Climate - New Delhi (India)
Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
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Climate chart - New Delhi (India)
In New Delhi, the capital of India, the climate is subtropical, with a very mild and sunny winter, a very hot season from mid-March to mid-June (which can be considered as the summer), and a sultry, rainy period from late June to late September, due to the monsoon. In recent decades, the monsoon has affected the city on average from June 27 to September 25, although the dates may vary from year to year.
The city is part of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCT) and is located in northern India, at 28 degrees north latitude, on the banks of the Yamuna River, a tributary of the Ganges.
Here are the average temperatures (recorded at Safdarjung station).
New Delhi - Average temperatures (1991-2020) | Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
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| January | 7.6 | 20.5 | 14.1 | 46 | 69 | 57.3 |
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| February | 10.8 | 24.6 | 17.7 | 51 | 76 | 63.9 |
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| March | 15.7 | 30.4 | 23.1 | 60 | 87 | 73.5 |
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| April | 21.3 | 36.9 | 29.1 | 70 | 98 | 84.4 |
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| May | 25.6 | 40.1 | 32.8 | 78 | 104 | 91.1 |
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| June | 27.6 | 39 | 33.3 | 82 | 102 | 92 |
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| July | 27.3 | 35.8 | 31.6 | 81 | 96 | 88.8 |
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| August | 26.6 | 34.5 | 30.5 | 80 | 94 | 87 |
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| September | 24.9 | 34.3 | 29.6 | 77 | 94 | 85.3 |
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| October | 19.3 | 33.1 | 26.2 | 67 | 92 | 79.2 |
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| November | 12.9 | 28.3 | 20.6 | 55 | 83 | 69.1 |
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| December | 8.3 | 23 | 15.6 | 47 | 73 | 60.2 |
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| Year | 19 | 31.7 | 25.35 | 66.3 | 89.1 | 77.5 |
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Rainfall amounts to about 750 millimeters (29.5 inches) per year, but it rains very rarely from October to May. Here is the average precipitation.
New Delhi - Average precipitation| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
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| January | 20 | 0.8 | 2 |
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| February | 20 | 0.8 | 3 |
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| March | 15 | 0.6 | 3 |
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| April | 13 | 0.5 | 3 |
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| May | 30 | 1.2 | 4 |
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| June | 80 | 3.1 | 6 |
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| July | 185 | 7.3 | 12 |
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| August | 235 | 9.3 | 13 |
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| September | 130 | 5.1 | 7 |
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| October | 14 | 0.6 | 2 |
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| November | 5 | 0.2 | 1 |
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| December | 9 | 0.4 | 1 |
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| Year | 760 | 29.9 | 58 |
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The sun in New Delhi often shines in the dry season, while in the rainy season, the sunshine hours decrease a bit, though not as much as in other areas of India. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.
New Delhi - Sunshine hours| Month | Average | Total |
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January | 7 | 220 | February | 8 | 225 | March | 8 | 250 | April | 9 | 275 | May | 9 | 285 | June | 7.5 | 220 | July | 6 | 180 | August | 5.5 | 175 | September | 7.5 | 220 | October | 8.5 | 260 | November | 8 | 245 | December | 7 | 220 | Year | 7.6 | 2775 |
Owing to the northern location, the winter here is not as warm as in other parts of India: in January, lows are around 7.5 °C (45.5 °F), but they can sometimes approach freezing (0 °C or 32 °F). At the Indira Gandhi International Airport (Palam), the cold record is -2.2 °C (28 °F), set in January 1967. The minimum temperature can drop below 10 °C (50 °F) until the first half of March.
During the day, however, the temperature is pleasant: the average maximum is 20.5 °C (69 °F). The sun often shines, and the rains, brought by occasional disturbances, are rare.
From November to February, fog can form at night and in the early morning, which can keep the temperature quite low even during the day, especially from mid-December to mid-January. The fog, favored by polluting particles, which act as condensation nuclei, can be very dense and force the airport to be temporarily closed. Fog usually dissolves during the day, however, in these situations, sometimes it can be quite cold even during the day. In January 2013, there was a day with a maximum temperature of 10 °C (50 °F).
Speaking of polluting particles, it is good to remember that New Delhi is a very polluted city, one of the most polluted in the world. Air pollution is highest from October to February, while it is lowest from July to September, ie during the monsoon period.
Already in February, the temperature increases by a few degrees, and by mid-March, it's the summer, since the maximum temperatures normally exceed 30 °C (86 °F).
In April, the heat becomes oppressive, in fact, the daytime temperature is on average about 37 °C (98.5 °F), but in the course of the month, it can easily exceed 40 °C (104 °F). In May and June, temperatures about 40 °C (104 °F) are the norm, but sometimes, they can reach 46/47 °C (115/117 °F). The highest record is 48.4 °C (119.1 °F), set in late May 1998. During this very hot period, rare thunderstorms can occur, accompanied by wind gusts.
In the second half of June, the temperature drops a bit and the first rains due to the monsoon occur. In July, the temperature decreases, dropping to about 36 °C (97 °F), and heavy rains finally arrive: during the month, more than 200 mm (8 in) of rain fall; on the other hand, relative humidity increases, and at night, the temperature remains high, around 27 °C (81 °F). However, the rains in this area of India are intermittent, and there may be very hot and sunny periods also in this season. The rains are still abundant in August, and to a lesser extent in September.
In October, after the monsoon, the sun shines steadily again; the night temperature drops below 20 °C (68 °F), but it's still hot during the day, although the air is drier, and therefore the heat is more bearable. In November, the heat becomes acceptable, with highs around 28 °C (82 °F) and cool night-time temperatures. By December, it is winter, and it is almost as cool as in January.
Typically, New Delhi is not affected by tropical cyclones, which hit central and southern India, however, occasionally the remnants of a cyclone manage to penetrate inland and reach northern India, as did Cyclone Tauktae in May 2021, which also brought heavy rains to the Indian capital. Cyclones typically occur from April to December, with two peaks at the beginning and end of the period (in May and November).
Best Time
The best time to visit New Delhi is from November to February, in order to avoid both the heat of the period from March to June (which partially returns in October) and the rains of the period from July to September.
It must be said that November to February is the time of the year when pollution is highest. Also, in the middle of winter, usually from mid-December to late January, it can get a little cold and fog can be persistent, so the latter period can be avoided.
In the first half of March, temperatures are generally pleasantly warm, or in any case acceptable (generally they do not exceed 34 °C or 93 °F).
In the hottest period of the year, from April to June, you can go out in the coolest hours (around dawn and early in the morning).
During the monsoon, from late June to late September, in addition to heat and humidity, the rains, sometimes intense, must be taken into account, but air pollution is lower than in the rest of the year.
New Delhi - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 14.1 °C (57 °F), with a minimum of 7.6 °C (45.7 °F) and a maximum of 20.5 °C (68.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38 °F). However, it dropped to 0.2 °C (32.4 °F) in January 2006.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 26 °C (79 °F). However, it reached 30 °C (86 °F) in January 1991.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 73%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 5 kph (3 mph).
February is generally a very mild month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 17.7 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 10.8 °C (51.4 °F) and a maximum of 24.6 °C (76.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (43 °F). However, it dropped to 2.9 °C (37.2 °F) in February 2008.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30 °C (85.5 °F). However, it reached 34.1 °C (93.4 °F) in February 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 20 mm (0.8 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).
March is generally a warm to hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 23.1 °C (74 °F), with a minimum of 15.7 °C (60.3 °F) and a maximum of 30.4 °C (86.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11 °C (51.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.8 °C (44.2 °F) in March 2019.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 39.2 °C (102.6 °F) in March 2004.
Precipitation amounts to 15 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 54%.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (4 mph).
April is generally a very hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 29.1 °C (84 °F), with a minimum of 21.3 °C (70.4 °F) and a maximum of 36.9 °C (98.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16.5 °C (61.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12.5 °C (54.5 °F) in April 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 41.5 °C (107 °F). However, it reached 43.5 °C (110.3 °F) in April 2009.
Precipitation amounts to 13 mm (0.5 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 39%.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (4 mph).
May is generally a scorchingly hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 32.8 °C (91 °F), with a minimum of 25.6 °C (78 °F) and a maximum of 40.1 °C (104.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 20.5 °C (69 °F). However, it dropped to 16.7 °C (62.1 °F) in May 2004.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 44.5 °C (112.5 °F). However, it reached 46.5 °C (115.7 °F) in May 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 40%.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (5 mph).
June, the hottest month of the year, is generally a scorchingly hot month. The average temperature is of 33.3 °C (92 °F), with a minimum of 27.6 °C (81.7 °F) and a maximum of 39 °C (102.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). However, it dropped to 19.6 °C (67.3 °F) in June 2006.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 43.5 °C (110.5 °F). However, it reached 46.2 °C (115.2 °F) in June 1994.
Precipitation amounts to 80 mm (3.1 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 55 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 54%.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (5 mph).
July is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 31.6 °C (89 °F), with a minimum of 27.3 °C (81.2 °F) and a maximum of 35.8 °C (96.4 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 24 °C (75 °F). However, it dropped to 20.3 °C (68.5 °F) in July 2007.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 40 °C (104 °F). However, it reached 43.5 °C (110.3 °F) in July 2012.
Precipitation amounts to 185 mm (7.3 in), distributed over 12 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 42% of the time.
The average humidity is 72%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (4 mph).
August is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 30.5 °C (87 °F), with a minimum of 26.6 °C (79.9 °F) and a maximum of 34.5 °C (94 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 23.5 °C (74.5 °F). However, it dropped to 21.6 °C (70.9 °F) in August 2005.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 37.5 °C (99 °F). However, it reached 39.4 °C (102.9 °F) in August 2014.
Precipitation amounts to 235 mm (9.3 in), distributed over 13 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 44% of the time.
The average humidity is 76%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).
September is generally a very hot, muggy month. The average temperature is of 29.6 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 24.9 °C (76.9 °F) and a maximum of 34.3 °C (93.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 22 °C (71.5 °F). However, it dropped to 18.8 °C (65.8 °F) in September 1997.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 37 °C (99 °F). However, it reached 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) in September 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 130 mm (5.1 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 59% of the time.
The average humidity is 71%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 5 kph (3 mph).
October is generally a warm to hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 26.2 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 19.3 °C (66.8 °F) and a maximum of 33.1 °C (91.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (59 °F). However, it dropped to 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) in October 1994.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 36 °C (97 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in October 2002.
Precipitation amounts to 14 mm (0.6 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 74% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 3 kph (2 mph).
November is generally a warm month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 20.6 °C (69 °F), with a minimum of 12.9 °C (55.3 °F) and a maximum of 28.3 °C (82.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8.5 °C (47.5 °F). However, it dropped to 5.7 °C (42.3 °F) in November 1996.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 32 °C (90 °F). However, it reached 36.1 °C (97 °F) in November 2001.
Precipitation amounts to only 5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 77% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 2 kph (2 mph).
December is generally a very mild month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 15.6 °C (60 °F), with a minimum of 8.3 °C (47 °F) and a maximum of 23 °C (73.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4 °C (39 °F). However, it dropped to 2.3 °C (36.1 °F) in December 1996.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). However, it reached 32.5 °C (90.5 °F) in December 2014.
Precipitation amounts to only 9 mm (0.4 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 3 kph (2 mph).
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