Climate and monthly weather forecast
Patna, India

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »