Last updated: January 18, 2025
Delhi, India, is characterized by a diverse climate that falls under the Koppen-Geiger classifications of Cwa (humid subtropical) and BSh (semi-arid). The city experiences a significant temperature range, with January marking a chilly minimum of 2°C (36°F), giving way to an average yearly temperature of 25°C (77°F). The peak summer month of June can become exceptionally hot, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 46°C (115°F). This remarkable temperature variation contributes to Delhi's unique climate dynamics, influencing both its environmental conditions and the day-to-day lives of its residents.
Delhi, India, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. The winter months of January and February bring cooler conditions, with minimum temperatures starting at 2°C (36°F) in January and gradually rising to 5°C (42°F) by February. As spring approaches in March, temperatures increase significantly, reaching a maximum of 40°C (105°F), while the nights remain mild. The onset of summer in April and May is marked by sweltering heat, with May peaking at an intense 46°C (114°F). June maintains high temperatures before the monsoon season begins, followed by a slight respite in July and August, where temperatures drop somewhat yet remain warm, averaging around 30°C (87°F). As autumn arrives in September and October, temperatures begin to moderate, with October experiencing a maximum of 37°C (100°F) before plunging back into the cooler months of November and December, where the cycle restarts with minimum temperatures dipping to 3°C (38°F) by year-end. This cyclical temperature rhythm highlights Delhi's transition between scorching summers and cooler winters, underpinning the city's complex climate system.
Defence Colony experiences a minimum temperature of 2°C (37°F) in January, with summer highs reaching up to 46°C (115°F) in June, making it quite hot during the peak of summer monthly temperatures in Defence Colony. Similarly, New Delhi and Delhi record minimums of 2°C (36°F) in January and maximums of 45°C (113°F) in May, highlighting a comparable seasonal climate pattern monthly temperatures in New Delhi monthly temperatures in Delhi.
Delhi experiences a varied precipitation pattern throughout the year, closely tied to its seasonal changes. The winter months of January and February see relatively low rainfall, with January recording 41 mm (1.6 in) over 3 days and February dropping to 27 mm (1.1 in) over only 2 days. Precipitation begins to rise in March with 34 mm (1.3 in), and April remains dry with only 15 mm (0.6 in), suggesting the approach of the pre-monsoon heat. In May, rainfall increases again to 34 mm (1.3 in), indicating the transition towards the monsoon season, which fully arrives in June.
The monsoon months of July and August are characterized by significant rainfall, with July receiving 193 mm (7.6 in) over 19 days and August following closely with 169 mm (6.7 in) over the same number of days. September sees a gradual decline in precipitation, measuring 133 mm (5.3 in) over 13 days, as the monsoon starts to retreat. The autumn months of October and November experience minimal rainfall, with October recording only 17 mm (0.7 in) and November tapering off to 11 mm (0.4 in), while December concludes the year with a paltry 9 mm (0.4 in). This seasonal fluctuation in precipitation plays a crucial role in shaping Delhi's climate and influencing its agricultural cycle.
Delhi's sunshine duration reveals a clear seasonal trend, with sunlight hours steadily increasing from winter to summer. In January, the city enjoys 229 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises to 278 hours in February. As spring unfolds, March sees a significant boost to 333 hours, followed by April's peak of 344 hours. The month of May marks the height of sunshine, with an impressive 363 hours, demonstrating the city's transition into the hot summer. Interestingly, even as the summer reaches its zenith, June retains a substantial 355 hours of sunshine before the monsoon clouds begin to roll in.
Once the monsoon arrives in July, the sunshine hours decline, with 329 hours recorded, and the trend continues into August (with 314 hours) and September (at 304 hours). Although these months still experience considerable daylight, they indicate the impact of the monsoon season on overall sunlight exposure. As autumn approaches, sunshine hours recover slightly, peaking again in October with 317 hours. However, November and December see reduced sunlight, falling to 284 hours and 278 hours, respectively. This cyclical pattern of sunshine duration not only highlights Delhi's climatic shifts but also offers valuable insights for agricultural planning and daily life in the city.
The UV Index in Delhi reflects significant seasonal variations, offering insight into the sun's intensity and the potential risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Starting in January, the UV Index registers a moderate level of 5, allowing for a relatively safe burn time of 30 minutes. As winter transitions into spring, February sees a noticeable increase to 7, categorized as high, with a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. March ushers in a more intense sun, pushing the UV Index to 9 and signaling very high exposure levels, while April and May maintain this intensity with a peak index of 10, necessitating only 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure before risk increases.
As Delhi enters the summer months, the UV Index reaches its most concerning levels, particularly in July and August, where it peaks at 12, categorized as extreme, allowing just 10 minutes before sunburn risk sharply rises. In September, the index remains significant at 10, before declining again in October to 8, indicating very high exposure with a burn time of 15 minutes. By November and December, the UV Index returns to a moderate level of 5, resembling early winter conditions. This annual cycle underscores the importance of sun protection, especially during the peak summer months when UV radiation can pose serious health risks.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Delhi exhibits a distinct seasonal pattern, reflecting the city’s geographic and climatic shifts throughout the year. At the start of the year, January offers 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases in February and March to 11 hours. As spring approaches, daylight extends slightly further, reaching 12 hours in April and peaking at 13 hours in both May and June. The consistent exposure to sunlight during these months allows for ample time outdoors, paralleling the vibrant life in the city as temperatures rise.
From July through August, daylight remains steady at 13 hours, coinciding with the monsoon season when cloud cover can influence direct sunlight exposure. As autumn arrives, a gradual decline begins, with September witnessing 12 hours of daylight before dropping back to 11 hours in October. November and December return to 10 hours of daylight, closing the cycle with shorter days during the winter months. This fluctuation in daylight hours not only influences daily activities but also plays a crucial role in agricultural practices and residents' lifestyles throughout the year.
Defence Colony, India experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with significant temperature fluctuations. In the summer months of May and June, temperatures can soar to a maximum of 45°C (114°F) and 46°C (115°F) respectively, while winter months like January can see lows of 2°C (37°F). The monsoon season, particularly from July to September, brings heavy rainfall, with July averaging 190 mm (7.5 in). On average, sunshine is abundant, peaking in May with 362 hours. For more detailed information about the climate, visit Defence Colony climate.
Delhi experiences a distinct climate characterized by extreme temperatures and seasonal variations. Winter months (December to February) are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 13°C (56°F) in January to 17°C (62°F) in February, while summer (April to June) sees sweltering heat, peaking at 45°C (113°F) in May. The region witnesses most of its rainfall during the monsoon season from July to September, particularly July, which records up to 209 mm (8.2 inches). Sunny days are abundant, with May enjoying the most hours of sunshine at 364. For more details, visit Delhi climate.
New Delhi experiences a diverse climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures range from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) in January to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May and June, with average temperatures around 32°C (90°F) during peak summer. The monsoon season from July to September brings significant rainfall, peaking at 209 mm (8.2 in) in July. Meanwhile, sunny weather is prevalent, especially in May, which boasts the most sunshine hours at 364. For more detailed information, visit New Delhi climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Delhi, characterized by its distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, presents both challenges and opportunities for its residents. The city experiences scorching summers with peak temperatures and intense sunlight, particularly from April to June, while the monsoon months provide crucial rainfall that shapes agricultural cycles. As daylight hours fluctuate throughout the year, understanding these patterns is essential for effective planning and adaptation in daily life. Furthermore, with rising UV Index levels during the warmer months, awareness of sun protection becomes increasingly important. Overall, the interplay of these climatic factors underscores the complexities of Delhi's environment and the need for informed practices to enhance the well-being of its inhabitants.