The climate of Sylhet
Situated in
Bangladesh,
Sylhet falls under the Am category of the Köppen climate classification. This system designates it a tropical monsoon climate. The climate manifests with high temperatures throughout the year, coupled with significant seasonal rainfall variations.
Shifting focus to the weather parameters, it is observed that the maximum temperatures range from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 34.4°C (93.9°F). On the other hand, minimum temperatures fluctuate between 12°C (53.6°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). Consistent with a tropical monsoon climate, Sylhet experiences high humidity levels, peaking at 89% and dipping at 55%.
The tropical city receives rainfall most abundantly from
May to
August, while
November to
April sees almost negligible precipitation. Annual rainfall varies hugely from a small 4mm (0.16") in
February to a substantial 353mm (13.9") in
June. The length of daylight throughout the year stretches from 10.6 hours in
December to 13.7 hours in June, again showcasing the distinct tropical trait. Wind speeds over the year display a less dramatic fluctuation, hovering between 4.3km/h (2.7mph) to a maximum of just over 7.7km/h (4.8mph).
Traditionally, Sylhet exhibits the distinctive monsoon patterns, with a significant surge in rainfall from May leading to June's peak, followed by a gradual tapering till November. The sunniest months are in winter, with December giving approximately 27.6 sunny days.
The best time to visit Sylhet
For potential visitors to
Sylhet, the best time to visit is from
November to
February. The temperatures during these months are relatively milder, ranging from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), and the average rainfall is the lowest in the year, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Moreover, the chances of sunny days are higher during these months, which increases the overall appeal of Sylhet as a tourist destination.
The worst time to visit Sylhet
Conversely, the period from
May to
August is not recommended for visiting
Sylhet. During these months, the city experiences the highest rainfalls of the year, often reaching 353mm (13.9") in
June. This time also coincides with the highest humidity levels, hitting a high of 89%, and temperatures soar up to 34.4°C (93.9°F) further adversely impacting the comfort of potential visitors.
Spring weather in Sylhet
The spring weather in
Sylhet, from
March to
May, brings warmth and humidity. Temperatures start to rise, reaching up to 33.1°C (91.6°F) in May. Rainfall begins to increase from March, with
April witnessing a significant jump in precipitation reaching 175mm (6.89"). Consequently, the humidity starts to rise, climbing up from 55% in March to 79% in May.
Summer weather in Sylhet
Summer, from
June to
August, is the monsoon season in
Sylhet. Temperatures during this period are at their peak, hitting a high of 34.4°C (93.9°F) in June; humidity too is at very high levels. Significant rainstorms occur frequently, with
July receiving around 287mm (11.3") of rainfall.
Autumn weather in Sylhet
Autumn, from
September to
November, sees a decrease in temperature with November registering a lower of 28.3°C (82.9°F). While rainfall begins to subside in autumn occurring over an average of 2.4 days. Compared to the following months,
January promises a relatively dry and cooler climate.
Welcoming January,
Sylhet notes an average high-temperature of a still moderately hot 25.6°C (78.1°F), nearly consistent with
December's 25.5°C (77.9°F). In stark contrast to the day's heat, the temperature in Sylhet dips to an average of 12°C (53.6°F) during January nights. In January, the average relative humidity is 66%. January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2.4 days and accumulates 4mm (0.16") of precipitation. The average length of the day in January is 10h and 47min.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 6:37 am and sunset at 5:14 pm. On the last day of January, in Sylhet, sunrise is at 6:35 am and sunset at 5:36 pm +06. The average sunshine in January in Sylhet,
Bangladesh, is 7.6h. The months with the lowest UV index are January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 5. A UV Index of 3 to 5 symbolizes a moderate threat to health from unsafe exposure to UV radiation for the ordinary person.
Note: The daily high UV index of 5 during January translates into the following recommendations:
Be vigilant - Preventing sunburn is recommended. The midday Sun can be dangerous due to its intense radiation; always find shade and reduce exposure. A hat with a generous brim can prevent nearly 50% of UV rays from reaching your eyes.
Weather in February
February ushers in a gradual increase in temperatures and humidity levels in
Sylhet. As winter dissipates, longer sunlight hours and slightly warmer day temperatures become common, preparing the land for the showers of the impending monsoon.
Weather in February » Weather in March
In
Sylhet,
March marks the start of pre-monsoon summertime, characterized by higher temperatures and sporadic rainfall. The days become longer, and the humidity starts to pick up, reaching up to 55% relative humidity. This month witnesses a substantial leap in rainfall, with volumes reaching up to 49mm (1.93") over 11.3 days.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April, serving as a precursor to the rainy season, features a stark shift in
Sylhet's weather. It's distinguished by the steep increase in rainfall, reaching 175mm (6.89") dispersed over 21.3 days, representing the onset of the much-anticipated monsoon.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Sylhet brings the peak of pre-monsoon conditions and the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Unlike the preceding months, the maximum temperature begins to stabilize, and the overall weather becomes more humid. The month is noteworthy for its significant increase in rainfall with volumes peaking at 289mm (11.38") over 26.8 days.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the full arrival of the monsoon season in
Sylhet,
Bangladesh. The month is characterized by continual rain showers, heavy cloud cover, and consistent high temperatures, indicating the height of the monsoon. This month reaches the height of humidity at 86%, and it's observed that maximum rainfall of 353mm (13.9") occurs in June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues where
June leaves off, with monsoon conditions persisting in
Sylhet. The weather is dominated by high humidity and rainfall, although temperatures remain relatively constant throughout the month. Rainfall levels drop slightly to 287mm (11.3"), but rainy days still dominate the month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sustains the monsoon momentum in
Sylhet as one of the peak rainy months. Conditions remain consistent with those of the previous month, showcasing high temperatures, intensive rainfall, and high humidity levels. Despite a deplete in rain volumes to 308mm (12.13"), the month still receives extensive showers over 30.2 days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Entering
September, the city of
Sylhet experiences a slow yet discernible shift from the monsoon season. The monsoon effects remain, but temperatures and rainfall start to decline, marking the onset of post-monsoon conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings forth a significant reduction in rainfall in
Sylhet, indicating the retreat of the monsoon. Following the weather transitions in
September, this change gears the weather patterns towards drier, clearer skies. The dispersion in rainfall drops considerably to 111mm (4.37"), taking place over only 18.3 days.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
Sylhet,
November witnesses the continuation of dry weather and the beginning of the cool season. Following from the transition in
October, this month sees a significant drop in rainfall and an increase in sunlight hours. The sharp decline in rainfall volumes, all the way down to 18mm (0.71") over 4.8 days, underlines the shift to the dry season.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, being the final month of the year in
Sylhet, ends the dry season and gives way to winter. The weather is substantially cooler with clear skies, low relative humidity, and minimal rainfall, making December distinct from the rest of the year.
Weather in December » [Resources]