Pilibhit 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.

Main image
A File Photo of A Pleasant After Noon At Pilibhit Forest.jpg
Agricultural And Forestry Science Center Pilibhit.jpg
Bansuri Chowk Pilibhit 01.jpg
Chuka.jpg
Deoha Pilibhit.jpg
JMB Tiraha Pilibhit 01.jpg
JMB Tiraha Pilibhit 02.jpg
Mango Orchard Pilibhit.jpg
Nanak Sagar Damjpg.jpg
Pilibhit July 2012 02.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.
Pilibhit district contains Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, home to resident Bengal tigers and dense sal forests.
Local Time
10:35 AM
GMT+5:30
Weather
Overcast 87°F
Overcast
Population
131,008

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.

Pilibhit Bucket List#

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.

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
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
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
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#

Rail travel to Pilibhit is straightforward via Pilibhit Junction; buses and taxis are the usual alternatives. For local movement use autos, rickshaws or hired motorbikes.

  • Rail (Pilibhit Junction) (from ~₹40) - Pilibhit Junction connects the district to Bareilly, Lucknow and further afield. Trains are generally reliable and the preferred option for intercity travel; book reserved seats for longer journeys. Station amenities are basic but functional.
  • State and private buses (₹30-400) - Buses run to and from Pilibhit on regional routes operated by UPSRTC and private companies. They are cheap and frequent for nearby travel; comfortable coaches are available for longer routes. Timetables vary so check in advance for early/late services.
  • Taxi / Shared cabs (₹300-2,500) - Taxis and shared cabs are commonly used for transfers from airports or for trips to local attractions. Shared cabs are cheaper but operate on fill-and-go basis; private taxis are pricier but faster and more comfortable.
  • Cycle rickshaw / Auto-rickshaw (₹10-100) - Cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws handle most short in-town journeys. They are cheap and convenient for markets and local errands; agree fares up front if meters are not used.
  • Motorbike hire (₹150-500/day) - Motorbikes are a practical way to explore rural areas around Pilibhit and reach nearby villages. Availability varies; check condition carefully and ensure a proper licence.
  • Walking - Central Pilibhit is walkable for short trips and market visits. Be prepared for busy roads and limited pavements in some areas.

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.

Nightlife in Pilibhit#