Kolkata enjoys a year-round tropical climate thanks to the shelter of the Himalayas to the north. Summers are hot and humid, and most of Kolkata's visitors arrive between the months of November and April, when the heat subsides and walking tours around the Esplanade are comfortably accomplished. These are also the driest months by far, which only reinforces this as peak tourism season.Monsoons affect virtually every part of India. Kolkata is subject to the south-west monsoon, which sweeps in every June and lasts for about four months. The volume of rain that falls in these four months is astronomically higher than anything seen throughout the rest of the year. Hours of sunlight peak in March, when the hot weather officially sets in.
Seasonal Variations / When to Go
The climate in Kolkata varies substantially throughout the year, although heat is always a factor. The coolest months are December and January, when daytime highs hover at around 27°C / 81°F. This is by far the best time of year to take a walking tour of Kolkata's colonial districts, though it's still important to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen. December is also the driest month of the year, and it is unlikely that any outdoor activities will have to be rescheduled due to inclement weather.
By February, temperatures are on the rise, reaching their peak between the months of April and May. Average highs at this time top out in the high 30°Cs, and it's not uncommon for an exceptionally hot day to see the mercury rise well over 38°C / 100°F. Relief comes with the monsoons. Average rainfall in May doubles that seen in April. The amount of rainfall seen in July and August more than doubles the annual monthly average, averaging over 33 cm / 13 inches each month.
Kolkata Weather and Climate Chart
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