India Climate Overview
India spans tropical, subtropical, and alpine climate zones. The monsoon season dominates weather patterns from June through September, bringing the majority of annual rainfall. Northern plains experience extreme heat before the monsoon, while the Himalayan regions have alpine conditions. Western Rajasthan is arid desert, while the Western Ghats receive over 3,000mm of rain annually.
Seasonal Patterns
Pre-monsoon (March–May) brings extreme heat, with temperatures above 45°C in the northwest. The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings essential rains. Post-monsoon (October–November) sees the northeast monsoon affecting the southeast coast. Winter (December–February) is cool in the north and pleasant in the south.
Weather Considerations
India faces severe weather events including cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea, extreme heat waves, flooding during monsoon season, and cold waves in northern states. Air quality deteriorates significantly in Delhi and the Indo-Gangetic plain during winter.