Climate and monthly weather forecastRanchi, India

The climate of Ranchi

Ranchi, the capital city of the Indian state of Jharkhand, experiences a Humid subtropical climate, denoted as 'Cwa' according to the Köppen climate classification. This climate category is characterized by distinct, often extreme, seasonal variations in temperature, and a notably dry winter. Ranchi's geographical position significantly affects its climate, causing it to experience distinct wet and dry periods throughout the year.

Analyzing the climatological data, the temperature in Ranchi varies widely from a low of 11.4°C (52.5°F) in the cooler months to a high of 38.8°C (101.8°F) in the peak of the summer season. Similarly, humidity levels fluctuate from a minimum of 26% during the hot, dry periods to a maximum of 84% during the monsoon season. The city witnesses rainfall varying from a meager 12mm (0.47") in the dry season to a significant 223mm (8.78") during the peak monsoon months.

Unique to Ranchi's weather pattern is the contrasting degree of rainfall it experiences. The city navigates from scanty rainfall in the drier months to a heavy deluge during the monsoon season, particularly between June and August. On average, June records the maximum number of rainy days (24.8) while December sees the minimum (2.7). Likewise, May typically witnesses the highest temperatures, while January experiences the lowest.

The best time to visit Ranchi

The ideal time to visit Ranchi is during the spring months and early winter, from February to April and then from October to December, respectively. During these periods, the city witnesses moderate temperatures, ranging from 11.6°C (52.9°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F), with comparatively lower humidity levels than in summer and monsoon seasons. The rainfall also remains minimal, thereby providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

The worst time to visit Ranchi

The least favorable time to plan a trip to Ranchi is during the summer months of May and June and the monsoon months from July to September. During this period, the city experiences extreme heat with temperatures rising up to 38.8°C (101.8°F). The high humidity levels, especially in the monsoon months, could make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Furthermore, substantial rainfall, particularly from July to September - reaching up to 223mm (8.78") in August - could disrupt travel plans and activities.

Spring weather in Ranchi

Spring season in Ranchi, typically from February to April, is pleasant with moderate temperatures. The average high varies from 23.8°C (74.8°F) in February to 32.8°C (91°F) in April, while the average low hovers between 11.4°C (52.5°F) and 19.1°C (66.4°F). It's a relatively drier period, and the rainfall ranges from 12mm (0.47") to 23mm (0.91"). Relative humidity fluctuates from 49% in February to 30% in April, indicating fairly comfortable weather conditions for outdoor explorations.

Summer weather in Ranchi

In Ranchi, summer extends from May to June, characterized by high temperatures and extreme heat. May witnesses the highest average temperature, escalating to 38.8°C (101.8°F), and the average minimum temperature can rise to 26.3°C (79.3°F). Increased humidity levels, reaching up to 53% in June, are coupled with considerable rainfall, the average of which shoots up to 88mm (3.46") in June before the onset of monsoons.

Autumn weather in Ranchi

Autumn in Ranchi, spanning from October to November, brings relief from the heavy monsoon rains. Average high temperatures reduce gradually, descending from 29.5°C (85.1°F) in October to 26.3°C (79.3°F) in November. Correspondingly, the average low temperature ranges from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 15.1°C (59.2°F). Rainfall declines sharply to 66mm (2.6") in October and further to a scanty 6mm (0.24") in November, with a reduced number of rainy days.

Winter weather in Ranchi

Winter in Ranchi is from December to January, presenting a significant drop in temperatures. While the average high is around 23.5°C (74.3°F), the mercury dips to an average low of about 11.6°C (52.9°F) in January. This period is marked by a very low amount of rainfall, reaching a meager 16mm (0.63") in December. The period witnesses moderate humidity levels, and with an average wind speed of 7.2km/h (4.5mph), it brings the much-needed respite from the intense heat experienced during the rest of the year.

Weather in January

January in Ranchi, India, is marked by temperate weather which lends itself to outdoor activities. This period sees comparatively temperate weather conditions with climatic features that lean more towards the mild side. This doesn't, however, mean the absence of harsh weather conditions, particularly on very cold nights or during a brief but heavy downpour. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As the calendar turns to February, Ranchi enters a transitional climatic phase. While the weather maintains mild characteristics from January, some noticeable changes occur, making this month unique. Noticeably, rainfall patterns remain somewhat constant, but the daylight and sunshine hours gradually increase, giving the entire city a warmer feel. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March ushers in a warmer phase in Ranchi's weather cycle, marking the gradual onset of summer. The city transitions into a period of increased temperatures, longer daylight hours, and generally dry conditions. Rainfall remains constant, but the overall atmospheric pressure starts to decline, signaling the change in seasons. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, Ranchi witnesses a significant leap into the summer season. Even though temperatures soar to a high peak, the duration of daylight lengthens, giving more hours for residents to partake in outdoor activities. The noticeable decline in atmospheric pressure continues from the previous month, yet quite a significant drawback remains the decrease in relative humidity. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May presents a mix of intense heat and substantial rainfall, making it a particularly unique month in Ranchi. It exhibits the most extreme temperatures for the year, accompanied by an increase in sunshine hours. Despite this, the humidity stays quite controlled due to the rising trend in rainfall. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June is a transformative month when Ranchi transitions from the heat of summer towards the cooling influence of monsoon. With longer daylight hours, rainfall patterns start becoming rather unpredictable, while humidity begins to surge. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Ranchi is dominated by the monsoon, with the highest level of humidity seen all year. This leads to an increase in rainfall, cooling down the city, and bringing relief amid the summer heat. While temperatures moderate, the shift in overall weather patterns signals unique climatic alterations. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In Ranchi, August continues the monsoon trend, witness to substantial rainfall, high humidity, and mild temperatures. There's a slight decline in wind speed from the previous month, while daylight duration drops as well. The entire city is treated to a rainfall spectacle, with the showers only marginally less than July’s at 223mm (8.78"). Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the end of the monsoon season in Ranchi, with gradual reductions in rainfall and humidity. Temperatures begin to drop slowly, promising a return to a more comfortable climate in the following months. Daylight hours decrease slightly, but the sunshine duration remains constant, offering bright light to the city. Weather in September »

Weather in October

The weather in Ranchi during the month of October cultivates a distinct autumnal charm. Temperatures continue their downward trend from September, giving the city a pleasant chill. A considerable dip in rainfall amounts marks another significant change, signifying the departure of the monsoons. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Ranchi sees the onset of winter, bringing along lower temperatures and relatively dry conditions. The dip in temperature continues from October, and the rainfall declines drastically, indicating a return to drier times. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Ranchi's December weather ushers in a chilly winter, with temperatures reaching their lowest for the year. The rainfall decreases further, and the humidity drops significantly, setting the stage for a comfortable winter. Sunshine hours drop slightly, but the city still basks in ample sunlight during the day. Weather in December »