Kolkata Holiday Weather Overview
Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last decade or so. Once synonymous with poverty and deprivation, the city now offers a warm and sophisticated welcome to travellers, and has made great strides in addressing its problems.
Kolkata in terms of population is one of the world's biggest cities. Kolkata, until 2001 known by its British Raj name of Calcutta, is a former capital and is packed with cultural and architectural delights as well as eateries that serve delicious Bengali cuisine. Kolkata is an educational hub and is now evolving and becoming a business and industrial centre.
As a tourist destination, Kolkata is a hub for Bengali literature, drama and arts, and the city has several important historical sites. There are a number of major museums as well as palaces and temples to explore.
Kolkata is on the River Hooghly in eastern India's West Bengal State. Due to Kolkata's profusion of ornate mansions featuring Gothic, Baroque or Islamic decorations it has garnered the nickname City of Palaces. The Marble Palace, Victoria Memorial and the Hooghly's Howrah Bridge are just a few of Kolkata's premium tourist sites.
St Paul's Cathedral, Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Tipu Sultan Mosque are among the many fine religious edifices here. Other attractions include Birla Planetarium, the Indian Botanical Gardens, the vast collections of Indian art and natural history exhibits housed in the Indian Museum and sports venues such as Eden Gardens Cricket Ground and the Royal Calcutta Turf Club.
When is the best month to visit Kolkata?
The mild Kolkata weather in the winter months (November to February) offers the best time to visit this vibrant city. Riding Kolkata's trams to tourist draws, watching world class cricket at Eden Gardens, taking in horse racing at the Turf Club and shopping in New Market or Sreeram Arcade is not too tiring at this time of year.
Kolkata's Climate
Kolkata has a tropical monsoon climate. Extremely hot summers are followed by a heavy monsoon period and then a slightly cooler winter. Air pollution can be a real problem in the city, so visitors who suffer from asthma or breathing difficulties are advised to take care.
Kolkata in Summer
Kolkata's summers fall between March and June - and are scorching. Expect average daily highs in the mid to high 30s Celsius, with temperatures often soaring into the 40s. Nights do not bring much relief from the heat, with overnight lows in the mid 20s Celsius.
Summer in Kolkata can be quite windy and violent dust storms are brought by the Kal Baishakhi winds, sometimes accompanied by thunderstorms.
Most tourists avoid summer in Kolkata because of the uncomfortable conditions. If you do visit, be sure to stay out of the midday sun, and try to drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.
Kolkata's Monsoon
Kolkata's monsoon season is from June to September, with the heaviest rainfall in August. The rains are usually welcomed by the local people as a relief from the heat - although with average daily highs remaining in the low 30s, don't expect it to cool down much.
Monsoon rains can bring flooding, landslides and disruption to Kolkata, and so for this reason most tourists also avoid this season as well as summer. If you do visit, take waterproof shoes and lots of changes of clothing, and be prepared to be flexible about your travel arrangements.
Kolkata in Winter
It's during the winter months that most people choose to visit Kolkata. Between November and February, the weather is at its most bearable. There will be occasional rain, and some foggy, damp mornings, but most of the time the sunshine is pleasant and the heat enjoyable rather than overpowering.
Expect average daily highs in the mid to high 20s Celsius, occasionally going over 30°C. Night times are cooler, with average temperatures of around 15°C. The thermometer rarely falls below 10°C.
If you're visiting Kolkata in the winter, take sunscreen, summer weight clothing and a hat, plus perhaps something with longer sleeves for the winter evenings. This is the ideal time to explore the city and the surrounding region.
What to pack and wear in Kolkata?
Even in winter visitors to Kolkatta need only pack shorts, light clothing and footwear. Long trousers and shirts might come in useful for evening wear. The wet weather in Kolkata during the monsoon season necessitates carrying an umbrella as protection from sudden downpours.
Best months to visit Kolkata?
February and January are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Kolkata. The weather averages gathered from Kolkata weather forecast and Kolkata weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 30°c and average of 309.5333 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Kolkata?
January and December are the coldest months with temperature at around 16°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Kolkata?
August and July receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 394.09mm.
Travelling to Kolkata? Check out our Weather averages of Kolkata to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Kolkata section.