India Weather

India, in general, has a hot tropical climate with both the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn passing through her. However the climatic conditions show variations from region to region. The climate becomes cold from November to mid-March, and the mornings and evenings are cool and fresh and the days are warm and sunny. From April to June, the climate becomes really hot and the days become dry and hot with occasional dust storms. June marks the onset of monsoons that lasts in most regions till September.

Srinagar located in Northern India, has the best climate from March to October. However the winters are extremely cold and damp. Nearby places like Pahalgam, Gulmarg usually experience moderate to heavy snowfall during the winter season from December to March. Shimla and Manali, in Himachal Pradesh, are located at higher altitudes and are therefore much colder during winter. Both these places experience moderate to heavy snowfall during the winter season. At even higher altitudes lie Leh and Ladakh. Leh is famous for Khardungla Pass, which is the Highest Motorable Road in the world. The temperatures can drop to sub-zero levels in winters, which are extremely cold. Also because of the high altitudes and low temperatures, oxygen is slightly scarce in the atmosphere. The road to Leh is open from July to October.

Required Clothing:Light clothes from March to October with occasional light woolens depending on temperature. Heavy woolens for winter. Since the climate can change rapidly in the mountains it is therefore very important to be suitably equipped.

The northern plains have characteristic extreme climatic conditions with the inland regions having hot nights and days during the summer season from April to mid June. However during the winter season, from November to February, the days are warm and temperatures during nighttime can fall sub-zero levels. The onset of monsoons is from June and lasts till September. Required clothing- Light clothes from March to October with occasional light woolens depending on temperature. Heavy woolens for winter. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons.

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 till September. Required clothing: : Light clothes from March to October. Heavy woolens for winter. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons.

The regions of western India have a predominantly coastal climate because of the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Kutch. The days and night are hot and humid during the summer season. Monsoon strikes in July and lasts till September. From October onwards, the climate becomes cool and in some regions an occasional woolen is required. Generally the climate is pleasant even during winter season. Required Clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woolens in some regions. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons.

This region also has a predominantly coastal climate because of the Arabian Sea towards the west and the Indian Ocean to the South. The climate is most pleasant from November to March. The summers are not as hot as northern regions but the humidity is extreme. Monsoon strikes between late April and July. The coastal areas experience the cool sea breezes. The inland areas and cities like Mysore and Bijapur have a pleasant climate with relatively low rainfall. Required clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woolens in some regions. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons.

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 monsoon 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. Required clothing: Light clothes throughout the year with occasional woolens in some regions like hill stations etc. Raincoats and umbrellas during monsoons.