Indian Weather & Climate Guide

Climate covers three seasons - hot, wet (the monsoon) and cool which governs India's weather. The seasons are a crucial factor because of the major variations in temperature and weather in the north, south and central areas.

Ideal time for travel to India is usually during the cooler months from November to late March. From April to June, it becomes really hot and the temperature can rise to 45 deg plus with occasional dust storms. July is the start of the monsoon which lasts until September in most regions.

East and Western Himalayas 
Srinagar in the north has the best climate during summer, between May/June and October/November. However winter is extremely cold and damp between November and March. Shimla and Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, and Darjeeling are much cool during winter because of their high altitude, and both areas have moderate to heavy snowfall during the winter season.

Clothing: Light clothes from March to October with occasional light woollens depending on temperature. Heavy woollens for winter. It is important to be well prepared as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains.

North Indian Plains 
The northern plains have a wide variation in climate. Inland has hot days and nights during the summer months from April to October. In Winter from November to March, days are warm but it can fall below zero during the nights. The monsoon, hot and humid and very wet, is from June to September. April to June is ideal to travel in all religious regions at the base of Himalayas as it is cooler at this time of the year.

Clothing: Light clothes from March to October with occasional light woollens. Heavy woollens for winter. Raincoats and umbrellas during the monsoon. 

South West India 
The mainly coastal climate is created by the Arabian Sea to the east and the Indian Ocean to the West. The most pleasant period is from November to March. Summer is not as hot as in the north but the humidity is extreme. The monsoon is between late June and September. Coastal areas have cool sea breezes while there is relatively low rainfall and generally a pleasant climate. The Western Ghats between Kerala and Tamil Nadu are high and can be cooler. Kerala is the main destination.

Clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woollens in some regions. Raincoats and umbrellas during the monsoon. 

South India 
The climate is mainly costal due to the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Indian Ocean to the South. Tamil Nadu has warm summers with high humidity and pleasant winters. The north east monsoon is between October and December. Hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal can be cold in winter. Hyderabad is hot but less humid in summer and much cooler in winter.

Clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woollens in some regions as hill stations mentioned above. 

South East India
Southeast India has a characteristic coastal climate because of the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Indian Ocean to the South. The state of Tamil Nadu has warm summers with high humidity and pleasant winters. It experiences northeast monsoons between October and December. The hill stations like Ooty and Kodaikanal can be cold in winter. Hyderabad is hot but less humid in summer and much cooler in winter. 

Clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woollens in some regions like hill stations etc. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons which in the summer dominate India weather. 

Central India 
The summer season is characterized by hot days and nights whereas during the winter season the days are warm and sunny and nights are very cold. July marks the onset of monsoons, which last until September. The rainfall in these area is lower than the rest of India.

Clothing: Light clothes from March to October. Heavy woollens for winter. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons. 

West India Weather Guide
Western India has mainly a coastal climate because of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch. Days and night are hot and humid in the summer. The monsoon season is from July until September. The climate becomes cool from October and in some regions an occasional woollen is required. The weaather generally remains pleasant throughout the winter. 
Clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woollens in some regions. Raincoats and umbrellas during the monsoon. 

We have tried to give a broad picture of climate and weather in India. During the popular period of October to March, short sleeve shirts during the day is normal and, depending on where you are at night, a thin sweater is recommended. But if you are travelling at high altitude of northern India, then warm clothing, especially at night, is a must. 

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