Climate of Delhi

New Delhi, Safdarjung (1991-2020)
Climate chart (explanation)
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█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
█ Precipitation totals in mm
Source: IMD
Imperial conversion
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█ Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
█ Precipitation totals in inches

Delhi features a monsoon influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) bordering a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh), with high variation between summer and winter temperatures and precipitation. Delhi's version of a humid subtropical climate is markedly different from many other humid subtropical cities such as São Paulo, Houston, and Brisbane in that the city features dust storms (something more commonly seen in a desert climate) and wildfire haze (something seen in a Mediterranean climate) due to its semi-arid climate.[1]

Summer starts in early April and peaks in late May or early June, with average temperatures near 38 °C (100 °F) although occasional heat waves can result in highs close to 45 °C (113 °F) on some days and therefore higher apparent temperature. The monsoon starts in late June and lasts until mid-September, with about 797.3 mm (31.39 inches)[2] of rain. The average temperatures are around 29 °C (84 °F), although they can vary from around 25 °C (77 °F) on rainy days to 35–40 °C (95–104 °F) during dry spells. The monsoons recede in late September, and the post-monsoon season continues till late October, with average temperatures sliding from 29 to 21 °C (84 to 70 °F).

Winter starts in November and peaks in January, with average temperatures around 14 °C (57 °F). Although daytime temperatures are warm, Delhi's proximity to the Himalayas results in cold waves leading to lower apparent temperature due to wind chill. Delhi is notorious for its heavy fog and haze during the winter season. In December, reduced visibility leads to disruption of road, air and rail traffic.[3] Winter ends by the first week of March.

Extreme temperatures have ranged from −2.2 to 49.9 °C (28.0 to 121.8 °F).[4][5]

  1. ^ "Delhi Climate". Weather Spark.
  2. ^ "Climatological Table". Indian Meteorological Department. Archived from the original on 21 May 2009. Retrieved 13 May 2009.
  3. ^ "Fog continues to disrupt flights, trains". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 7 January 2006. Archived from the original on 13 January 2005. Retrieved 16 May 2006.
  4. ^ "Ever Recorded Highest Maximum Temperature, Lowest Minimum Temperature and 24 Hours Heaviest Rainfall up to 2010" (PDF). Indian Met Department, Pune. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 March 2014.
  5. ^ "49.9°C: No respite for 2 days, light rain on Friday-Saturday in Delhi". The Times of India. 29 May 2024. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 3 June 2024.