Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Punjab, India, is characterized by a diverse set of conditions, classified mainly under the Köppen-Geiger climate classes Cwa (humid subtropical) and BSh (semi-arid). The region experiences a wide temperature range, with minimum temperatures plummeting to -9°C (16°F) in January, creating a stark contrast to the scorching summer months when maximum temperatures can soar to an astonishing 48°C (118°F) in June. On average, the temperature hovers around 24°C (75°F), illustrating how Punjab's climatic variability significantly influences its agricultural practices and local ecosystems.
Punjab, India, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year, beginning with the cold winter months of January and February, where minimum temperatures can drop to as low as -9°C (16°F) and -5°C (23°F), respectively. As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures rise significantly, reaching averages of 21°C (70°F) in March and 28°C (82°F) in April, with maximum temperatures nearing 46°C (114°F). The peak summer months of May and June are characterized by intense heat, with maximum temperatures escalating to 47°C (116°F) and 48°C (118°F), while average temperatures hover around the low 30s°C (mid-80s°F). The onset of the monsoon in July and August brings slightly cooler temperatures, ranging from 31°C (88°F) to 30°C (86°F) on average. As the year winds down, autumn months like September and October witness a gradual decrease in temperatures, with averages falling to 29°C (85°F) and 25°C (78°F), before the cold returns in November and December, where low temperatures again dip to around 0°C (32°F) and -6°C (21°F), thereby completing a distinctly varied annual climate cycle.
In January, Amritsar and Ludhiana experience minimum temperatures of 2°C (36°F), while Patiala is slightly cooler at 3°C (38°F). As summer peaks in June, Amritsar sees the highest maximum at 47°C (117°F), followed closely by Ludhiana at 46°C (115°F) and Patiala at 45°C (113°F). For detailed monthly temperatures, you can refer to monthly temperatures in Amritsar, monthly temperatures in Patiala, and monthly temperatures in Ludhiana.
Precipitation in Punjab, India, showcases a clear seasonal pattern, largely influenced by the monsoons. The year begins with relatively mild rainfall in January at 60 mm (2.4 in), tapering to 51 mm (2.0 in) in February and maintaining similar figures in March. As spring transitions to summer, rainfall decreases, with April and May recording 35 mm (1.4 in) and 32 mm (1.3 in), respectively. However, June marks the onset of the monsoon season, resulting in a substantial uptick in precipitation to 64 mm (2.5 in) before the heaviest rains arrive in July, which sees an impressive 210 mm (8.3 in), and follows closely in August with 164 mm (6.4 in).
The distribution of rainy days throughout the year mirrors the precipitation levels, with the majority of rainfall concentrated during the monsoon months of July and August, where 20 and 19 days of rain occur, respectively. In contrast, the winter months exhibit fewer rainy days, with just 4 days in January and February. As the monsoon recedes in September, a significant decline in rainfall occurs, with precipitation dropping to 109 mm (4.3 in) and only 10 rainy days. By October, November, and December, rainfall diminishes to 18 mm (0.7 in), 25 mm (1.0 in), and 22 mm (0.9 in), resulting in just a couple of rainy days each month, further emphasizing Punjab's highly seasonal precipitation distribution.
In Punjab, India, the duration of sunshine experiences a pronounced seasonal trend, with a gradual increase from winter through summer. January starts the year with approximately 217 hours of sunlight, followed by an uplifting rise in February to 272 hours. March brings a further increase as the days grow longer, amassing 328 hours of sunshine, while April and May witness peak sunshine durations, reaching 340 hours and 370 hours, respectively. This increase not only reflects longer daylight hours but also signifies the warming temperatures leading into the scorching summer months, which continue to remain sunny with 364 hours in June.
As the monsoon season approaches in July and August, sunshine hours begin to slightly dip, registering 351 hours and 333 hours, respectively. Despite the reduction during these months, the sunshine remains substantial compared to the winter months. By September and October, a gradual decline continues with 320 hours and 318 hours, as the region transitions back to cooler temperatures. The last two months of the year, November and December, see a further decrease in sunlight, with 277 hours and 274 hours respectively, reflecting a return to shorter days and cooler conditions. Overall, Punjab’s sunshine patterns exhibit a clear progression from abundant sunlight in the warm months to diminished illumination during the winter, highlighting the region's dynamic climatic transitions.
In Punjab, India, the UV Index varies significantly throughout the year, reflecting the shift in sunlight intensity and potential health risks associated with UV exposure. January begins with a moderate UV Index of 5, allowing for a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. As February approaches, the index ticks upward to 6, categorized as high, which reduces the burn time to 25 minutes. The intense sun exposure becomes evident in March and April, where the UV Index reaches 10, falling under the very high category, allowing only 15 minutes before the risk of skin damage escalates. This trend continues into May, where the index spikes to an extreme level of 12, further reducing burn time to just 10 minutes.
The summer months maintain this extreme UV Index, particularly in July and August, which also reach a high of 12, again allowing a mere 10 minutes of unprotected exposure. As the monsoon season concludes in September, the index drops slightly to 10, while October shows a still concerning 8, indicating very high exposure, with a burn time of 15 minutes. As the year closes, November sees a return to moderate levels at 5, allowing for 30 minutes of exposure, and December's UV Index reduces further to 4, again categorized as moderate. These seasonal shifts underline the importance of sun protection in Punjab, particularly during the late spring and summer months when UV radiation poses the highest health risks.
UV Risk Categories
In Punjab, India, daylight duration undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal shifts in sunlight. The year commences in January with about 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases in February and March to a stable 11 hours. As spring arrives, daylight continues to extend, reaching 12 hours in April and peaking at 13 hours in May, highlighting the longer days and warming temperatures of late spring. June sees the maximum daylight at 14 hours, providing ample time for agricultural activities and outdoor pursuits.
As summer transitions to autumn, daylight hours begin to decline, starting with 13 hours in July and August, before dropping to 12 hours in September. October witnesses a further reduction to 11 hours, hinting at the impending winter months. By November, daylight returns to 10 hours, and this trend persists into December, reinforcing the annual cycle of decreasing sunlight as the year comes to a close. Overall, Punjab's daylight patterns underscore not only the region's climatic shifts but also the rhythms of life that adapt in response to the changing availability of natural light.
Amritsar experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from 2°C to 22°C, while the peak summer months of May and June can see highs of up to 45°C and 47°C, respectively. Precipitation is highest during the monsoon season in July, with 227 mm of rain, while drier months like October receive only 29 mm. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly from March to May, where it can reach over 300 hours per month. For more detailed information on weather patterns, visit Amritsar climate.
Anandpur, India, experiences significant temperature variations throughout the year, with summer months (April to June) reaching highs of up to 43°C (109°F) and cooler winter months (December and January) averaging around 12°C (54°F). The monsoon season from June to September sees heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August, with precipitation peaking at 255 mm (10.0 in). Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in May, which enjoys up to 377 hours of sunlight. The climate is characterized by dry winters and hot, humid summers, making it a diverse region for weather patterns. For more details, visit Anandpur climate.
Bathinda, India, experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters (December to February) are mild, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 16°C (62°F), while summers (April to June) can be extremely hot, peaking around 47°C (117°F). Rainfall is most prominent during the monsoon months of July and August, accumulating more than 127 mm (5.0 in) and 91 mm (3.6 in), respectively. Notably, Bathinda enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in May with 366 hours. For more details, visit Bathinda climate.
The climate in Dera Nanak, India, features hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May. The monsoon season is characterized by heavy rainfall, particularly in July, which averages 298 mm (11.7 in), while the cooler months see significantly less precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, peaking at 372 hours in May, ensuring plenty of bright days throughout the year. For more details, visit Dera Nanak climate.
Faridkot, India experiences a diverse climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters (December to February) are mild, with minimum temperatures around 1°C (35°F) in January, while summer months (April to June) can be extremely hot, reaching maximums of up to 46°C (115°F). Rainfall occurs primarily during the monsoon season from July to September, with July receiving the highest precipitation at 149 mm (5.9 in). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in May with 366 hours, making it one of the sunniest months. For more detailed information, visit Faridkot climate.
Jalandhar, India experiences a diverse climate, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 2°C (37°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (114°F) in June. The city faces significant rainfall during the monsoon months of July and August, accumulating 244 mm (9.6 in) and 182 mm (7.2 in), respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from March to May, with over 370 hours of sunlight in May alone. Winters are relatively mild, making it a dynamic region with fluctuating weather patterns throughout the year. For more details, visit Jalandhar climate.
Kapurthala, India experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures soar from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January to a sweltering maximum of 46°C (115°F) in June, with average temperatures peaking at 31°C (88°F) in May. The monsoon season brings significant rainfall, particularly in July when approximately 220 mm (8.6 in) is recorded. Notably, sunshine hours are abundant, reaching up to 373 hours in May. For detailed climate statistics, visit Kapurthala climate.
Kartarpur, India, experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and cooler winters. Temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (115°F) in June, with significant warmth persisting through September. The region receives the majority of its annual rainfall during the monsoon months of July (220 mm) and August (172 mm), while October sees a substantial drop in precipitation to just 16 mm. Sunshine is abundant, particularly from April to June, where monthly averages exceed 330 hours. For more detailed information, visit Kartarpur climate.
Ludhiana, India experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 2°C (36°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (115°F) in June. The summer months, particularly from May to August, are characterized by high temperatures and substantial rainfall, peaking at 244 mm (9.6 in) in July. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May with 370 hours, while the winter months see cooler temperatures and moderate precipitation. For more detailed information, visit Ludhiana climate.
The climate in Mohali, India, is characterized by a hot semi-arid pattern, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in January to a maximum of 45°C (114°F) in June. Summer months (May to July) experience the highest temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly in July and August, when over 200 mm of precipitation is typical. The winter months are cooler, with pleasant conditions and ample sunshine, particularly in March through May. Overall, Mohali enjoys a good amount of sunshine year-round, peaking at 375 hours in May. For more details, visit Mohali climate.
Muktsar, India experiences a varied climate, with temperatures ranging from a chilly 1°C (35°F) in January to a scorching 46°C (115°F) in May and June. The monsoon season brings significant rainfall, particularly in July (100 mm) and August (80 mm), while the winter months are relatively dry with less than 30 mm of precipitation. Sunshine is plentiful, peaking at 365 hours in May, providing ample light throughout much of the year. For more detailed information, visit Muktsar climate.
Pathankot experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (December to February) are cool, with temperatures ranging from 2°C (36°F) to 31°C (88°F) and moderate precipitation. Summers (April to June) can be intensely hot, peaking at 43°C (110°F) and witnessing significant rainfall, particularly during the monsoon months of July and August, which receive over 300 mm of rain. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially from March to May, maximizing at 380 hours in May. For more information, visit Pathankot climate.
Patiala, India experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasonal variations. Winters (December to February) are mild, with January recording minimum temperatures around 3°C (38°F) and moderate precipitation. Summer months (April to June) are significantly hotter, often exceeding 44°C (111°F), accompanied by the majority of the annual rainfall occurring in July and August, with 233 mm (9.2 in) and 216 mm (8.5 in) respectively. The city enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in May with 370 hours, contributing to its hot, dry conditions. For more detailed climate information, visit Patiala climate.
Ropar, India, experiences a diverse climate with distinct seasonal variations. The temperature ranges from a chilly minimum of 3°C (38°F) in December to soaring highs of 46°C (115°F) in June. Rainfall peaks during the monsoon months of July and August, with over 200 mm recorded, while the winter months are relatively dry. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in May, which enjoys the most hours at 377. For more details, visit Ropar climate.
Sirhind, India experiences a hot semi-arid climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January and December have cooler temperatures ranging from 4°C to 25°C (39°F to 77°F), while the summer months of May to July witness highs exceeding 40°C (104°F). Rainfall peaks during the monsoon season in July and August, averaging around 236 mm (9.3 in) and 228 mm (9.0 in) respectively. Despite the heat, the region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly from April to June, with over 340 hours per month. For more detailed information, visit the Sirhind climate page.
In summary, the climate of Punjab, India, exemplifies a dynamic interplay of temperature, precipitation, UV exposure, and daylight duration throughout the year. With significant seasonal variations, the region experiences extreme heat during summer months coupled with pronounced monsoon rainfall, while winter brings cooler temperatures and limited precipitation. The UV Index highlights the necessity for sun protection, particularly during the peak summer months when exposure risks are greatest. Additionally, the changes in daylight duration from 10 hours in winter to a peak of 14 hours in summer reflect the cyclical nature of sunlight availability, influencing agricultural practices and daily life. Understanding these climatic factors is essential for residents and policymakers alike, as they shape the environmental, economic, and social landscapes of this vibrant region.