India Climate

Climate of India

Due to its considerable meridional extension and terrain, India's climate varies greatly. However, most of the area is in the tropical climate zone, where the weather is determined by cyclical monsoon winds. The summer monsoon (southwest monsoon) begins in June and by early July has already covered almost the entire country. It lasts until mid-September and 70% of all rainfall falls on its period. The second monsoon, blowing from the north, occurs in October and November and affects the east coast of the country. As a result of the monsoon circulation in India, we can distinguish three basic seasons - cool (October to March), hot (April to June) and rainy (June to September).

Northern India (mountainous areas)

The mountainous regions in the north of the country (Karakorum, the Himalayan range and its foothills, Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh) lie in the subtropical climate zone. This is the coolest area of the country, characterized by climatic stackedness. May through September is the warmest here, and at altitudes up to about 2,500 meters above sea level, summers can be pleasant for travel. Rainfall can occur throughout the year in this region, but the main rainy season lasts from July to October. The highest parts of the mountains experience year-round cold weather. Winter lasts six months, with temperatures dropping to -40°C. In the summer, on the other hand, frosts reach -25°C.

Northern India (plains areas)

The areas from the Punjab to the Ganges delta (Delhi, Agra, Varanasi) belong to the subtropical humid climate zone. From March to June it can be very hot and very dry here, with temperatures often reaching 40°C. Violent thunderstorms can pass through in places, especially in the east. The hot summer is followed by heavy rainfall. With the arrival of the monsoon (in July), temperatures drop a little, the air becomes humid and stuffy. During winter (December to February) it is sunny and dry, but not hot. Nights and mornings are sometimes cool, but during the day the air warms up. Light precipitation is also possible, especially in the west.

Western India (semi-desert and desert areas)

The regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat are covered by a dry tropical climate, while the Thar desert is extremely dry. Its characteristic features are hot summers and low temperatures in winter. Precipitation is sporadic, with temperatures reaching above 40°C in summer and dropping as low as 10°C in winter.

Central and southern India (Deccan Highlands)

The plateau in the central and southern parts of the Indian peninsula and the state of Madhya Pradesh (in central India) have a tropical monsoon climate. In the coldest months, temperatures reach 10°C - 20°C, while in the summer one has to expect very high values reaching 35°C. Precipitation is most prevalent in the summer half of the year. Inland, a continental climate has formed. It is distinguished by a large daily and annual temperature amplitude. Summers are hot, and winters are harsh and cold. As the distance from the sea increases, humidity and precipitation decrease, while dustiness increases.

The southwest coast of India (Western Ghats)

The Western Ghats is a fringing mountain range stretching along the western coast of the Indian peninsula about 1,800 km long. The climate here is humid tropical, with high temperatures, high humidity and abundant rainfall. On the western slopes, precipitation reaches up to 5,000 mm per year in places, resulting in areas covered with lush equatorial and monsoon forests. The eastern slopes, on the other hand, are drier (about 700 mm of annual precipitation), so the predominant vegetation formations here are savannas and dry bush scrub.

Southern India (Tamilnadu, Kerala)

The southern regions are characterized by a tropical climate, high temperatures and monsoon rainfall. The southwest monsoon usually arrives in early June, and the rainfall it brings lasts until October. From October to January there is a winter that is nothing like the traditional one. It is warm, the air is crisp, the heat is not annoying, and as a result, vegetation grows luxuriantly and fruits ripen. The air temperature is relatively constant throughout the year, ranging from 25°C - 33°C. There is little rainfall from October to May, but the humidity is nevertheless high. Summer begins in February and lasts until May, which is the hottest month of the year. The state of Tamilnadu is slightly warmer than Kerala, with temperatures here settling at 35°C, increasing further in May and June. Tamilnadu's short but aggressive rainy season lasts from early October to early December.

Eastern India (Assam)

A highly diverse region, including plains, mountains and river valleys. Most of the area has a humid tropical climate with a monsoon circulation. It is warm, sultry and there is abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature is about 25°C. More than 30% of the state is covered by humid equatorial forests and bamboo forests. Rainfall can occur as early as March to May, but the main rainy season lasts from June to October. Lying at an altitude of about 1,300 meters above sea level, Cherrapunji is one of the wettest places in the world. About 11,000 mm of rain falls there annually. The higher parts of the mountains (the Himalayas) have a typical mountain climate with cold winters and short summers.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The archipelago is characterized by an eminently humid equatorial climate. High temperatures, reaching 23°C - 30°C, persist throughout the year. The average annual rainfall is about 3,000 mm, and its frequency and intensity are influenced by monsoons. The northeast monsoon lasts from November to December, while the southwest monsoon lasts from May to October. Sunny and relatively rainless weather lasts from January to May.