When Is The Best Time To Book Your Flight From Canada To India?
The best time to book flights from Canada to India is from April to May, September to mid-October, and during mid-January to mid-February.
Planning a trip from Canada to India? Whether you’re heading home to visit family, traveling for business, or just exploring India’s rich culture, visiting India will be worth it. In this blog, we’ll break down the cheapest months to fly, how far in advance to book, seasonal airfare trends, and smart travel hacks to help you grab the best deals.
According to The Hindu Businessline, in 2022, India welcomed a significant number of Canadian visitors on tourist visas, with 2.77 lakh Canadians making the journey. This substantial figure positioned Canada as the fifth-largest source of foreign tourists to India that year, a notable increase from the 80,000 Canadian tourist arrivals recorded in 2021. However, it’s worth noting that this number may include Canadians of Indian origin traveling on tourist visas, not solely traditional tourists.
What’s the Cheapest Time of Year to Fly from Canada to India?
Flight prices between Canada and India fluctuate heavily depending on the season. Here’s what you need to know:
Cheapest Months to Fly:
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April to May: After the spring break and before the summer rush.
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September to mid-October: Post-monsoon, pre-festival period.
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Mid-January to February: Just after the holiday season, fares dip significantly.
Most Expensive Months:
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December: Due to Christmas, New Year, and school holidays.
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July & August: Peak summer travel when most families fly back home.
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October–November: Diwali season causes a fair spike. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Hopper to watch trends month-by-month.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
You might be thinking when to buy tickets for India from Canada? So, the sweet spot for booking your Canada–India flight is usually 6 to 8 weeks in advance.
According to Expedia and Hopper:
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Booking at least 60 days ahead saves an average of 15–20% on airfare.
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Avoid booking flights less than 2 weeks in advance—prices surge dramatically.
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If you’re traveling during peak times (e.g., December or Diwali), consider booking 3 to 4 months in advance.
Peak Season vs. Off-Season Travel to India
Traveling off-season means cheaper flights and less crowded airports, but expect humidity or rain during monsoons.
Peak Season:
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December to mid-January: Holiday rush, high demand.
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June to August: Summer school break in Canada.
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Festivals: Diwali, Holi, Eid — tickets sell out quickly.
Off-Season:
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July to September (Monsoon): Fewer travelers, lower fares.
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Mid-January to March: Pleasant weather and affordable pricing.
One-Way vs Round-Trip: What’s Cheaper?
For long-haul flights like Canada to India, round-trip bookings are almost always more economical. Here’s a quick comparison:
Best Tools to Track and Predict Fare Drops
Use these free tools to stay on top of fare trends:
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Google Flights: Set alerts, explore cheapest days.
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Skyscanner: Shows the best deals across airlines.
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Hopper App: Predicts when prices will rise or fall.
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Kayak: Good for comparing flexible dates and nearby airports.
Travel Hacks to Save on Flights from Canada to India
Want to stretch your travel dollars? Try these proven tips while flying from Canada to India:
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Fly mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday), fares are lower.
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Book flights with stopovers cheaper than direct ones.
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Use incognito mode when searching to avoid a price hike.
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Redeem credit card travel points or Aeroplan miles.
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Using nearby airports as flying out of Buffalo or Seattle, might save hundreds.
Seasonal Events & Festivals That Affect Airfare
Some events can spike prices overnight. Avoid flying during these windows unless necessary, or book at least 3 months in advance. Plan accordingly:
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Diwali (Oct–Nov): High demand from the Indian diaspora.
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Christmas/New Year (Dec–Jan): Canadian holiday surge.
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March Break (Canada): Families fly for spring vacations.
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Holi (March) and Eid: Local peak travel within India.
Popular Airlines & Routes to Watch
Here are some major carriers flying between Canada and India:
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Air Canada: Book air tickets from Toronto to Delhi.
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Qatar Airways: Great service with a layover in Doha.
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Emirates: Layover in Dubai with excellent in-flight service.
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Lufthansa: Layover in Frankfurt, solid connections.
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Air India: Nonstop flights, often with flexible baggage.
Final Tips Before You Book
It is important to follow some tips before booking your flight, finally:
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Be flexible with dates and airports.
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Book early, especially for peak seasons.
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Use multiple fare tools and set price alerts.
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Avoid booking late unless necessary.
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Consider flight and hotel bundles for better savings.
To Summarize
Booking your flight from Canada to India at the right time can save you hundreds of dollars. Aim to fly during shoulder seasons, book 6 to 8 weeks ahead, and use smart tools like Google Flights or Hopper to monitor fares. With the right planning, you’ll land a great deal and enjoy a smoother travel experience. Worried about the lengthy flight-booking process? No need to worry, and contact Airfarebooking for better and inexpensive deals.
FAQs
Q1. What is the cheapest month to fly to India from Canada?
September and April are generally the most affordable months.
Q2. How early should I book a Canada to India flight?
Ideally, 6 to 8 weeks in advance, or 3+ months for peak season.
Q3. Do flight prices go down closer to the date?
Rarely for this route. Prices usually increase as the date nears.
Q4. Are flights cheaper during the monsoon season in India?
Yes, July to September is off-season and typically cheaper.
Q5. Is it better to fly directly or with layovers from Canada to India?
Layovers are cheaper; direct flights save time but cost more.