed on Mondays.
- Plan around the monsoonHeavy rain from June to September can flood roads and cancel ferries.
- Apply for the e-Visa before you flyMost visitors need an e-Visa, applied for online in advance.India e-Visa
- Travel on to Goa by train or flightThe coastal Konkan Railway and short flights link Mumbai to Goa. The train takes roughly 8 to 12 hours, so leave a full day for it.Goa
Things to do in Mumbai
See all attractions in Mumbai
Need to know
- Airport
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (BOM), 45–90 min to south Mumbai
- Getting there
- Trains from Delhi, Goa and across India; flights from everywhere
- Getting around
- App cabs, black-and-yellow taxis, suburban trains, metro
- Best base
- Colaba or Fort for sights, Bandra for food and nightlife
- Time needed
- 2–3 days
Weather by month
- Festival
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, pleasant
- FebruaryDry
- MarchWarm
- AprilHumid
- MayHot, humid
- JuneMonsoon starts
- JulyHeavy rain
- AugustHeavy rain
- SeptemberRain easing
- OctoberHot, humid
- NovemberDry
- DecemberDry, pleasant
Festivals: Jan Kala Ghoda Arts Festival · Feb Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Right now in Mumbai
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
28
- Feels like
- 32°
- Humidity
- 80%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 20%
Mumbai
03:26 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today31°26°20%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 31°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 20%.
- Wed32°26°24%Wednesday: Fog. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Thu32°26°16%Thursday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Fri33°26°24%Friday: Clear. High 33°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Sat33°25°13%Saturday: Clear. High 33°, Low 25°. Chance of rain 13%.
- Sun33°23°6%Sunday: Fog. High 33°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 6%.
Updated 11:34 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.08 INR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Every year
- Jan–FebKala Ghoda Arts FestivalMumbai
Day trips by train
- Elephanta Cavesabout 1 hour by ferryRock-cut temples to Shiva on an island. Closed on Mondays.
- Kanheri Cavesabout 1.5 hours by train and roadBuddhist caves inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Before you go to Mumbai
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Rules for Mumbai, checked
- Most foreign visitors need a visa. Apply for an Indian e-Visa before you travel and check eligibility on the official site.Source
- Check India's import and export limits for cash, gold and medicines on the customs board's website before you fly in.Source
- Use Mumbai, the city's name since 1995. Some residents still say Bombay, and the old name can be a sensitive topic.
- From June to late September, check flood and transport disruption news before you travel, as heavy monsoon rain can disrupt trains and roads.
- Visit Dharavi and other slum areas with respect, and do not treat residents as a spectacle.
Plan around Mumbai
Regions, trains, e-Visa and money
Read the guideGoaBeaches and the coastal train from Mumbai
Read the guideDelhiThe other gateway city, with Agra close by
Read the guideMaharashtraBeyond Mumbai: caves, forts and hill country
Read the guideIndia e-Visa guideWhich visa to pick, what it costs, how to apply
Read the guideGetting around IndiaTrains, flights and cabs between cities
Read the guideMumbai FAQ
Where should I stay in Mumbai for a first trip?
Colaba or Fort. You can walk to the Gateway of India, the museums and the Elephanta ferries.
Is it worth visiting Mumbai in the monsoon?
Only if you like rain. From June to September downpours can flood streets and stop ferries, though the city carries on and prices drop.
How long does it take from the airport to south Mumbai?
Anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Leave extra time in the evening rush.
How many days do you need in Mumbai?
Two to three days cover Fort and Colaba, Marine Drive, a food walk and the Elephanta Caves. Add a day for Bandra or Kanheri Caves if you like slower neighborhoods.
Are the Elephanta Caves worth the ferry?
Yes if you like rock-cut temples: the ferry ride is part of the trip and the main Shiva cave is the highlight. Avoid Mondays, when the caves are closed, and check that ferries are running in monsoon weather.