26°
Partly cloudy
High: 31° · Low: 26° · Feels like 33°
Kolkata sits on the Ganges delta and has a tropical wet-and-dry monsoon climate, hot and humid for much of the year. Pre-monsoon summer from March to May is sweltering, often topping 38–40°C with oppressive humidity, before the southwest monsoon delivers heavy downpours from June through September, sometimes intensified by Bay of Bengal cyclones. Winter from December to February is pleasantly dry and cool, roughly 12–27°C, and is the most comfortable time of year.
The monsoon runs from about mid-June to the end of September, with July and August the wettest and most humid months. This period also coincides with Bay of Bengal depressions and cyclones that can bring intense rain.
April and May are the hottest, with daytime highs commonly between 36 and 40°C and a heat index that feels even higher because of the humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms known locally as Kalbaishakhi sometimes offer brief relief.
It never snows in Kolkata. Winters are only mild, with nights around 12–14°C and pleasant, dry days near 25–27°C, low humidity and clear skies.
November through February is ideal thanks to dry, cool weather and lower humidity, perfect for sightseeing and aligning with the city's major festivals.
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