Pilibhit Travel Guide

City City in Uttar Pradesh known for textiles

Pilibhit is a gateway to Terai forests and the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve; wildlife safaris, riverine scenery and village markets draw nature-minded visitors. Expect small-town hotels, hearty local food and dusty roads leading into protected forest.

A File Photo of A Pleasant After Noon At Pilibhit Forest.jpg

Agricultural And Forestry Science Center Pilibhit.jpg

Costs

Very budget-friendly daily costs

Expect $15-35 per day for simple guesthouses, meals, and local transport.

Safety

Generally safe with normal precautions

Small-city safety is typical for northern India; petty theft possible, otherwise stable.

Best Time

Nov-Mar (best for wildlife and touring)

November-March is best for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather.

In This Guide

Why Visit Pilibhit?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

131,008

Infrastructure & Convenience

Rail and road access exist; limited tourist infrastructure near the reserve, basic hotels and guides available.

Popularity

Attracts eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts but remains a low-key destination overall.

Known For

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, dense forests and wildlife, riverine countryside, sugarcane and agriculture, local markets, rural culture, birdwatching, forest tourism

Pilibhit district contains Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, home to resident Bengal tigers and dense sal forests.

Why Visit Pilibhit? #

Pilibhit is best known for its Terai forests and the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, which draw wildlife enthusiasts seeking relatively intact jungle and riverine habitat. Beyond safaris, the town’s marketplaces sell woodcrafts and regional produce, and local eateries serve North Indian snacks and sweets that reflect Rohilkhand flavors. Seasonal fairs and rural markets offer opportunities to witness folk music and traditional crafts, making Pilibhit appealing to travelers who value nature, village life and less-touristed wildlife experiences.

Top Things to Do in Pilibhit

Don't Miss

Pilibhit Tiger Reserve - Protected forest reserve home to tigers, elephants, deer and extensive wetlands.
Pilibhit Market - Local market offering agricultural produce, traditional snacks, and everyday essentials.

Day Trips

Dudhwa National Park - Large Terai park famous for tigers, rhinos, and dense sal forests.

Best Time to Visit Pilibhit #

Pilibhit is best from November through February for cool, dry weather and wildlife spotting in nearby reserves; monsoon months bring heavy rain and humidity. Plan winters for easier road travel.

Cool Season

October - February · 8-25°C (46-77°F)

Crisp mornings and pleasant afternoons are ideal for safaris and exploring town life - bring a warm layer for mornings too.

Hot Season

March - June · 30-45°C (86-113°F)

Scorching days and high heat force midday breaks; mornings are usable, but avoid strenuous outdoor activity during peak afternoons altogether.

Rainy Season

July - September · 25-35°C (77-95°F)

Monsoon brings heavy rain, muddy tracks and disrupted safaris; the forest is lush and birdlife abundant, but expect delays often.

Best Time to Visit Pilibhit #

Climate

Pilibhit's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 40°C. Abundant rainfall (1240 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit

NovemberMarchFebruary

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

48°

Warmest Month

0°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).

77 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

9° – 21°

52%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

30 mm

Rainfall

0.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Moderate

10.4h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

91 Ideal

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

11° – 25°

47%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

19 mm

Rainfall

1.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

11.1h daylight

March

March is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

23°

Feels Like Mild

23°C

Temperature

15° – 31°

36%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

21 mm

Rainfall

1.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.5

UV Index

High

11.9h daylight

April

April is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

87 Excellent

Comfort

29°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

21° – 37°

26%

Humidity

Dry

Weather

7 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

12.7h daylight

May

May is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

32°C

Temperature

25° – 40°

27%

Humidity

Dry

Weather

23 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Very High

13.4h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 32°C. Significant rainfall (138 mm).

71 Very Good

Comfort

32°

Feels Like Hot

32°C

Temperature

26° – 38°

42%

Humidity

Comfortable

Weather

138 mm

Rainfall

1.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

13.8h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (350 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

35°

Feels Like Hot

30°C

Temperature

25° – 34°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

350 mm

Rainfall

1.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

13.6h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 36°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (350 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

36°

Feels Like Hot

29°C

Temperature

25° – 33°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

350 mm

Rainfall

1.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

13.0h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (206 mm).

67 Good

Comfort

33°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 33°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

206 mm

Rainfall

1.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.5

UV Index

Very High

12.2h daylight

October

October is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and clear sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

20° – 32°

65%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

82 mm

Rainfall

0.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.1

UV Index

High

11.4h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.

97 Ideal

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

13° – 27°

57%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

4 mm

Rainfall

0.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

10.6h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 9°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

9° – 23°

52%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

10 mm

Rainfall

0.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Low

10.2h daylight

How to Get to Pilibhit

Pilibhit is reachable by regional rail (Pilibhit Junction) and by road from nearby airports such as Bareilly or Lucknow. Trains offer reliable connections; buses and taxis provide flexible onward travel locally.

By Air

Bareilly Airport (BEK) / Pantnagar (PGH): Pilibhit district is most conveniently reached via nearby regional airports such as Bareilly (Beekay) or Pantnagar depending on flight availability; travel by road from these airports to Pilibhit takes roughly 2-4 hours.

Lucknow (LKO): Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is commonly used by travellers to Pilibhit - from Lucknow you can travel by train or road (bus/taxi) to Pilibhit; road travel is approximately 4-5 hours depending on route and traffic.

By Train & Bus

Train: Pilibhit has a railway station (Pilibhit Junction) on the regional network with trains to Bareilly, Lucknow and other Uttar Pradesh towns. Trains are a reliable way to reach the district - journey times depend on origin and service type.

Bus: Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport (UPSRTC) and private operators run buses to Pilibhit from Bareilly, Lucknow and neighboring towns. Buses are frequent for short to medium distances; pick express services for longer comfort.

How to Get Around Pilibhit #

Pilibhit’s town centre is easy to walk and most local travel uses cycle rickshaws, autos and small buses. Pilibhit railway station connects the town by rail; buses serve nearby towns and villages. If you plan to visit Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, arrange local transport in advance-shared taxis or private hires are the most practical options for reserve access.

Where to Stay in Pilibhit #

Budget

Mid-Range

Luxury

Where to Eat in Pilibhit #

Nightlife in Pilibhit #

Nightlife is limited to evening eateries, tea stalls and small gatherings; there are no formal bars or clubs. Evenings are relaxed and community oriented.

Shopping in Pilibhit #

Shopping is focused in local markets where produce, clothing and everyday items are sold. Expect practical stalls and small shops rather than modern malls. For wider retail options or specialty purchases, larger district centres are the nearest alternatives.