Discover Shirdi: Optimal Travel Seasons and Experiences for Devotees

When Is the Best Time to Visit Shirdi?

• Shirdi is a major pilgrimage town in Maharashtra.
• It is the holy place of Shri Sai Baba Temple.
• Devotees visit all through the year.
• But some months are more comfortable and less crowded than others.

What Is the Peak Season in Shirdi? (October to February / March)

• Months: October, November, December, January, February, sometimes early March.
• Weather:
  • Pleasant and cool.
  • Ideal for standing in darshan queues.
• Festivals in this period:
  • Diwali
  • Dussehra / Vijayadashami
  • Guru Purnima (sometimes)
  • Gudi Padwa
  • New Year and long weekends
• Crowd level:
  • Shirdi is usually more crowded.
  • Expect long lines at Sai Baba Temple and hotels to be busy.
• Who should choose this time:
  • Families who travel during school holidays.
  • Devotees who want to enjoy festival aartis and celebrations.
  • First-time visitors who want the full Shirdi experience.

How Is the Shoulder Season in Shirdi? (April to June)

• Months: April, May, June.
• Weather:
  • Hot summer.
  • Temperature can go up to 40°C.
  • Afternoons are sunny and tiring.
• Crowd level:
  • Less crowded compared to winter.
  • Shorter waiting time for darshan.
• Travel tips for summer:
  • Prefer early morning or evening darshan.
  • Carry a cap, water bottle, and light cotton clothes.
  • Choose a hotel with air-conditioning.
• Who should choose this time:
  • Devotees who want Shirdi less crowded.
  • People comfortable with heat and wanting quiet temple time.

What About the Monsoon and Off-Season? (July to August)

• Months: July and August.
• Weather:
  • Monsoon rains from light to heavy.
  • Temperature around 23°C to 33°C.
  • Roads can be wet and slippery.
• Crowd level:
  • Generally low to moderate.
  • Good for those who like a peaceful atmosphere.
• Pros:
  • Green surroundings.
  • Cooler than summer.
• Cons:
  • Outdoor sightseeing can be disturbed by rain.
  • Carry umbrellas, raincoats, and extra footwear.

How Is Shirdi in September and Early Summer?

• September:
  • Rains start reducing.
  • Weather becomes pleasant again.
  • Good option to avoid peak crowds.
• Late March and early April:
  • Transition from winter to summer.
  • Manageable if you prefer moderate crowd and warm climate.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Visit Shirdi Sai Baba Temple?

• The temple is open from early morning to late night.
• Different aartis and pujas happen at fixed times.

Main Temple Programmes (Approx. Timings & Charges):

• Kakad Aarti
  • Time: 5:15 AM
  • Early morning aarti at Samadhi.
  • Charge: ₹600 per person
• Mangalsnaan of Shri Sai Baba
  • Time: 5:50 AM
  • Ritual bath of idol.
  • Usually not separately charged.
• Darshan Starts
  • Time: 6:25 AM
  • Paid darshan: ₹200 per person
• Shri Sai Satyavrata Puja
  • Timings: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM
  • Charge: ₹100
• Abhishek Puja
  • Timings: 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM
  • Charge: ₹100
• Madhyanh Aarti (Noon Aarti)
  • Time: 12:00 Noon
  • Charge: ₹400
• Dhup Aarti (Evening Aarti)
  • Time: At sunset
  • Charge: ₹400
• Shej Aarti (Night Aarti)
  • Time: 10:00 PM
  • Charge: ₹400

Charges may change. Check the official Shri Saibaba Sansthan website.

How to Choose the Best Temple Visit Time for Less Crowd?

• For less rush:
  • Try weekdays instead of weekends.
  • Prefer early morning after Kakad Aarti.
  • Late night Shej Aarti feels calm (may be crowded on special days).
• During festivals like Guru Purnima, Ram Navami, Dussehra, Diwali → heavy crowd.

What Else Can You Do in Shirdi Besides Temple Darshan?

• Gurusthan
  • Place where Sai Baba first appeared.
  • Peaceful spot for prayer.
• Dwarkamai
  • Masjid where Sai Baba spent many years.
  • Contains dhuni and grinding stone.
• Shani Shingnapur (nearby)
  • Famous temple of Lord Shani.
  • Half-day or full-day trip.
• Local markets
  • Shops selling photos, idols, prasad, and souvenirs.

What Makes Sai Teerth Theme Park Special?

• Located minutes from Sai Baba Temple.
• India’s first devotional theme park.

Main Highlights:

• Laser Show
  • Visual storytelling of Sai Baba’s life.
  • Good for children and adults.
• “Sabka Malik Ek” Giant Screen Film
  • A film on Sai Baba’s journey.
• Dwarkamai Experience
  • Recreated with robotics.
• Sai Palki & Rubik Cube Mosaic
  • Mosaic made from thousands of Rubik’s cubes.
• Lanka Dahan 5D Show
  • 5D show of Hanuman’s Lanka adventure.
• Teerth Yatra Ride
  • Ride through models of ten sacred temples.

Facilities at Sai Teerth Theme Park:

• First-aid and medical help.
• Baby feeding rooms and clean washrooms.
• Locker and baggage areas.
• Parking space.
• Food court with vegetarian options.

How Can You Plan Your Shirdi Trip Smoothly?

• Decide the best time based on:
  • Your weather preference.
  • Crowd tolerance.
  • Festivals you want to attend.
• Check Shirdi weather forecast and pack accordingly.
• Book travel and hotel early for peak season.
• Keep one day extra for darshan and sightseeing.