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Delhi weather
Best time: Oct & Feb–Mar
Delhi has a climate of extremes, and timing a trip here matters more than almost anywhere in India. Winter nights fall to about 8 °C, May afternoons average 40 °C, the monsoon brings most of the year's rain in July and August, and from November to January smog can hang over the city. The comfortable windows are October and February–March. Below is the climate by month; for today's forecast, use the IMD link at the end.
Heatwaves May–Jun; Nov–Jan smog (AQI 450+), winter fog delaysMonth by month
🟩 Best time · 🟢 Good time · 🟧 Better avoid. Bar height is the daytime high.
| Month | °C | Rain | Humidity | Season |
| January | 8–20 | 19 mm · 2 d | 73% | Good time |
| February | 11–24 | 22 mm · 2 d | 64% | Best time |
| March | 16–30 | 19 mm · 2 d | 53% | Best time |
| April | 21–36 | 12 mm · 1 d | 37% | Good time |
| May | 26–40 | 29 mm · 3 d | 37% | Better avoid |
| June | 28–39 | 81 mm · 5 d | 51% | Better avoid |
| July | 28–36 | 196 mm · 10 d | 70% | Good time |
| August | 27–34 | 227 mm · 10 d | 74% | Good time |
| September | 25–34 | 128 mm · 6 d | 68% | Good time |
| October | 20–33 | 14 mm · 1 d | 60% | Best time |
| November | 13–28 | 4 mm · 0 d | 65% | Good time |
| December | 8–23 | 8 mm · 1 d | 72% | Good time |
Long-term averages from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The full Delhi guide in India GO.
Open in India GOWhat each season feels like
October–November, dry and clearing. The monsoon has gone, days are 28–33 °C and nights fall from 20 to 13 °C, with almost no rain. October is one of the two best months of the year. In November the air starts to thicken (see the smog note below).
December–January, cool winter. Days of 20–23 °C and nights around 8 °C: a real winter, which surprises people who packed for India in general. Morning fog is common and can delay flights and trains.
February–March, spring. The best stretch: 24–30 °C by day, 11–16 °C at night, dry and bright.
April–June, the heat. April reaches 36 °C, May averages 40 °C and June 39 °C, with nights of 21 °C in April and 26–28 °C in May and June. Heatwaves push past 45 °C. The air stays dry (humidity under 40% in April–May) until the monsoon arrives.
July–September, the monsoon. On IMD's normal dates the monsoon reaches Delhi around 27 June and withdraws around 25 September. July and August bring about 200 mm each over ten rainy days; the heat eases to 34–36 °C but the humidity climbs to 70–74%, and streets can waterlog after a heavy burst.
Smog season: November to January
From November to January Delhi's air quality is often poor, and on the worst days the AQI (air quality index) goes past 450. On those days the sky turns a flat white-grey and the sun is a pale disc by noon. If you travel in these months, check the day's air-quality reading before planning a long day outdoors, and keep the heavy sightseeing for clearer days.
Best time to visit Delhi
October and February–March are the best months: dry, warm days and cool evenings without the winter smog. November to January works if you can live with fog and a chance of bad air; the reward is cool, walkable days. May and June are the months to avoid, and July to September is hot, humid and wet, but quieter and greener.
Festivals and the weather they fall in
Three Delhi occasions in the database, and what the sky is likely to be doing. All festival dates in Delhi are on the [Delhi festivals page](/en/delhi/festivals/).
Basant at Nizamuddin: late January–February
Vasant Panchami at the Nizamuddin dargah, dressed in yellow mustard flowers (23 January in 2026; expected 11 February in 2027). Winter is ending: days of 20–24 °C, cold nights.
Phool Walon Ki Sair: usually October
About a week in Mehrauli, with flower fans carried to a temple and a Sufi shrine. Usually held in October, one of the best months for weather; the delayed 2025 edition ran on 15–21 March 2026.
Navratri: September–October
Nine nights of worship and dancing (11–19 October in 2026; expected 30 September–8 October in 2027). The monsoon has just left and evenings are warm and dry. [Navratri in Delhi](/en/festivals/navratri/delhi/)
✅ What to pack
Delhi needs two different suitcases depending on the month.
- December–January: real warm layers — A sweater and a jacket for nights around 8 °C.
- April–June: protection from heat — Light, loose, covering clothes, a hat, sunscreen and water for 36–40 °C days.
- July–September: rain gear — An umbrella and shoes that can get wet.
- Any month: margin for delays — Winter fog and monsoon downpours both slow flights, trains and traffic.
Today's weather, rain chances and warnings
The figures on this page are long-term averages, not a forecast. For today's weather, the chance of rain, the coming days and any heat, fog or cold-wave warnings, check the India Meteorological Department's New Delhi centre: mausam.imd.gov.in/newdelhi.
❓ FAQ
When is the best time to visit Delhi?
October and February–March. Days are dry and warm, evenings cool, and the winter smog has either not started or has cleared.
Which is the coldest month in Delhi?
January, with average lows of 8 °C and highs of 20 °C; December is almost as cold. Fog is common on winter mornings.
Why does Delhi feel so cold in winter?
December and January nights average about 8 °C, days reach only 20–23 °C, and fog often keeps the sun out in the morning. It is a real winter, not a mild one.
When is the monsoon in Delhi?
On IMD's normal dates, from about 27 June to 25 September. July and August are the wettest months, about 200 mm each.
What is the weather like in Delhi in the next 30 days?
This page gives monthly averages; for an actual forecast, IMD's New Delhi centre publishes the coming days and extended outlooks at mausam.imd.gov.in/newdelhi.