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India Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
India's climate varies greatly by region and season, but most of the country follows a broad pattern of hot summers, a monsoon period and a cooler winter. Because of its size and varied geography, weather conditions can differ significantly between northern plains, coastal regions and mountainous areas, so travellers should plan according to their destinations.
In northern India, including Delhi and the surrounding plains, winter runs from December to February, with daytime temperatures typically around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and cooler nights. Spring follows from March to April, bringing warmer, pleasant conditions. Summer lasts from May to June and can be extremely hot, often reaching 40°C (104°F) or higher. The monsoon season usually arrives in late June or July and continues until September, bringing high humidity and heavy but intermittent rainfall.
On the west coast, including Mumbai, temperatures are more consistent year-round due to the sea. Winter and early spring (November to February) are warm and relatively dry, averaging 20–30°C (68–86°F). The monsoon is particularly intense here, typically from June to September, with frequent heavy rain and high humidity, while summers before the monsoon are hot and sticky.
In desert regions such as Rajasthan, summers are very hot, often exceeding 45°C (113°F), while winters can be surprisingly cool, especially at night. This region receives less rainfall than much of India, though brief monsoon showers usually occur between July and September.
The Himalayan regions in the north, including popular hill stations and trekking areas, have a very different climate. Summers from May to September are mild and pleasant, generally between 15–25°C (59–77°F), while winters are cold, with snowfall common at higher elevations. These areas are popular in summer as refuges from the plains' heat.
Southern India, including destinations such as Goa and Kerala, remains warm throughout the year, with temperatures typically ranging from 25–32°C (77–90°F). The southwest monsoon affects this region from June to September, while parts of the southeast coast also experience a secondary monsoon from October to November.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended for most parts of India, particularly during the warmer months, as temperatures can be high and humidity is significant. Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen are widely worn and help keep cool in hot conditions. Loose-fitting clothing is practical for both comfort and cultural sensitivity, especially when sightseeing or travelling between regions.
In cities and tourist areas, casual wear is generally acceptable, but modest dress is advised, particularly when visiting temples, mosques and rural communities. This usually means covering shoulders and knees. A light scarf or shawl can be useful for women when entering religious sites or to protect against the sun and dust.
During the cooler months from November to February, travellers to northern India and higher-altitude areas should pack warmer layers, including a light jacket or jumper, as evenings and early mornings can be cool. In the Himalayan regions and hill stations, winter temperatures can drop significantly, and heavier cold-weather clothing may be required.
The monsoon season, which typically runs from June to September, brings heavy but often short-lived rain to many parts of the country. A lightweight waterproof jacket, a rain poncho, or a compact umbrella is recommended, along with quick-drying footwear or sandals. Waterproof protection for bags and electronics is also useful during this period.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring cities, markets and archaeological sites, while sturdier footwear is advisable for trekking or rural travel. Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, is recommended year-round, particularly in the plains and coastal regions.
Geography
India's geography is as varied as its cultures, offering travellers an extraordinary range of landscapes within a single country. It occupies a vast swathe of South Asia, bordered by Pakistan to the northwest; China, Nepal and Bhutan to the north; Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east; and Sri Lanka just offshore to the south. To the west lies the Arabian Sea, while the Bay of Bengal stretches along the east coast, giving India thousands of kilometres of shoreline dotted with beaches, fishing villages and port cities.
The north of the country is dominated by the Himalayas, the highest mountain range on Earth, forming a dramatic natural barrier and a magnet for trekkers, climbers and pilgrims. India's highest peak is Kangchenjunga (8,586m / 28,169ft), rising on the border with Nepal. Below the mountains lies the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain, criss-crossed by great rivers such as the Ganges and Yamuna, where many of India's most important cities, temples and historic sites are found.
Central and southern India are shaped by the Deccan Plateau, a vast tableland edged by the Western and Eastern Ghats. These uplands are home to forested hills, wildlife reserves and cooler hill stations such as Ooty and Munnar. The Western Ghats, in particular, are a biodiversity hotspot and a rewarding destination for nature lovers, offering misty landscapes, waterfalls and tea plantations.
India's lowest point is sea level along its extensive coastline, which ranges from palm-fringed beaches in Goa and Kerala to the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans in the east. Offshore, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the coral-fringed Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea provide a completely different, tropical island experience.
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