Weather overview
Дели experiences three distinct seasons, each shaping the city’s rhythm in its own way. From November to March, the weather in Дели is cool and dry, offering a pleasant escape from the heat. April and May bring rising temperatures, with the city preparing for the monsoon. The rainy season arrives in June and lasts through September, bringing relief from the heat but also humidity and frequent downpours. By October, Дели begins to cool again, marking the start of the most comfortable time of year.
Travelers often find Дели most enjoyable in the cooler months, when outdoor exploration is comfortable. The city’s energy shifts with the seasons—whether it’s the crisp mornings of January or the lush greenery after the monsoon rains. Understanding these patterns helps in planning activities, from sightseeing to local festivals, without being caught off guard by the weather.
Temperature
Temperatures in Дели vary widely throughout the year, with a clear seasonal divide. In January, the coolest month, daytime highs reach around +19.4 °C, while nights can drop to +7.9 °C, making evenings chilly. By March, the heat begins to build, with averages climbing to +23.6 °C, and by May, the city often feels intense, with highs peaking at +38.8 °C.
The monsoon season, from June to September, brings some relief, though temperatures remain high, averaging +30...+33 °C. The humidity during these months can make the heat feel more oppressive. By October, Дели starts to cool, with temperatures gradually dropping to a more comfortable +26.4 °C in October and +20.2 °C in November. The transition into winter is swift, with December bringing crisp air and cooler nights.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.9 | 19.4 |
| February | 11.1 | 25.3 |
| March | 16.3 | 30.7 |
| April | 21.3 | 37 |
| May | 24.9 | 38.8 |
| June | 27.5 | 39.1 |
| July | 27 | 35.7 |
| August | 26.7 | 34.9 |
| September | 25.6 | 34.5 |
| October | 19.7 | 33.1 |
| November | 13.5 | 28 |
| December | 8.3 | 22.2 |
Precipitation
Дели has a pronounced dry season, with most of the year seeing little rainfall. From November to April, precipitation is minimal, with February and April being particularly dry, recording just 11.1 mm and 8.9 mm of rain, respectively. The city’s landscape during these months is often dusty, with clear skies dominating.
The monsoon transforms Дели from June to September, with July being the wettest month, averaging 296.5 mm of rain. Heavy downpours are common, sometimes leading to waterlogging in parts of the city. By October, the rains taper off, and the city returns to its dry state, with November seeing almost no precipitation at all.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 41.4 |
| February | 11.1 |
| March | 36.2 |
| April | 8.9 |
| May | 53.6 |
| June | 82.4 |
| July | 296.5 |
| August | 185.8 |
| September | 151.8 |
| October | 52.2 |
| November | 3.8 |
| December | 42 |
What to pack
When visiting Дели in the cooler months, from November to February, pack layers to adapt to the temperature swings. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, especially in December and January, so a light jacket or shawl is useful. During the day, lighter clothing will suffice as temperatures rise to +18...+25 °C.
For the hot season, from April to June, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are essential to stay comfortable in the +30...+39 °C heat. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves for outdoor activities. If traveling during the monsoon, from June to September, a compact umbrella or raincoat will help navigate sudden downpours, while quick-dry clothing keeps you comfortable in the humidity.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 1.3 |
| February | 1.5 |
| March | 1.6 |
| April | 1.7 |
| May | 2 |
| June | 2.1 |
| July | 1.7 |
| August | 1.8 |
| September | 1.4 |
| October | 0.9 |
| November | 0.7 |
| December | 0.9 |