The climate of Dhaka
Dhaka is situated in the tropical wet and dry climate or savannah zone, identified as Aw in the Köppen climate classification. It features a distinct wet and dry season, each characterized by different weather patterns.
Temperature variations through the year are mild, with the highest readings from
April to
July and slightly lower temperatures at the beginning and the end of the year. The average high temperature for Dhaka ranges from 26°C (78.8°F) in
January to approximately 36.3°C (97.3°F) in April. Similarly, the average low temperature oscillates from 15.3°C (59.5°F) in January to 27.3°C (81.1°F) in
June. High humidity values accompany these warmer months, with a peak at 81% in July.
Rainfall is significantly less frequent between
October and April, with monthly averages not exceeding 10mm (0.39"). Conversely,
May to
September are the wettest months, with an average of 100mm (3.94") to 134mm (5.28") of rain per month. These months also record more rainfall days coinciding with high cloud cover percentages. An increase in wind speed is noted, especially during the monsoon months, with the highest values recorded in July at 13.9km/h (8.6mph).
Pressure ranges from 999.9mb in July to 1014.2mb in January, while visibility remains relatively constant throughout the year but slightly decreases during the wet months. Sunshine hours decrease during the wet period, but
December records the least hours of daylight and sunshine, with 10.7 hours and 7.3 hours respectively.
Dhaka's weather conditions are characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and sunshine hours, but these are tempered by the regular occurrence of rainfall during the wet season year.
The best time to visit Dhaka
The ideal season to visit
Dhaka is between
November and
February due to the moderate temperature and low precipitation levels. These months are cooler and drier, with average temperature highs ranging from 26.4°C (79.5°F) in
December to 29.2°C (84.6°F) in November and average lows between 15.3°C (59.5°F) and 20.5°C (68.9°F). This period also records lesser rainfall: monthly averages do not exceed 9mm (0.35"). Furthermore, the percentage of cloud cover is minimum, and sunshine hours are considerable, offering good conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Dhaka
The period from
May to
September typically is not the best time to visit
Dhaka. This coincides with the city’s monsoon season, where rainfall averages range from 90mm (3.54") in May to a maximum of 134mm (5.28") in
June. The number of rainfall days also increases significantly, coupled with higher cloud cover, reducing sunshine hours. The relative humidity reaches its highest levels during these months, making the atmosphere muggy. Although the temperatures are high, peaking at 36.3°C (97.3°F) in
April, the heavy rains and high humidity can make outdoor activities and sightseeing uncomfortable.
Spring weather in Dhaka
In
Dhaka, spring extends from
March to
May and signals the transition period from the cooler dry season to the hot and humid wet season. Average high temperatures progress from 34°C (93.2°F) to 36.3°, and the low temperatures from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 25.4°C (77.7°F). The amount of rainfall also increases, starting from 25mm (0.98") in March, and rapidly rising to 90mm (3.54") by May. The number of rainfall days rises from 8.5 days in March to 15.8 days in May. Daylight hours increase during spring, but the number of sunshine hours begin to decline from May due to increased cloud cover, marking the onset of the monsoon season.
Summer weather in Dhaka
Summer in
Dhaka, from
June to
August, comes with humidity and rain, which peak in
July. The average high temperatures range between 34°C (93.2°F) and 32.6°C (90.7°F), while the low temperatures hover around the mid-20s. Rainfall is quite high, with averages falling between 106mm (4.17") and 134mm (5.28"). June has the highest rainfall with 134mm (5.28") spanning 21.3 days. Wind speed also increases, measuring approximately 13km/h (8.1mph) during these months. Despite the high rain frequency, daylight hours peak in June, although the amount of sunshine is reduced due to cloud cover.
Autumn weather in Dhaka
The autumn months,
September to
November, are characterized by a decrease in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. Monthly rainfall decreases from 86mm (3.39") in September to just 9mm (0.35") by November, and the number of rainfall days also reducing significantly. The average high temperature, from 32.4°C (90.3°F) in September, gradually decreases to 29.2°C (84.6°F) by November, while the average low temperature falls from 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F). Daylight hours and sunshine hours start to increase once more, indicating the transition into the drier winter season.
Winter weather in Dhaka
The winter season, from
December through
February, is relatively cool and dry. High temperatures decrease to around 26°C (78.8°F) in
January, the coolest month, while the low temperatures descend to 15.3°C (59.5°F). The rainfall is at its lowest during these months, not exceeding 2mm (0.08") in January. Consequently, rainfall days are few with just 1.5 days in both January and December. Although daylight hours are at a minimum during December, the longest being 10.9 hours, sunshine hours range between 7.3 and 7.6 hours per day. This season, with lower temperatures and limited rainfall, is considered the most enjoyable time to be outside in
Dhaka.
Weather in January
January sees mild
Dhaka temperatures, which start rising in readiness for the warmer months ahead. The city receives its least amount of sunlight during this time, which may be a relief for those who find high sunlight intensity uncomfortable.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Dhaka experiences more warming up in
February, with temperatures rising from those of the previous month. An increase in temperature results in a decrease in relative humidity as there is an interplay between these two weather elements.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As
Dhaka enters
March, the city's weather continues getting hotter and remains dry. The daylight hours significantly increase, suggesting more daily solar influence hence the rise in temperature. March experiences an increase in rainfall volume from that of
February, albeit modest, at 25mm (0.98").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Dhaka is characterized by significant weather changes, with the rise in temperature being the most notable. The city receives the highest amount of rainfall in the year, at 90mm (3.54"). Cloud cover is also high due to the increased humidity in the atmosphere.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the weather in
Dhaka stays warm but there is a notable rise in the degree of humidity. Dhaka, in addition to high temperatures, has the highest
March to May rainfall of 104mm (4.09"). Weather conditions may become slightly uncomfortable due to the combination of high temperature and high humidity.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is the initial month of summer in
Dhaka with temperatures continuing to soar. June is marked by high humidity levels in excess of 75%, with the city receiving the year's peak rainfall of 134mm (5.28") over 21.3 days. Frequently cloudy days are characteristic of this month due to high humidity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Into the heart of summer in
July,
Dhaka continues to experience high heat indexes. July is characterized by overcast skies, and the city receives substantial rainfall over 20.9 days averaging to 114mm (4.49"). Days are long, allowing for more sunshine, although the relative humidity peaks at more than 80%.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August exhibits a continuation of
Dhaka's summer, characterized by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. This month has high humidity levels, comparable to those of
June and
July, and the city receives rainfall averaging at 106mm (4.17") over 22.3 days.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The weather in
September brings
Dhaka's summer to a close, and it is the month that ushers in the Autumn season. The city continues to be humid but at slightly lower levels as compared to
August. Dhaka receives a significant amount of rainfall in the month, averaging at 86mm (3.39").
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in the fall season in
Dhaka. Although temperatures gradually decline, the weather remains moderately hot. The city's rainfall substantially drops, and humidity levels decrease as well from those experienced in
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Dhaka starts to cool off with temperatures significantly lower than that in
October. This month is characterized by minimal rainfall and lower humidity levels than most other months. A significant portion of the day is characterized by sunshine with daylight hours slightly lower than October.
Weather in November »Weather in December
The end of the year sees
December hosting
Dhaka's coolest temperatures, similar to those experienced in the beginning of the year. Residents of Dhaka experience the most clear days during December as it is the driest month of the year.
Weather in December »