The climate of Patna
In geographical terms,
Patna, situated on the southern bank of the Ganges River in
India, is mainly influenced by a Humid subtropical dry winter climate, denoted by the Köppen climate classification code "Cwa". Weather patterns in this city vary markedly throughout the year. Uniquely, maximum and copious rainfalls are observed in the monsoon months, arriving between
June and
September. Whereas, temperatures show significant differences throughout the year, ranging between 9.3°C (48.7°F) lows in
January to 38.4°C (101.1°F) highs in
May.
Specifically, rainfall distribution is an integral feature, with maximum rainfall between June and September, dramatically dropping from 381mm (15") in
July to 79mm (3.11") in
October. Relative to this, there are 14.9 rainy days in July, compared with less than 1 from
November to
February. Therefore, monsoon and post-monsoon periods show concentrated rainfalls, giving Patna a distinctive weather pattern.
Daylight and sunshine hours follow a more uniform pattern, fluctuating between 10.6 hours in
December to 13.7 hours in June. Concurrently, sunshine hours are around 7, reaching up to 9 hours in
April — a certainty of long bright days throughout most of the year. UV index also shows changes, peaking at 12 between June and
August, indicating a need for sun protection during those hot summers.
The best time to visit Patna
Owing to warm, sunny days and comfortable temperatures, the period from
October to
December proves the optimal time to visit
Patna. October experiences highs of 31.7°C (89.1°F) and rainfall decreases dramatically from 229mm (9.02") in
September to 79mm (3.11"). This results in only 3.3 rainy days in October, letting visitors enjoy clear, comfortable weather conditions.
The worst time to visit Patna
Patna's months of
July and
August present significant challenges for visitors due to extreme weather conditions. In July, highs of 32.9°C (91.2°F) combined with high rainfall of 381mm (15") to make it an unbearable time to explore the city. August is no different, with rainfall slightly decreasing to 282mm (11.1"), yet high temperatures still persist around 32.5°C (90.5°F). Accordingly, these months are not ideal to plan a visit to the region.
Spring weather in Patna
Spring in
Patna, between
March and
May, is hot and dry with gradually rising temperatures. Average highs vary from 32.4°C (90.3°F) in March to a peak of 38.4°C (101.1°F) in May. Correspondingly, low temperatures increase from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F), making nights warmer. Average rainfall ranges from a low 9mm (0.35") in March to 38mm (1.5") in May with daylight hours stretched to approximately 13 towards the end of Spring.
Summer weather in Patna
Summer in
Patna spans from
June to
August and is characterized by the combination of high temperatures and abundant rainfall due to monsoon activity. Daily high temperatures hover around 33 to 37°C (98.6°F), while the average low temperatures stay around 26°C (78.8°F) providing no cool respite at night. Heavy rainfall begins in June and peaks dramatically to 381mm (15") in
July, resulting in 14.9 rainy days.
Autumn weather in Patna
Autumn occurs in
Patna from
September to
November. Temperatures start falling from an average high of 32.2°C (90°F) in September to 28.9°C (84°F) in November. Correspondingly, the lows show a fall from 25.3°C (77.5°F) to a more pleasant 14.8°C (58.6°F). Rainfall sees a drastic reduction, from 229mm (9.02") in September to a scanty 9mm (0.35") in November. This period presents significantly less rainfall days, less humid, and milder temperatures making this season pleasant.
Winter weather in Patna
From
December to
February, winter season befalls upon
Patna, with dropping temperatures but predominantly dry conditions. Temperatures decrease from an average high of 24.6°C (76.3°F) in December to a low of 23°C (73.4°F) in
January. The average low temperature varies from 10.1°C (50.2°F) in December to 9.3°C (48.7°F) in January, making it the coldest time of the year. Rainfall is lowest in this season, ranging from 12mm (0.47") in December to 7mm (0.28") in February, with less than 1.5 days of rainfall per month.
Weather in January
The start of the calendar year in
Patna blesses residents and visitors with a cool, comfortable climate. Daylight spans roughly half the day, making outdoor adventures quite enjoyable. Nights become surprisingly fresh, dropping to a cool 9.3°C (48.7°F) — a marked difference when compared to the daytime temperatures.
Weather in January »Weather in February
As observed in
Patna,
February carries over the pleasant weather from
January with gradually rising temperatures. The number of daylight hours increase, resulting in extended opportunities to partake in outdoor activities. The weather transition is not steep, with the overall precipitation levels climbing to 14mm (0.55"), giving February an added advantage for outdoor enthusiasts.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the official start of spring in
Patna, accompanied by a further escalation in temperature. The increasing intensity of the sun during daylight hours is countered by the moderate rainfall witnessed in March, totaling to 9mm (0.35").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is characterized by a dramatic escalation in temperatures, marking the start of peak summer. An incremental increase in daylight hours facilitates extended outdoor activities, though the heat can be overwhelmingly intense at times.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May presents the pinnacle of
Patna's summer, reaching a scorching maximum temperature of up to 38.4°C (101.1°F). Despite the harsh, sweltering days, life continues to thrive in this vibrant city. The longer daylight hours, albeit hot, are complemented by an increase in precipitation - a welcoming sight amidst the heat.
Weather in May » Weather in June
With the onset of
June,
Patna ushers in the eagerly anticipated monsoon season. The intensity of the sunlight decreases slightly, providing a much-needed break from the summer heat. The cooling showers bring an enormous relief, painting the city with a fresh, revitalizing hue.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July features prominent monsoon weather, with rainfall reaching its annual peak at 381mm (15"). As the torrential downpours dominate
Patna's weather scene, the daytime temperature gradually diminshes, making July comparatively cooler than the preceding months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August retains the monsoon flavor with heavy rainfall, albeit slightly reduced to 282mm (11.1") from
July's peak. The skies often exhibit a mystical mix of clouds and sun, creating awe-inspiring vistas for onlookers. While the daytime heat gradually diminishes, nights witness a slight dip in temperature.
Weather in August » Weather in September
With the retreat of the monsoon,
September experiences a visible reduction in rainfall to 229mm (9.02"). The weather begins to dry up gradually as the rainfall recedes, yet the city remains bathed in the lush of monsoon’s greenery.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Patna heralds the arrival of autumn. The city basks in the moderate sunlight, an inviting change from the intense summer heat and heavy monsoon rains. Day and night temperatures show a noticeable drop, letting residents enjoy a period of soothing climate.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November showcases the climatic transition to winter, with a substantial drop in both day and night temperatures. Despite
Patna's tropical nature, November sends the first signals of the approaching winter. Gentle sunlight during the shorter days and cool nights make November pleasantly enjoyable.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December sees
Patna immersed in the palpable chill of winter, proving to be the ultimate relief from a year of rising and dipping temperatures. The daylight hours dwindle, further enhancing the cool, soothing vibe. Sharp drops in temperature, down to lows of 10.1°C (50.2°F), and bare minimum rainfall of 7mm (0.28") make December the true embodiment of winter.
Weather in December »