Last updated: January 18, 2025
Chandigarh, India, is characterized by a Cwa Köppen-Geiger climate, marked by a humid subtropical profile that imbues the region with a distinct seasonal rhythm. Winters are mild, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of 4°C (39°F) in December, while summers can be sweltering, peaking at a maximum of 45°C (114°F) during June. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around a comfortable 24°C (75°F), making Chandigarh's climate a blend of extremes that profoundly influences local lifestyles and agricultural practices.
Chandigarh experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns that mark its transition from mild winters to scorching summers. In January, temperatures begin relatively cool with a minimum of 4°C (40°F), gradually warming through February and March, where averages reach 16°C (61°F) and 22°C (71°F), respectively. As April approaches, the heat intensifies, with daily averages soaring to 28°C (83°F) and maximums hitting 43°C (109°F). The peak of summer is recorded in June, where temperatures can soar to 45°C (114°F), followed by slightly cooler months in July and August, maintaining an average of 30°C (86°F). As September arrives, a gradual decline begins, with averages dipping to 28°C (83°F), eventually leading to the cooler days of October and November, where temperatures range from 19°C (66°F) to 25°C (77°F). By December, Chandigarh returns to a cooler climate, closing the year with minimums around 4°C (39°F), highlighting a diverse temperature spectrum that shapes the local environment and lifestyle throughout the year.
Chandigarh experiences a significant temperature range throughout the year, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) in December and reaching a scorching maximum of 45°C (114°F) in June. For more detailed monthly temperatures, you can refer to monthly temperatures in Chandigarh.
Chandigarh's precipitation patterns exhibit a clear seasonal distribution, predominantly influenced by the monsoon season. The year starts with relatively low rainfall, where January records 44 mm (1.7 in) across 5 days, gradually diminishing through February and March with 34 mm (1.3 in) and 31 mm (1.2 in), respectively. April marks the transition to a drier spell with only 23 mm (0.9 in), before pre-monsoon showers in May bring the total back up to 33 mm (1.3 in). June heralds the onset of the monsoon, with precipitation increasing to 53 mm (2.1 in), setting the stage for the wettest months.
The peak of the monsoon arrives in July and August, during which Chandigarh experiences heavy rainfall, with 191 mm (7.5 in) in July and 217 mm (8.6 in) in August. This period is characterized by significantly more rainfall days, with 19 days in July and 23 days in August. As the monsoon recedes in September, precipitation drops to 128 mm (5.1 in) over 12 days, followed by a considerable decline in October and November, where rainfall is limited to 18 mm (0.7 in) and 11 mm (0.4 in), respectively. The year closes with minimal precipitation in December, recording 14 mm (0.6 in) over a mere 2 days, showcasing a pronounced contrast between the wet monsoon months and the drier winter period.
Chandigarh experiences a pronounced seasonal variation in sunshine duration, reflecting the region's climatic shifts throughout the year. Starting from January, the city basks in 223 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing to 280 hours in February as winter recedes. The trend continues upward with March and April, where sunshine hours peak at 335 hours and 346 hours, respectively. May marks the transition into summer with an impressive 375 hours of sunlight, showcasing the region's capacity for extended daylight during the warmer months. Interestingly, even in June, despite the onset of the monsoon, Chandigarh maintains 371 hours of sunshine, demonstrating that cloud cover does not completely obscure the sun.
As summer wanes, the sunshine duration begins a gradual decline. July sees a slight reduction to 350 hours, followed by 322 hours in August, as monsoon rains impact daylight availability. This trend continues into September and October, where sunshine hours hover around 315 and 322 hours respectively, highlighting a consistent yet diminishing light as the seasons transition toward winter. By November, sunlight further recedes to 287 hours, and December closes the year with 282 hours. The overall pattern illustrates a clear contrast between the sun-drenched summer months and the relatively shorter daylight hours of winter, emphasizing Chandigarh's diverse and dynamic climate throughout the year.
Chandigarh exhibits a significant variation in UV Index throughout the year, illustrating the changing intensity of sunlight and potential health risks associated with solar exposure. The year begins with a moderate UV Index of 5 in January, allowing for approximately 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. As the months progress into February, the UV Index rises to 6, categorized as high, reducing safe exposure time to 25 minutes. A pronounced increase occurs in March and April when the UV Index reaches 9 and 10, respectively, indicating very high levels of UV radiation and necessitating protective measures with burn times reduced to 15 minutes. The peak intensity occurs in May, as the index hits 11, classified as extreme, drastically lowering the burn time to just 10 minutes.
As summer continues, June maintains a very high UV Index of 10, while July and August record some of the highest levels at 12, also categorized as extreme, which further compresses safe sun exposure to 10 minutes. The arrival of September marks a slight decline as the UV Index returns to 9, continuing the pattern of very high exposure. October sees a shift to a high UV Index of 7 with a longer burn time of 25 minutes, as the sun's intensity decreases with the encroaching winter. By November and December, the UV Index settles back to 5 and 4, respectively, where UV exposure is moderate and allows for safer sunbathing times of 30 minutes. This seasonal analysis underscores the need for heightened awareness and sun protection, particularly during the peak summer months.
UV Risk Categories
Chandigarh's daylight duration reflects a clear seasonal pattern, marked by gradual increases and decreases that correspond with the changing seasons. In January, the city enjoys 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases to 11 hours in both February and March as winter gives way to spring. April sees a further extension to 12 hours, paving the way for the longer days of late spring and early summer, peaking in June with 14 hours of bright sunlight. This increase enhances outdoor activities and contributes significantly to the region's vibrant summer atmosphere.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight duration begins to wane. July and August maintain a consistent 13 hours of daylight, but as September arrives, it drops slightly back to 12 hours. The decline continues into October, where daylight is further reduced to 11 hours, before returning to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern illustrates the natural rhythm of daylight in Chandigarh, highlighting the juxtaposition between the lengthy, sunlit summer days and the shorter, cozier winter periods that define the city’s climate throughout the year.
Chandigarh experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January boasts the coolest temperatures, ranging from 4°C to 24°C, while May and June see maximums reaching up to 44°C and 45°C, respectively. The city experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon months of July and August, with precipitation peaking at 217 mm in August. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months, with May receiving the highest at 375 hours. For more detailed information, visit Chandigarh climate.
In conclusion, Chandigarh's climate and light patterns present a compelling narrative of seasonal change, characterized by distinct temperature fluctuations, varied precipitation levels, and dynamic sunshine and daylight duration. As temperatures soar in the summer months, residents experience the extremes of heat alongside the intensity of solar exposure, necessitating sun protection and adaptation. The transition from the cooler winter months to the vibrant summer underscores the region's unique environmental conditions. Overall, these climatic insights not only enhance our understanding of Chandigarh's weather but also underscore the importance of awareness and preparedness for the diverse challenges and opportunities presented by its shifting seasonal landscape.