The climate of Rishikesh
Rishikesh,
India, located on the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, boasts a predominately humid subtropical, dry winter climate, also identified in the Köppen climate classification as Cwa. This classification signifies that Rishikesh experiences considerable seasonal variations in temperature and rainfall.
Throughout the year, average temperature highs in Rishikesh exhibit a gradual increment from 19°C (66.2°F) in
January, reaching a plateau at 36°C (96.8°F) during the peak of the summer season, specifically from
May to
June. The average lows, on the other hand, tell a comparable story, with January experiencing a minimum temperature of 6°C (42.8°F) and the highest lows of about 24°C (75.2°F) occurring in June and
July. These temperature patterns indicate a warm to hot climate that cools down during the winter months.
Rainfall presents a significantly pronounced swing throughout the year. The months of May to
September commonly receive considerably more rainfall, with the levels skyrocketing in July and
August. These months contrasted to rest parts of the year drastically, where the rainfall values are only a fraction of the amounts mentioned. This sharp contrast in rainfall distribution underscores a region with humid and rainy summers and comparatively dry winters.
Daylight and sunshine hours are relatively consistent throughout the year, ranging from 10.2 hours of daylight in
December to 14.1 hours in June. Sunshine hours remain relatively constant, with range from 6 to 9 hours.
The best time to visit Rishikesh
Given its climate characteristics, the ideal time to visit
Rishikesh falls within the months of
October and
April. These months provide temperate weather with the high temperatures oscillating between 27°C (80.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and the lows between 12°C (53.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall is scarce during these months, particularly in
November, when the rainfall is a mere 10mm (0.39"). The days are also moderately long with a high intake of sunshine, making these months an opportune time for outdoor activities, exploring the city, and partaking in the local festivities.
The worst time to visit Rishikesh
Tourists are discouraged from visiting
Rishikesh during the monsoon season, particularly in the months of
July and
August, when rainfall is its heaviest. These months experience rainfall precipitation averaging 444mm (17.48") and 399mm (15.71") respectively. High temperatures can reach up to 32°C (89.6°F) during these months, potentially leading to rather uncomfortable and humid conditions.
Spring weather in Rishikesh
Spring in
Rishikesh falls within the months of
March to
April, showcasing a transition from the cooler winter months to the warmer summer season. Average high temperatures from March to April advance from 27°C (80.6°F) to 33°C (91.4°F) while the lows move from 12°C (53.6°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall maintains low quantities,with March experiencing 45mm (1.77") of rainfall and April receiving 22mm (0.87"). With mild temperatures and clear skies, the spring months provide a window of comfort for visitors.
Summer weather in Rishikesh
From
May to
June,
Rishikesh experiences its summer season. There is a notable heat wave during this period with temperature highs hitting 36°C (96.8°F). The average low temperature during these months stands at a comfortable 24°C (75.2°F). The region starts witnessing an increase in rainfall from June onward, as monsoon season sets in, making these months humid and warm.
Autumn weather in Rishikesh
Autumn months of
October and
November in
Rishikesh present temperate weather conditions. The temperature highs hover around 30°C (86°F) to 25°C (77°F) while the lows fall between 17°C (62.6°F) and 10°C (50°F). Rainfall drastically drops, with November being the driest month recording only 10mm (0.39") of rain. The weather underlines a gradual transition from the wet monsoon months to the drier, cooler winter season.
Winter weather in Rishikesh
Winters, spanning from
December to
February, bring a refreshing cool touch to
Rishikesh. The temperature highs during these winter months vary from 21°C (69.8°F) to 19°C (66.2°F), while the lows fluctuate from 7°C (44.6°F) to 6°C (42.8°F). Rainfall is at its minimum, with December recording a precipitation of only 30mm (1.18"). Daylight hours are the shortest during this period, yet still providing reasonable time for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
Tracking the weather in
Rishikesh,
India,
January commences the year with relatively colder average temperatures reaching a high of 19°C (66.2°F) and a low of 6°C (42.8°F). Embracing the new year, this month ushers in mild winters often perceived as agreeable by tourists.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Approaching the end of winters,
February sees a steady rise in the temperature from that of
January. The month ushers in an ideal climate for individuals who want to experience mild winters without heavy precipitation. In keeping with seasonal norms, the rainfall reduces to 49mm (1.93") across two days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March shifts the gears from chilly to agreeably warm weather in
Rishikesh,
India, alongside a noticeable increase in daylight hours. Marking the onset of spring, the weather in this month is a pleasant transition separating cold winter from the soon approaching hot summer.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
As spring bids adieu,
Rishikesh experiences a significant rise in temperature in
April with highs soaring to 33°C (91.4°F) and lows resting at 18°C (64.4°F). The increase in warmth signifies the doorways to summer creating whirls of hot air across the town.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Rishikesh reclines in the thick of summer during
May, resulting in a further increase in temperature. The city swells with heat and, sensibly, it's less favored by visitors. Despite an increase in rainfall to 42mm (1.65"), it often fails to counteract the intensifying heat thoroughly.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, the final month of the first half of the year, marks the peak of summer in
Rishikesh with maximum temperatures reaching 36°C (96.8°F) and maintain their minimum at 24°C (75.2°F). As the city faces the brunt of hot weather, the month brings a pleasant surprise in the form of increased precipitation.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Rishikesh in
July experiences a marginal drop in temperature, offering residents a respite from the summer heat of
June. This month also brings potential relief from the summer heat with an astonishing surge in rainfall, reaching a yearly high at 444mm (17.48") spread across 15 days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sustains the rainy season momentum as
Rishikesh continues to experience ample rain. The weather hovers between being warm and mildly cool with temperatures maintaining similar to those of
July. As the second rainiest month of the year, the heavy downpours help to keep the heat in check.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As
September rolls in,
Rishikesh starts to bid farewell to the monsoon, leading to a significant drop in rainfall from the levels seen in
July and
August. The transition brings about a respite from the extended rainy season, paving the way for warmer and drier days once again.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees
Rishikesh finally stepping into the arms of autumn, leaving behind the relentless monsoon. The reduction in rainfall to just 54mm (2.13") over two days indicates a fresh era of pleasant weather. The month sees a consistent drop in temperature, heralding the arrival of the cold season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Rishikesh brings an evident dip in temperature as the city starts transitioning into the winter season. Precipitation becomes a rare occurrence as the monsoon season becomes a distant memory and the city barely gets any rainfall.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December, the concluding month of the year, introduces
Rishikesh to the heart of winters. The city experiences temperatures from a maximum of 21°C (69.8°F) to a minimum of 7°C (44.6°F), resonating with the classic winter chill.
Weather in December »