Last updated: January 18, 2025
Puducherry, India, exhibits a Köppen-Geiger climate classification of Aw, characterized by a tropical savanna climate. The region experiences a comfortable minimum temperature averaging around 20°C (69°F) in February, gradually rising to a sizzling maximum of 37°C (99°F) in May. Throughout the year, the average temperature hovers at about 28°C (83°F), creating a warm and inviting environment that reflects the unique climatic patterns of this coastal paradise.
The temperature patterns in Puducherry, India, reveal a clear seasonal progression throughout the year, characterized by warm to hot conditions. Starting in the cooler months of January and February, minimum temperatures fluctuate between 20°C (69°F) and 21°C (70°F), with daily averages ranging from 26°C (78°F) to 26°C (79°F). As spring approaches in March, temperatures begin to climb, peaking at an average of 28°C (82°F), before continuing to rise into the summer months of April and May, where maximum temperatures can reach as high as 37°C (99°F). The onset of the monsoon in June brings a slight respite with average temperatures stabilizing around 31°C (87°F), though humidity remains notably high. Following the wet season, temperatures gradually decline from August to December, with averages hovering between 26°C (79°F) and 30°C (86°F), consistent with the transition into winter. Overall, Puducherry experiences a warm tropical climate with distinct seasonal temperature fluctuations that shape its year-round weather patterns.
Karaikal experiences a minimum temperature of 22°C (72°F) in February, reaching a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in May, while nearby Puducherry has slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (69°F) in February and a maximum of 37°C (99°F) in May. For more details, check the monthly temperatures in Karaikal here and in Puducherry here.
Puducherry experiences a notable seasonal variation in precipitation, with the majority of rainfall concentrated in the late monsoon months from June to November. Initially, the year begins with relatively low rainfall, where January sees 62 mm (2.5 in) over 7 days, tapering off dramatically in February to just 9 mm (0.4 in) over 2 days. This trend continues through March and April, which receive minimal rain of 15 mm (0.6 in) each month, before the onset of the monsoon season, where precipitation starts to increase significantly in May with 21 mm (0.8 in) of rainfall.
The monsoon officially begins in June, bringing 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, which escalates dramatically over the following months. July and August receive 74 mm (2.9 in) and 94 mm (3.7 in), respectively, leading into September, which sees its peak rainfall with 116 mm (4.6 in). October is particularly wet, accumulating 193 mm (7.6 in) over 21 days, while November witnesses the highest precipitation levels at 385 mm (15.2 in) across 23 days. December concludes the year with 205 mm (8.1 in), ensuring a moist transition into the next year, solidifying Puducherry's reputation as a region with a pronounced monsoonal precipitation pattern.
In Puducherry, India, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal trend, with notable increases as the year progresses from winter into the warmer summer months. Starting off with 264 hours of sunshine in January, the region experiences a steady rise, reaching 309 hours in February and peaking in March at 346 hours. The bright conditions continue into the hotter months, with April, May, and June contributing substantial sunlight, with hours remaining high at 342 hours, 351 hours, and 325 hours, respectively. This consistent exposure to sunlight not only enhances the tropical charm of Puducherry but also lays a perfect foundation for outdoor activities and tourism.
As the year transitions into the monsoon season, sunshine duration begins to gradually decline. During July and August, sunshine hours decrease slightly, measuring 321 hours and 307 hours. The trend continues with September and October, where sunlit hours drop further to 301 hours and 309 hours. November marks a notable decrease with just 259 hours of sunshine, indicative of the lingering monsoon clouds. However, in December, the region welcomes back the sunshine with 294 hours, creating a pleasant climate for residents and visitors alike. Overall, these patterns underscore Puducherry's dynamic climate, characterized by bright, sun-soaked summers and a more subdued, yet still delightful, winter season.
Puducherry, India, experiences a notably high UV Index throughout the year, with extreme levels observed during the peak months of March to October. January starts with a UV Index of 10, categorized as very high, suggesting a burn time of only 15 minutes for unprotected skin. This trend escalates sharply in February, where the Index rises to 12, entering the extreme category with a reduced burn time of 10 minutes. The UV levels peak in April, reaching a significant 15—the highest reading for the year—underscoring the intense sun exposure characteristic of the late summer months.
Following April, the UV Index remains persistently high, fluctuating around values of 12 to 13 from May through September, indicating extreme sun exposure risks. October sees a slight decrease to 11, but the potential for harm remains high during this period. As the year draws to a close, November and December record UV Index values of 10 and 9, respectively, both falling in the very high category with burn times of 15 minutes for unprotected skin. This data highlights the importance of sun protection in Puducherry, particularly from February to October, to mitigate the risks associated with high UV radiation.
UV Risk Categories
In Puducherry, India, daylight duration exhibits a fairly consistent pattern throughout the year, predominantly hovering around 11 to 12 hours per day. The year begins with January and February, each offering 11 hours of daylight, making for shorter days at the start of the year. As March approaches, there is a slight increase in daylight hours, reaching 12 hours and remaining steady through the following months of April, May, and June. This stable daylight period enhances the coastal charm of Puducherry, providing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.
As the monsoon season ensues, from July through September, daylight duration continues to maintain a consistent 12 hours daily, reinforcing the tropical environment conducive for tourism. However, upon entering October, daylight hours taper back to 11 hours, a trend that extends into November and December. Despite the minor fluctuations, the overall consistency in daylight hours across seasons ensures residents and visitors alike enjoy a bright and sunlit atmosphere year-round in Puducherry, enriching its vibrant culture and lifestyle.
Karaikal, India, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. From January to May, temperatures gradually rise, peaking in May with an average of 31°C (87°F) and maxing at 36°C (97°F). Monsoon season brings significant rainfall, especially in October and November, with 191 mm (7.5 in) and 401 mm (15.8 in), respectively. Despite the precipitation, the region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from March to May, with over 340 hours of sunlight each month. For more detailed information, visit Karaikal climate.
Puducherry experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons. January to March offers mild temperatures averaging between 25°C to 28°C (78°F to 82°F), while the hotter months from April to June can reach highs of 35°C to 37°C (94°F to 99°F). Monsoon season, particularly from June to November, brings significant rainfall, peaking in November with up to 370 mm (14.6 in). Despite the rain, sunshine is abundant throughout the year, especially in the pre-monsoon months. For more details, visit Puducherry climate.
In conclusion, Puducherry, India, presents a dynamic climate characterized by high temperatures, notable precipitation during the monsoon season, and an abundance of sunshine throughout the year. With its tropical savanna climate, residents and visitors experience warm conditions coupled with extreme UV exposure, particularly from February to October, highlighting the importance of sun protection. The consistent daylight duration of 11 to 12 hours facilitates outdoor activities and enhances the region's appeal, making Puducherry a vibrant destination for both leisure and cultural experiences. Overall, these climatic features not only shape the lifestyle of its inhabitants but also underline the charm of this coastal paradise.