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Each & every season offers a unique experience. While in winters when the temperature falls below 2° C, the fog settling on the ponds & the meadows is a photographers delight.
In summers, the temperature can shoot upto 42° C.
As Kanha is strategically located in Central India, it witnesses tropical monsoon weather.
Kanha National Park remains closed for tourism from 1st of July till 30th of September each year, on the days of Diwali & Holi or as reviewed & declared by the Forest department. However, the buffer zones are usually open during this time & offers a great experience too.
The hot, dry spell engulfs Kanha in the last week of March and lasts till around late-June, when the first showers of monsoon hits. The last fortnight of May is the hottest spell, and the mercury may shoot up to around 46oC. The summer is usually dry, but instances of rains, hailstorm and thunder do occur in March and April.
Being a dry deciduous forest, predominantly Sal trees have finished shedding their leaves, and now wear a bleak look, and the once lush green meadows now turn yellowish-brown. Except a few perennial watercourses, streams and waterholes, specially in the lower valleys, there is a significant drop in the water level throughout the park. Ground fires originating from the periphery are common, and high temperature poses many problems in fire-fighting operations.
This is also the best time for wildlife sightings, specially Tigers.
Winters are the ideal time to visit Kanha. The days are pleasant and the nights are crisp. The forest is lush green, the grasses have flowered, seeded and turned golden yellow. With the onset of spring the trees are flushed with new leaves and flowers. The forest is splattered with colours as semal trees open their large scarlet flowers. This abundance of flowers and fruits sets off the breeding season of many birds and animals.In short, Kanha is celebrating.
The forest gets a new lease of life in the monsoon. In just a couple of weeks, the grey and yellow meadows and forests change dramatically to a rich green. The forests are heavy with foliage and the grass carpet thick. Large herds of wild ungulates gather to graze in the meadows. Orchids, monocots and creepers of all kinds appear. The streams are gushing, and crystal-clear water cascades downhill, the grasses flower even as new ones continue to break ground. Monsoon is also the time for the young ones to arrive: the mothers are well-fed, and food is aplenty. Butterflies and other insects, and frog begin to swarm all over.The park remains closed during this time of the year. However, the buffer zones are usually open for jungle safari & does offer a rich experience.