Mumbai in Monsoon — My Experience of the Rain

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I especially went to Mumbai in July to experience the monsoon.

Over the years, I’ve heard enough about Mumbai in Monsoon to make me want to go. The rain, the sea, Marine Drive packed with people sitting watching the waves — it sounded like something worth experiencing firsthand.

I’ve experienced monsoon in Delhi at my favourite spot — India Gate. But Mumbai in Monsoon is a different conversation entirely.

Before going, I made a plan. What to shoot, where to go, what to try. This is how it went.

Why I Went to Mumbai in July

I’ve been wanting to do this trip for a while. Mumbai in July, specifically for the monsoon. 

I planned it properly. Took office leaves. Booked flights. Made a shot list.

The idea was to experience the Gateway of India in the rain, walk Marine Drive with an umbrella, shoot the streets, and film it all simultaneously. 

That was the plan I had.

What Mumbai in July Actually Feels Like

Honestly? Humid.

More humid than I expected, and I live in Delhi.

Within a few minutes of stepping outside, you’re sweating. The rain brings relief for exactly as long as it’s raining. The moment it stops, the humidity returns — heavier than before. 

That’s July in Mumbai. 

The Rain Itself

When it rains in Mumbai in July, it doesn’t drizzle. It comes down fast.

One minute, the sky is overcast, the next, the streets are flooding.

Umbrellas go up, people keep walking, local trains keep running. 

I found myself stopping more than moving — watching how the city absorbs the rain and carries on.

The Reel Plan That Didn’t Work Out

The plan was to shoot a few sequences in the rain around Marine Drive and Colaba.

I reached out to a photographer based in Mumbai, explained the concept, and shared the shot list. The first day, I covered sequences that didn’t require rain. Then we were supposed to shoot the rest.

It rained early that morning. Then it stopped. And it didn’t rain again for the rest of the day.

I gave him a 1 PM meetup time, hoping the rain would return by then. It didn’t.

We shot the sequences anyway — same locations, no rain. The shots worked. But the story would have been stronger with rain in the frame. 

That’s the thing about shooting in Monsoon in Mumbai — you can’t schedule the weather. You show up, you wait, and sometimes it doesn’t work.

Sharing the reels we had shot in Mumbai:

View this post on Instagram

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How to Reach Mumbai

By Flight

Flight is the most time-efficient way to travel from Delhi to Mumbai — about 2 hours.

Prices have gone up over the years, and the Delhi-Mumbai route is no exception. I compared on Skyscanner before booking.

I flew IndiGo for the morning flight out, Rs. 6,000 approx. one way. For the return, I took Akasa Air, which came to Rs. 5,000 approx. Akasa Air is worth checking first — they tend to be slightly more reasonable on this route.

When I landed and stepped out of the airport, it started raining. I took a cab to my stay in Colaba, Rs. 700 for the 27km ride. 

By Train

The most affordable option, but it takes over 24 hours from Delhi. If you have the time and enjoy long train journeys, it works well. Book in advance, confirmed AC tickets on popular trains like Rajdhani fill up fast.

By Car

I haven’t done Delhi to Mumbai by road, but it’s a long drive, roughly 1,400km. 

If you love road trips and have 2 to 3 days to spare, it’s a different kind of experience. Not the most practical for a monsoon-specific trip.

Where to Stay in Mumbai in Monsoon

I stayed at Backpackers Cowies in Colaba.

The reason was simple: my shoot locations were in Colaba, and I wanted to be walking distance from the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. 

A bed in the 8-bed mixed dorm with an ensuite cost Rs. 1,000 per night. It wasn’t cheap for a dorm, but it was the most affordable option I found in that location. 

If you’re on a tighter budget, look at hostels in Bandra or Fort. Both are well-connected and a bit more affordable, though you’ll spend more on commuting.

How to Commute in Mumbai in July

On Foot

Walking is my default way to explore any city, and Mumbai in July rewards it.

There’s nothing quite like walking in light rain with an umbrella, stopping when something catches your eye. I walked from Colaba to CST one day — soaking in the streets, the architecture, the people. That walk gave me more than any taxi ride would have.

When the rain gets heavy, find shelter and wait it out. Never walk through flooded streets — Mumbai’s waterlogging during heavy rains is a major concern.

By Local Train

The local train is the heartbeat of Mumbai. 

I went inside CST, watched the trains move, and shot some frames. Even if you’re not taking the train anywhere, going inside CST is worth it.

If you’re travelling longer distances across the city, the local train is the fastest and cheapest option. Avoid peak hours, 8 to 10 AM and 6 to 9 PM, especially in the monsoon when the crowds are relentless.

By Bus

BEST buses cover most of Mumbai and are affordable. I didn’t use them much, but they’re a good option if you want to cover without walking and don’t want the expense of a cab.

By Cab

Ola and Uber work well in Mumbai. Surge pricing kicks in during heavy rain. If it’s raining hard and you want to travel a long distance, you can consider that. 

Mumbai in the Rain — Where to Go

1. Marine Drive

This is the first place to go when it rains in Mumbai in July.

I was near Marine Drive when a spell came in, and the sea-facing view was outstanding. 

The whole stretch was full of people sitting on the wall watching the sea — barely any space to find a spot. Locals come here specifically when it rains. That tells you something.

Go in the morning if you want fewer crowds. Evening is busier but more atmospheric.

2. Gateway of India and the Colaba Stretch

The area around the Gateway of India is worth walking slowly. 

The sea-facing stretch beyond it is genuinely beautiful — wide, open, and compelling enough to make you keep walking further than you planned.

In the rain, the whole stretch takes on a different mood. 

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel behind you, the sea in front, is a strong visual.

3. CST — Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Even if you’re not taking a train, go inside. The architecture alone is worth it. In the monsoon, the light inside is different — darker, moodier, more dramatic. Good for photography.

Eat Vada Pav outside the CST—Aram Vada Pav is a very famous shop, just in front after crossing the road.

4. The Streets of Colaba and Fort

Some of the best moments I had in Mumbai were just walking the streets of Colaba and Fort. Old buildings, narrow lanes, people rushing with umbrellas. Don’t over-plan this — just walk and see what you find.

What to Pack for Mumbai in Monsoon

Packing for Mumbai in Monsoon is different from packing for a regular trip. 

1. Umbrella: Non-negotiable. A compact windproof one is better than a large flimsy umbrella that inverts the moment the wind picks up. Mumbai rain is often accompanied by strong coastal winds.
   
2. Raincoat: Useful when you need both hands free — especially if you’re carrying a camera. A packable one that fits in your bag is the best option.
   
3. Extra clothes: Carry at least two extra sets. Getting soaked once is fine. Not having dry clothes to change into is not.
   
4. Extra socks: This is the one people always skip and always regret. Mumbai’s streets flood. Your shoes will get wet. Wet socks for the rest of the day is one of the more miserable experiences you can have. Pack two extra pairs minimum.
   
5. Waterproof shoes: Regular sneakers will be soaked within minutes. Waterproof shoes or sandals that dry fast are a much better choice for Mumbai in July.
   
6. Bag cover: Your bag will get wet. A waterproof cover or a dry bag keeps your documents, phone, and valuables safe.
   
7. Camera rain cover: If you’re shooting, protect your gear. A proper rain sleeve is ideal. A large ziplock bag works in a pinch, but gets awkward fast. A microfibre cloth in your pocket is essential for wiping the lens constantly.

Best Time to Visit Mumbai in Monsoon

July-August is the peak monsoon in Mumbai, check the latest weather forecast here.

If you’re going specifically for the rain experience, the month of July tend to be the most intense. The city gets heavy spells, Marine Drive is at its most dramatic, and the whole city looks different.

Is Mumbai Worth Visiting in Monsoon?

Yes — but go with the right expectation.

Mumbai in July is not a comfortable trip. It’s humid, and it’s unpredictable. Traffic jams during heavy rain are long and unavoidable.

But if you go with an open schedule and a willingness to let the rain lead, it’s one of the more memorable experiences you can have in an Indian city.

One thing I’d say:

Walk your own city in the rain. Get comfortable with being outside when it’s raining.

Mumbai in July rewards people who don’t mind getting a little wet.

FAQ

• Is Mumbai good to visit in monsoon? Yes, if you’re going specifically for the monsoon experience. Go with a flexible schedule.

• Is it safe to travel to Mumbai in July? Generally yes. Be cautious during extremely heavy spells — Mumbai’s streets can flood quickly and waterlogging is common in low-lying areas. Avoid walking through flooded streets and check weather updates daily.

• What is the temperature in Mumbai in July? Mumbai in July stays between 24°C and 32°C. The temperature itself isn’t extreme — the humidity is what makes it feel intense.

• Which places to visit in Mumbai in July? Marine Drive, Gateway of India, the Colaba and Fort areas, and CST are all worth visiting in the rain. The sea-facing locations are particularly good during and after a heavy spell.

• How much does a trip to Mumbai in July cost from Delhi? Flights range from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 8,000 one way, depending on when you book. Accommodation in a hostel dorm in Colaba starts around Rs. 1,000 per night. Budget Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 4,000 per day for food, commuting, and incidentals.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, I’m not a big fan of monsoon.

But rain gave me a new way of looking at the places. Colourful umbrellas. Raindrops on car windows. People are rushing to their favourite corners of the city. The sea is doing its thing, and everyone is just watching.

All of that adds up to the experience. And that’s usually what makes a trip worth remembering.

If monsoon travel is on your mind beyond Delhi and Mumbai, my Andaman in September guide is worth a read — it’s one of the best times to visit.

Have you explored any city in the rain?