Varanasi's Climate
Varanasi lies on the banks of the Ganges in Uttar Pradesh on the plains of northern India, far inland and at low elevation, giving it a humid subtropical climate with three distinct phases. Summers (April–June) are extremely hot and dry, with temperatures commonly 38–44°C and sometimes above 45°C, driven by the searing 'loo' wind, followed by the southwest monsoon (July–September) that delivers most of the year's rain in heavy downpours and high humidity. Winters (December–February) are cool and pleasant, with nights dropping to 8–10°C and thick morning fog common. Air quality tends to be poor in winter.