Season

Period

Characteristics

Winter

December to early April

Coldest season in India: Experienced in the northern and north-western regions of the country.

Temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C

Cool and crisp weather

Ideal for Outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing.

Note: A brief Spring, between March to April, marks the transition from winter to summer and is known for its pleasant weather and blooming flowers. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C and is ideal for picnics, long walks, and bird watching.

Summer

April to June

Hottest season in India

Temperatures range from 30°C to 45°C in most parts of the country.

Ideal for beach holidays, refreshing drinks, and indoor activities to beat the heat.

Monsoon
(Rainy Season)

June to September

Monsoon is the rainy season in India

Brings much-needed relief from the scorching heat of summer.

The monsoon season is experienced in different parts of the country at different times and can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Post-Monsoon (Harvest Season)

October to December

Pre-Autumn (October): Pre-Autumn is a brief season that precedes the arrival of winter. The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, and is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Autumn (November): Autumn is the harvest season in India and is characterized by a change in the colors of the leaves on trees. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, making it the perfect time for adventure sports and trekking.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) designates four official seasons:

  1. Winter (December to early April) - characterized by cool to cold weather, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C in northern India and 20-30°C in southern India.
  2. Summer ( April to June (April to July in north-western India)) - characterized by hot and dry weather, with temperatures ranging from 30-45°C in most parts of India.
  3. Monsoon (June to September) - characterized by heavy rains and strong winds, with the entire country receiving heavy rainfall during this period.
  4. Post-Monsoon (October to December) - characterized by pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C in most parts of India. This is also the time when many crops are harvested in the country.

The climate of India is classified as a tropical monsoon.

Seasonal variations of Temperature, Precipitation, Humidity and Wind in India

Temperature

Winter is the coldest season in India, with temperatures ranging from 10-20°C in northern India and 20-30°C in southern India. The summer season, on the other hand, is the hottest, with temperatures ranging from 30-45°C in most parts of India. The monsoon season brings a significant drop in temperature, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C in most parts of India. The post-monsoon season is characterized by mild temperatures, ranging from 20-30°C in most parts of India.

Precipitation(Rains)

Winter is the driest season in India, with very little rainfall. Summer is also a dry season, with only moderate precipitation levels. The monsoon season, however, is the wettest, with heavy rainfall and strong winds. The post-monsoon season is characterized by moderate precipitation levels, with a mix of rain and sunshine.

Humidity

Summer is the driest and most arid season in India, with low humidity levels. The monsoon season, on the other hand, has high humidity levels due to heavy rainfall. Winter and post-monsoon have moderate humidity levels, with a balance of dry and humid conditions.

Wind

The monsoon season is characterized by strong winds, with heavy rainfall and strong gusts of wind. Winter, on the other hand, has cool and calm winds, with very little wind activity. Summer and post-monsoon have moderate winds, with a mix of calm and gusty conditions.

How seasons influence major activities in India

Agriculture

The monsoon season is critical for agriculture in India, as it provides the necessary rainfall for crops to grow. Summer and post-monsoon are the best seasons for harvesting crops, with the right balance of sun and rain. Winter is a dormant season for agriculture, with very little crop growth.

Outdoor Activities

Summer is the best season for outdoor activities in India, with warm weather and clear skies. Winter, on the other hand, is best for indoor activities due to cool temperatures. The monsoon season restricts outdoor activities due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, while post-monsoon is good for mild outdoor activities.

Wildlife

The monsoon season brings an abundance of wildlife in India, as the forests and rivers come to life. Winter is the best season for bird watching, with migratory birds flocking to India. Summer and post-monsoon have moderate wildlife activity, with a mix of migratory and resident species.

Tourism

Summer and post-monsoon are the peak tourist seasons in India, with warm weather and clear skies. Winter is a low tourist season, with cool temperatures and less outdoor activity. The monsoon season restricts tourism due to heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Festivals

Different seasons in India are associated with various festivals, such as Holi in the post-monsoon season, Diwali in the winter season, and Navaratri in the autumn season. These festivals are celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm and bring people together.

Health

Summer is the season when heat strokes and other heat-related illnesses are most common in India. The monsoon season can cause diseases like dengue and malaria due to the presence of mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Winter is the season with the least number of health problems, while post-monsoon is associated with a moderate number of health problems, such as allergies and respiratory infections. It's important to take precautions and maintain good health practices during all seasons in India.