Weather Kolkata

KOLKATA WEATHER

Introduction

Kolkata, the City of Joy, is known for its rich culture, delicious food, and vibrant festivals. But when it comes to weather Kolkata experiences tropical wet and dry climate with hot and humid summers, a monsoon season, and pleasant winters. The city’s weather plays a significant role in the daily lives of its residents, making it essential to understand its seasonal variations.

This article provides a complete guide to Kolkata’s weather, including its seasons, best times to visit, climate trends, and essential tips for dealing with the city’s diverse weather.

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate. The weather in Kolkata is characterized by high humidity and distinct seasonal changes, making it unique in terms of both temperature and atmospheric conditions. Let’s take a closer look at Kolkata’s climate throughout the year.

🌍 Kolkata Weather Overview (Annual Climate Chart)

Season	Duration	Temperature Range	Key Features
Summer ☀️	March – June	25°C – 40°C	Intense heat, high humidity
Monsoon 🌧️	June – September	25°C – 35°C	Heavy rainfall, muggy conditions
Autumn 🍂	October – November	22°C – 35°C	Pleasant weather, clear skies
Winter ❄️	December – February	12°C – 25°C	Cool temperatures, dry and clear air

Kolkata is located on the eastern banks of the Hooghly River, and its weather patterns are influenced by tropical systems and the Bay of Bengal.

🌞 Kolkata Summers (March – June) – Scorching Heat and Humidity

Summer in Kolkata is characterized by high humidity, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature. The city experiences a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 40°C, and at times, it can even rise above 40°C.

☀️ Weather Characteristics:

• High humidity (85% to 90%) makes the heat feel more intense.
• Strong sun rays lead to dehydration and heatstroke.
• Dust storms may occur, lowering air quality.

🌞 Common Challenges:

✅ Heat Exhaustion: The high humidity makes it uncomfortable to step out, especially between 12 PM to 4 PM.
✅ Frequent power cuts due to increased air conditioner usage.
✅ Water scarcity in some areas.

✅ Tips for Surviving Kolkata Summers:

✔️ Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle when out.
✔️ Avoid Direct Sunlight: Wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen for protection.
✔️ Wear Light Cotton Clothes: Opt for loose, breathable fabrics.
✔️ Stay Indoors During Peak Heat: It’s best to avoid outdoor activities between 12 PM and 4 PM.

💡 Fun Fact:
The average temperature in Kolkata’s summer months is about 35°C, but the humidity makes it feel like 42°C!

🌧️ Kolkata Monsoon (June – September) – Rainfall and Humidity

Monsoon season in Kolkata brings relief from the summer heat, but also creates new challenges. From June to September, the city experiences heavy rainfall, high humidity, and frequent thunderstorms.

🌦️ Weather Characteristics:

• Heavy rainfall, especially in July and August.
• Humidity levels soar, making the weather muggy and uncomfortable.
• Frequent thunderstorms bring strong winds and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

🌧️ Common Challenges:

✅ Waterlogging and Traffic Jams: Roads get flooded quickly, especially in the downtown areas like Esplanade and Howrah.
✅ Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Dengue and malaria outbreaks are common due to stagnant water.
✅ Poor Air Quality: The humidity and rain can make air quality poor and unpleasant.

✅ Tips for Dealing with Kolkata’s Monsoon:

✔️ Carry an Umbrella or Raincoat: Prepare for sudden showers.
✔️ Wear Waterproof Shoes: Keep your feet dry to avoid infections.
✔️ Avoid Street Food: Water contamination increases the risk of stomach problems.
✔️ Stay Indoors during Heavy Rain: Avoid venturing out when rainfall is at its peak.

💡 Fun Fact:
The monsoon rains in Kolkata often arrive earlier than in many other parts of India, due to the Bay of Bengal’s proximity.

🍂 Kolkata Autumn (October – November) – The Most Pleasant Season

Autumn is often considered the best time to visit Kolkata. From October to November, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies, moderate temperatures, and low humidity. The city experiences a gradual transition from heavy rains to cooler air, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

🍂 Weather Characteristics:

• Mild temperatures (22°C – 35°C) with comfortable humidity levels (50% to 60%).
• Clear skies and moderate sunshine make it perfect for travel.
• Festive season: Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Diwali are celebrated during autumn, filling the city with vibrancy.

🍂 Common Advantages:

✅ Comfortable travel conditions, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
✅ Festivals and cultural events add excitement to the season.
✅ Good air quality, making it easier for sensitive individuals.

✅ Best Activities to Do in Autumn:

✔️ Visit Durga Puja Pandals: Explore Kolkata’s grandest celebration of the goddess.
✔️ Take a Hooghly River Cruise: Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the river on a boat ride.
✔️ Try Bengali Delicacies: Autumn is also the time when traditional Bengali sweets and street food are best enjoyed.

💡 Fun Fact:
Kolkata celebrates Durga Puja with elaborate decorations and idol processions, making it one of the largest festivals in the city.

❄️ Kolkata Winters (December – February) – Cool, Crisp, and Pleasant

Winter in Kolkata is cool and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C. The winter months bring clear skies, low humidity, and cool evenings. This is another ideal season for visiting the city, as the weather is perfect for outdoor exploration and experiencing cultural festivals.

❄️ Weather Characteristics:

• Cool daytime temperatures (12°C – 25°C).
• Clear skies and low humidity.
• Mild chilly evenings make for a pleasant experience.

❄️ Common Challenges:

✅ Cold waves may occur occasionally, bringing the temperature below 10°C.
✅ Air pollution tends to rise due to wood burning and vehicle emissions during winters.
✅ Foggy mornings may cause visibility issues.

✅ Tips for Enjoying Kolkata’s Winters:

✔️ Wear Light Woolens: Layer up in the evenings when temperatures drop.
✔️ Carry an Air Purifier: Pollution can worsen, so it’s best to stay protected.
✔️ Enjoy Outdoor Activities: Explore parks, markets, and historic sites in pleasant weather.

💡 Fun Fact:
Kolkata experiences a winter festival called “Kolkata Book Fair”, attracting book lovers from all over India!

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Kolkata

The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, mild, and comfortable.

🌟 Why Visit Kolkata During This Time?

✔️ October-November: Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and festive activities like Durga Puja.
✔️ December-January: Experience the city’s winter charm, cultural festivals, and winter food delights.
✔️ February-March: Mild weather, great for outdoor exploration and enjoying the book fairs.

Additional Features of Kolkata Weather

1. Influence of the Bay of Bengal

Kolkata’s climate is strongly influenced by its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. This maritime location results in several unique weather patterns.

• Moderating Effect of the Bay: The Bay of Bengal helps moderate the temperature during both summer and winter. In summer, it brings moisture, leading to high humidity and rainfall, while in winter, it ensures that temperatures don’t drop as low as in northern India.
• Cyclones: Kolkata is sometimes affected by tropical cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal, especially during the monsoon months. These cyclones can bring heavy rains, strong winds, and even cause flooding in some parts of the city.

2. Diurnal Temperature Variation

Kolkata experiences moderate diurnal temperature variation, meaning the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures isn’t as extreme as in some other parts of India.

• Mild Variation: In winter, the temperature difference between day and night is noticeable but not severe. Daytime temperatures are pleasant (around 20°C-25°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 12°C-15°C.
• Impact on Comfort: This relatively mild temperature variation makes Kolkata a more comfortable place compared to cities in northern India, which can experience extreme temperature swings.

3. Rainfall Distribution

Kolkata receives the majority of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September), but rainfall is distributed unevenly throughout the year.

• Pre-Monsoon Showers: Before the monsoon, between March and May, Kolkata can experience pre-monsoon showers, bringing short, intense bursts of rain. These showers help cool the air temporarily but are not as frequent or heavy as the monsoon rains.
• Winter Rains: Although Kolkata experiences very little rainfall in winter, occasional rain showers in December and January are not unheard of. These are often light and brief, unlike the heavy monsoon rains.

4. Urban Heat Island Effect

Kolkata, like other large cities, faces the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, especially during the summer.

• Cause of UHI: The dense population, buildings, roads, and vehicles in the city absorb and retain heat, causing the urban areas to be warmer than the surrounding rural regions. This can lead to a noticeable difference in temperature, especially during the peak of summer.
• Impact on Air Quality: The heat island effect exacerbates the discomfort caused by the summer heat and contributes to poor air quality due to increased emissions and pollutants.

5. Thunderstorms and Lightning

Thunderstorms, along with lightning, are common features of Kolkata’s weather during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons.

• Frequent Thunderstorms: From March to September, Kolkata experiences several thunderstorms, particularly during late afternoons and evenings. These storms can be intense, with sudden downpours, gusty winds, and lightning.
• Impact of Lightning: Kolkata also faces the risk of lightning strikes during these storms, which can cause power outages, tree damage, and disruptions. It’s always a good idea to stay indoors during these storms for safety.

6. Morning and Evening Fog

Kolkata’s winter months (December to February) are marked by occasional fog, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.

• Early Morning Fog: The fog in the mornings can sometimes be quite dense, reducing visibility and making commuting difficult. This is common in areas near water bodies like the Hooghly River.
• Clearing as the Day Progresses: As the sun rises, the fog usually clears by mid-morning, leading to bright, sunny weather for the rest of the day.

7. Impact of Air Pollution on Weather

Air pollution is a significant issue in Kolkata, especially during winter months when pollutants are trapped in the atmosphere due to lower wind speeds and cooler temperatures.

• Smog Formation: During the colder months (November to January), smog can develop, particularly in the early mornings. This is a combination of fog and smoke from vehicle emissions, burning of crop residues, and industrial activity.
• Poor Air Quality: The Air Quality Index (AQI) often goes into the “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” zone during winter, impacting the health of vulnerable groups like children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

8. Influence of Local Winds

Kolkata’s weather is affected by local winds, especially during certain seasons.

• Southwest Monsoon Winds: From June to September, the southwest monsoon winds bring moisture-laden air from the Bay of Bengal, leading to the city’s monsoon rains. These winds are a crucial part of Kolkata’s weather during this period.
• Northeasterly Winds in Winter: From November to February, northeastern winds bring cooler, dry air to Kolkata, reducing humidity and making the city’s weather more pleasant and comfortable.

9. Seasonal Shifts in Vegetation

The weather in Kolkata also impacts its vegetation and seasonal changes, which are quite visible in the city’s parks and green spaces.

• Spring and Autumn Blossoms: Spring (February to March) and autumn (October to November) bring a burst of colors to Kolkata, with trees shedding old leaves and new flowers blooming. The pleasant weather during these times also encourages outdoor activities.
• Tropical Trees in Summer: In summer, Kolkata’s parks and streets are lined with lush greenery, but the heat and humidity make outdoor activities a challenge unless you seek shade under the trees.

10. Drought Risk in Pre-Monsoon

While Kolkata does receive significant rainfall during the monsoon, drought conditions can still occur in the pre-monsoon months (March-May).

• Dry Spells: There are periods before the monsoon where there’s very little rainfall, and the temperatures rise sharply, leading to a dry and uncomfortable atmosphere.
• Water Shortage: The lack of rainfall in the lead-up to the monsoon season can sometimes lead to a temporary water shortage, although the situation generally improves once the rains arrive.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When does Kolkata’s monsoon season start?

👉 Kolkata’s monsoon season starts around June and lasts until September.

Q2: What is the best time to visit Kolkata for festivals?

👉 The best time to visit Kolkata for festivals is October-November during Durga Puja celebrations.

Q3: Does Kolkata experience a winter chill?

👉 Yes, Kolkata does experience mild winters with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 25°C, but it is not as cold as northern India.

Q4: How humid is Kolkata in the summer?

👉 Kolkata experiences high humidity levels in summer (85%-90%), making it feel hotter than the actual temperature.

Conclusion

Kolkata’s weather varies greatly depending on the season. Summers can be intense with high humidity, monsoons bring heavy rainfall, autumn is cool and clear, and winters are cool with pleasant air quality.

By understanding the city’s seasonal weather trends, you can plan your visit accordingly, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. For daily weather updates, stay connected with Yojanaji.com!