Kolkata, located in eastern India’s Ganges Delta, has a tropical wet-and-dry climate with three main seasons. Summers are long, hot, and humid, while winters are short and mild. The city’s dramatic monsoon brings heavy rains, and sunshine is abundant in the dry months, making Kolkata a vibrant destination with dynamic weather year-round.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Kolkata’s climate is shaped by its tropical location and proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The city experiences three main seasons: summer, monsoon, and winter. Summers (March to June) are hot and humid, with average highs of 36–39°C in May and June, and nights rarely dropping below 26°C. Dusty squalls and thunderstorms, known locally as Nor'westers, occasionally bring relief from the heat. April and May can see the first pre-monsoon showers and, at times, cyclones from the Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon season lasts from early June to mid-October, bringing heavy rainfall and high humidity. July and August are the wettest months, each receiving over 300 mm of rain, and flooding can occur. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, with highs of 31–33°C and warm nights. The monsoon gradually recedes in October, giving way to the pleasant winter (November to February). Winters are short and mild, with daytime highs of 25–28°C and lows of 14–19°C. Early mornings may be misty, but afternoons are sunny and comfortable. Annual rainfall averages 1,750–1,850 mm, and the city enjoys abundant sunshine outside the monsoon months. The swimming season lasts year-round, with water temperatures rarely dropping below 20°C.
| Average climate data for Kolkata, India | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 26 | 29 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 34 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 30 | 27 | 35 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 14 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 24 | 20 | 15 | 14 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 11 | 30 | 35 | 59 | 142 | 285 | 408 | 352 | 286 | 144 | 26 | 17 | 1,794 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 9 | 15 | 21 | 20 | 16 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 102 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 66 | 59 | 58 | 67 | 71 | 76 | 82 | 83 | 82 | 74 | 67 | 69 | 71 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Average UV index | 7 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to February, when the weather is mild, dry, and sunny. This period is perfect for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and enjoying the city’s vibrant festivals, including Durga Puja. Comfortable temperatures and minimal rainfall make travel pleasant and convenient.
The least favourable time to visit Kolkata is during the monsoon season from June to September, when heavy rainfall, high humidity, and frequent flooding can disrupt plans. Summers (March to May) are also challenging due to extreme heat and humidity, making outdoor activities uncomfortable for most travellers.
Kolkata has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers, a dramatic monsoon season from June to September, and short, mild winters. Annual rainfall is high, and sunshine is abundant outside the rainy months.
The best time to visit Kolkata is from October to February, when the weather is mild, dry, and sunny. This season is ideal for sightseeing, festivals, and outdoor activities.
Yes, Kolkata receives heavy rain during the monsoon season (June to September), with July and August being the wettest months. Annual rainfall averages 1,750–1,850 mm, and flooding can occur during intense downpours.
Summer temperatures in Kolkata often reach 36–39°C, with high humidity making it feel even hotter. Occasional thunderstorms and Nor'westers may bring brief relief from the heat.
Yes, Kolkata can be affected by cyclones, especially from late April to early June and in October–November, which can bring heavy rain and strong winds. Travellers should check weather alerts during these periods.
Yes, the water temperature in Kolkata remains above 20°C all year, making swimming possible in every season. The sea is warmest from April to September, with average temperatures of 28–31°C.
Pack light, breathable clothing for summer and monsoon, plus rain gear for the wet season. In winter, bring a light jacket for cool mornings and evenings. Sun protection is recommended year-round.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is May (35.4 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (26.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 31.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is June (26.6 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (13.8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 22.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is July (407.7 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is January (10.9 mm). Over the whole year there are 1,794.1 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is July (20.5 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is December (0.9 days). Over the whole year there are 101.7 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is August (83.1 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is March (58.4 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 71.2 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 13 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are January and December (Average daylight: 10.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 7.2 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is August (Average sunshine: 3 h). Over the whole year there are 5.4 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are April, May, June, July and August (UV index: 12). The month with the lowest average UV index is December (UV index: 6). Over the whole year the average UV index is 10.
