Climate and monthly weather forecastNew Delhi, India

The climate of New Delhi

Residing within the Köppen climate classification as Cwa, New Delhi, India boasts a distinct humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. The city's geographical position on the Gangetic Plains statistically influences its climate, ensuring a comprehensive spread of temperatures throughout the year.

A close inspection of its climatic statistics reveals a broad temperature range from 9.2°C (48.6°F) in the cooler months to 42.4°C (108.3°F) during the height of summer. This broad temperature distribution reflects the city's hot summers and cooler winters. Humidity also fluctuates considerably during the year, peaking at 62% in the late summer months before receding to relatively lower levels, as low as 18%, during late spring and early summer.

Rainfall patterns showcase a clear monsoonal impact, with the period from June to August marked by high precipitation levels scaling from 76mm (2.99") to a whopping 86mm (3.39") in July. On the contrary, the city experiences a dry spell from November to February with an average monthly rainfall barely exceeding 5mm (0.2").

One unique weather characteristic of New Delhi is the striking variance in sunshine hours from 7.6 hours in the shorter daylight months to an impressive 13.9 hours in the height-of-summer month of June. Also noteworthy is the high UV Index reaching up to 9 during the summer months, necessitating adequate UV protection for residents and visitors alike.

The best time to visit New Delhi

An optimal time to explore New Delhi is during the transition from the cooler winter season to the onset of summer, i.e., between February and April. These months provide a comfortable temperature range favourable for sightseeing, coupled with low humidity levels. On average, daytime temperatures during this period range from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F), paired with enjoyable low humidity levels, from 37% to 54%.

Furthermore, these months barely witness any rainfall with maximum rainfall reaching up to 16mm (0.63") in March. A blend of low rainfall with pleasant temperatures makes spring the perfect time for outdoor activities. Longer daylight hours all through spring, ranging from 11.2 hours in February to 12.9 hours in April, work to amplify the experience for visitors.

The worst time to visit New Delhi

The summer period from June to August can be punishingly hot and humid, making it a challenging period for visitors unaccustomed to such conditions. With temperatures routinely exceeding an oppressive 35°C (95°F) and humidity levels escalating to a sticky 62%, exploratory tours become rather uncomfortable.

Although these months receive sunlight for impressive durations, up to a maximum of 13.9 hours per day, the heat makes it restrictive for venturing out. This period also marks heavy rainfall due to the monsoon, making outdoor explorations difficult and often unpredictable.

Spring weather in New Delhi

Mildly warming temperatures best describe the spring climate in New Delhi. February to April experiences a daytime temperature range from 20.8°C (69.4°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F), generally a comfortable stretch for exploration and outdoor activities. Rainfall during the spring months is relatively low, with the highest rainfall in March at only 16mm (0.63").

Delhi's spring season also coincides with longer daylight hours, allowing one to make the most of the favourable climate. The period observes a gradual increase from 11.2 daylight hours in February to an ample 12.9 hours in April.

Summer weather in New Delhi

Summers in New Delhi are distinctly hot, with temperatures picking speed from May to July, reaching a zenith of 42.4°C (108.3°F) in June. Humidity during this period escalates rapidly, peaking to as high as 62% by end of July.

The monsoon onset kicks off in June, further intensifying by July. The city gets drenched by heavy rainfall from June to August, ranging from 19mm (0.75") to 86mm (3.39"), making this period notoriously sultry and humid.

However, the summer season in New Delhi does have its charm, with high sun exposure, as June brings about the highest duration of daylight at 13.9 hours.

Autumn weather in New Delhi

September to November in New Delhi usher in the respite from the harsh summer. Autumn witnesses a gradual cooling with temperatures dipping to 23.2°C (73.8°F) by November. While the humidity decreases from 57% in September to 32%, the rainfall, following the monsoon's end, also noticeably decreases.

In stark contrast to summer, November records only up to 3mm (0.12") of rainfall and a humidity level falling to 32%. The daylight hours take a dip from the summer extremes, averaging between 11.5 hours in September and 10.7 hours in November.

Winter weather in New Delhi

Considering December to February as winter months, New Delhi's climate demonstrates a noticeable decrease in daytime temperatures. December starts with a mild chill at 23.5°C (74.3°F), dropping significantly to 9.2°C (48.6°F) in February.

Winter in the city is predominantly dry, with minimal rainfall across these months, never going beyond 5mm (0.2"). Owing to the cooler temperatures, humidity levels also decline, bottoming out at 32% in December and balancing out at 54% by February.

Despite the cooler conditions, daylight hours remain advantageous for outdoor activities with a mean duration of 10.5 hours. The pressure during these months stabilizes above the yearly average, ensuring a stable weather pattern that characterizes winter in New Delhi.

Weather in January

January is the commencement of the new year in New Delhi, India, characterized by relatively cool temperatures. This month records the lowest mean temperatures of the year, ranging from 9.2°C (48.6°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Bound by the chilling cold of the northern plains, the city experiences reduced humidity and light breezes. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As the sun starts its northward journey, Delhi begins experiencing mild, yet appreciable changes by February. Slight rises in the mercury column herald the gradual transition of the winter season, as days tend to be warmer. The breeze acquires a gentle warmth, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March marks the onset of spring in Delhi, as gradual warmth replaces the nip of the winter season. Temperatures see a noticeable rise, peaking at 31.3°C (88.3°F), indicating that summer is just around the corner. Sunshine becomes more evident, illuminating the city with a bright, cheerful radiance. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signifies the transition from spring to the hot, arid summer season. The city begins to feel the heat, as the comforting coolness of spring makes way for soaring temperatures. Weather turns markedly hot during the day, although evenings still retain traces of comfort. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is characterized by blazing heat in Delhi, standing as the gateway to the infamous Indian summer. As a city in the northern plains, Delhi witnesses mercury levels soaring high, with occasional gusty winds offering minor respite. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June, the zenith of summer, prevails with relentless heat in Delhi. As the month progresses, the city begins to find relief in the form of sporadic pre-monsoon showers. Cumulus clouds make their appearance more often, hinting at the imminent monsoon showers. Weather in June »

Weather in July

In July, Delhi welcomes the much-awaited monsoon, replacing the blistering summer heat with resilient showers. The city records the heaviest rainfall of the year, with up to 86mm (3.39") falling during this month. It paints a vibrant picture of the wet season, as plants regain their fresh, green appearance. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August carries forward the monsoon season, with the city experiencing frequent downpours. The temperature cools down as the rain continues to dominate the weather charts. Streets often mirror the cloudy sky above, reflecting the languid cityscape under a grey cloak. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September indicates the receding of the monsoon season, as Delhi starts witnessing a decrease in the frequency of rainfall. Though the showers may occasionally revive, it is the harbinger of the upcoming autumn season. The receding rains leave behind a freshly washed cityscape, bathed in a golden hue under mild sunshine. Weather in September »

Weather in October

By October, Delhi embraces the golden charm of autumn, characterized by clear skies and cooler temperatures. The monsoons retreat entirely, leaving behind clear, azure skies above. The sun casts an enchanting, warm glow, turning the city into an intricate webwork of light and shadows. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November sees Delhi transition into the early stages of winter. Mercury dips significantly, as the sun's rays assume a softer, mellow character. The coolness of the breeze marks the onset of the winter season. Mist gradually becomes a frequent visitor, especially in the early morning. Weather in November »

Weather in December

In December, Delhi is in the full grasp of winter, with the city often enveloped in dense fog. The reduced visibility is a signature feature of Delhi winters, lending the city a mysterious allure. Although the sun attempts to penetrate the fog cover, the days remain predominantly cold. Weather in December »