The ideal time is between the months of December to March (winters) to visit the abode of the Asiatic Lions.
Exhilarating spot for adventure
However, despite hot weather prevails during May and April yet, they are considered best months for viewing and photography of wildlife. Reserve and Sanctuary of Gir is shut till the 15th of October from 16th June. The famous National Park of Gir is known to be a very thrilling spot of adventure.
Different seasons to be kept in mind
Visiting Gir assures overwhelming sights and incredible encounters that would make for a memorable vacation. The area sprawls over fourteen hundred square kilometers and used to be the hunting ground for the Junagarh Nawabs. Later, it got converted to being a sanctuary for safeguarding the depleting population of lions. Today the species of Asiatic lions is an endangered one. The region houses as many as six hundred six plants species, 2000 insects, 26 kinds of mammals, and three hundred bird species. Additionally, besides the lions you might find long-billed vultures, sarus cranes, crocodiles, maesh crocodils, porcupines and hyenas. Others include spotted deer, wild boars, leopards and sloth bears. The Weather of Gir is divided primarily into the following:
The scorching Summers (Months of March till May)
Summers here last from the month of May till the month of May. The weather is extremely hot and humid. Temperature usually ranges between forty two degrees Celsius to twenty eight degrees. Winds of summer come with hot air gush and that can be slightly challenging for many who cannot bear it. Animals face brunt of this extreme heat as well. With such sweltering heat they also prefer to spend time in areas that are sheltered. This can be in shade, near the water bodies and under the trees. Despite, such heat waves, many photography enthusiasts prefer travelling to the place for capturing stunning shots.
Tip: Post five pm the weather slowly becomes tolerable and you may spend nearly two hours in the evening by seven pm. when visiting during summers, you can expect to stay at night for enjoying cool night breeze. This assures that you may catch some fancy thrills. Moreover, do not forget to carry loads of water, sunscreen lotion, cotton clothes and hats.
The wet Monsoons (June till October)
It is during this time that the animals get the much-needed respite from the massive sweltering heat. Monsoons make them stay sheltered and are also a difficult time when safaris can be conducted. Due to torrential rains, the forest is closed till October from June and is thus not at all a suitable time to visit the place. However, the rainfall amount that Gir receives, makes the park thriving and lush. Also, it gets infused with a lot of life. This season prepares the sanctuary for upcoming winters.
The perfect winters (November till February)
For an ideal family vacation, the time till February from November is the ideal time. Weather is very accommodating and pleasant during this time. This is because temperature ranges between 22 degrees Celsius to ten degrees Celsius. Weather in combination with lush greenery makes it the ideal time. Animals can be spotted easily and this you must go for jeep exploration.