India Climate
The Indian Meteorological Service divides the year into four seasons: the relatively dry, cool winter from December through February; the dry, hot summer from March through May; the southwest monsoon from June through September; and the northeast, or retreating, monsoon of October and November.
The year's coldest months are December and January, when temperatures average around 10-15C (50-59F) in the northwest; temperatures rise as one proceeds towards the equator, peaking around 20-25C (68-77F) in mainland India's southeast.
Summer season, lasting from March through May (April to July in northwestern India). In western and southern regions, the hottest month is April; for northern regions May is the hottest month. Temperatures average around 32-40C (90-104F) in most of the interior.
The Monsoon season from June through September is dominated by the humid southwest summer monsoon, which slowly sweeps across the country beginning in late May or early June. Monsoon rains begin to recede from North India at the beginning of October.
Southern India typically receives more rain in the post-monsoon season of October and November. Monsoon rains begin to recede from North India at the beginning of October. In northwestern India, October and November are usually cloudless. Parts of the country experience the dry northeast monsoon.
The Himalayan states, being more temperate, experience an additional two seasons: autumn and spring.
