Kolkata Weather and Climate: A Comprehensive Guide
Kolkata is subject to a tropical wet-and-dry climate. Summer months are hot and humid and May is generally the hottest month. Heavy rain and hailstorms can occur at the beginning of summer. Winter is mild and lasts only two months.
The monsoon season runs from June through September. Most rain falls in the city during this period. Due to the huge density of the city, it also suffers from a huge smog problem. The best time of year to visit Kolkata is from November until March.
Average maximum day and minimum night temperature
In Kolkata, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a very hot 37°C in April, the warmest time of the year, to a comfortable 27°C during cooler months like January.
At night, temperatures typically drop to an average of around 14°C during these months. Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.Temperature ranges by month
Precipitation and rainy days
Kolkata is known for its substantial rainfall, with annual precipitation reaching 1675 mm. Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wetter season, July receives heavy rainfall, averaging 354 mm of precipitation, recorded across 15 rainy days. In contrast, the drier season, December brings less rainfall, with 10 mm over 0 rainy days. For more details, please visit our Kolkata Precipitation page.The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine over the year
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Kolkata. While April receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 8.0 hours, July marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 3.5 hours of sunlight per day. Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Average water temperature
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 24°C in January to 29°C in June.
Water temperature over the year
Average humidity
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Kolkata.
The city experiences its highest humidity in July, reaching 83%. In March, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 51%. Explore our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Average wind speed
The average wind speed over the year ranges from 0 m/s to 2 m/s. It is lower in January, October, November and December and higher in April and May.
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
partly cloudy and no rain almost clear and no rain clear and no rainForecast for Kolkata
1 m/s
2 m/s
2 m/s
The best time of year to visit Kolkata in India
Other facts from our historical weather data:Rainy season in Kolkata occurs in the months of June, July, August and September.
Yes, the months of January and December are very dry.
July tops the wettest month list with 354 mm of rainfall.
December is the driest month with 10 mm of precipitation.
April is the sunniest month with an average of 241 hours of sunshine.
No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
