The climate of Chandigarh
Chandigarh, the capital city of
India's northern states of Punjab and Haryana, is characterized by the Köppen climate classification as possessing a Cwa climate, denoting a humid subtropical climate with a dry winter. Throughout the year, Chandigarh experiences varying yet diverse weather conditions shaped by numerous climatological parameters.
Temperatures range from lows of 7.4°C (45.3°F) in
January to summer peaks that soar up to 39.4°C (102.9°F) in
June. Humidity levels revolve around 23% in
May to an elevated 72% in
August.
December, January, and
February are the months with minimal rainfall, with the city receiving just 11mm (0.43"), 31mm (1.22"), and 35mm (1.38") correspondingly. In contrast, the monsoon months from June to
September bear the brunt of the rainfall with the peak in August of 196mm (7.72"). The city observes zero snowfall throughout the year.
Daylight hours increase from 10.4 hours in January to a maximum of 14.1 hours in June, before decreasing to 10.2 hours by December. Correspondingly, sunshine hours increase from 7.1 hours in January to a yearly high of 12.1 hours in May and June, then decline gradually to 7.5 hours by December. The UV index slides from a moderate level of 4 in January to the high-risk level of 8 in
April, May, and June before sliding back to 4 in December. Finally, wind speed fluctuates between 6.6km/h (4.1mph) in August to 10.6km/h (6.6mph) in May.
The best time to visit Chandigarh
March to
May marks the best time to visit
Chandigarh. The weather during this period is largely comfortable with temperatures ranging from a moderate 14.2°C (57.6°F) to a warmer 38.6°C (101.5°F). Humidity levels are relatively low, ranging from 27% to 23%, thus providing a pleasurable exploring environment. Additionally, the amount of sunshine received during these spring and early summer months enhances the sightseeing experience, making it an ideal time for tourists to explore the city’s scenic beauty and vibrant culture.
The worst time to visit Chandigarh
The monsoon period from
June to
September is considered less desirable for visiting
Chandigarh. With temperature highs reaching 39.4°C (102.9°F) in June and torrential downpours peaking at 196mm (7.72") in
August, outdoor activities can be severely restricted. Moreover, the high relative humidity, surpassing 70% in August, can make the environment quite uncomfortable. Consequently, these factors cumulatively make the city's weather during this time quite challenging for outdoor explorations and sightseeing.
Spring weather in Chandigarh
Spring in
Chandigarh runs from
March to
May, with temperatures gradually increasing from moderate 14.2°C (57.6°F) to a notably warmer 38.6°C (101.5°F). Rainfall remains generally low, averaging around 33mm (1.3") in March and 17mm (0.67") in
April. Owing to the transitioning weather, the city basks in 12 hours of daylight and over 11 hours of sunshine—perfect conditions for travellers to enjoy the resplendent spring flora.
Summer weather in Chandigarh
June marks the onset of summer in
Chandigarh, marked by high temperatures reaching the year’s maximum of 39.4°C (102.9°F). Rainfall increases dramatically during this season, peaking at 196mm (7.72") in
August. Humidity levels correspondingly surge, resulting in a moist and sweltering atmosphere. In spite of the heat and rain, the city benefits from an impressive 14.1 hours of daylight in June, although sunshine hours start to decline.
Autumn weather in Chandigarh
Autumn in
Chandigarh from
September to
November experiences gradual cooling of weather. September remains relatively warm with temperatures hovering between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 31.4°C (88.5°F) but cools down to 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 25.8°C (78.4°F) by November. Rainfall drops significantly from 109mm (4.29") in September to just 7mm (0.28") by November, marking the transition into the drier months.
Winter weather in Chandigarh
Winter descends on
Chandigarh in
December and persists until
February. The heart of winter, in
January, brings the coldest temperatures of the year, with a low of 7.4°C (45.3°F). Rainfall is minimal at this time with the city receiving between 11mm (0.43") to 35mm (1.38") of precipitation. Notably, the winter months are characterized by shorter days, with daylight hours ranging from 10.4 in January to 11.1 in February, and correspondingly lower sunshine hours.
Weather in January
January brings cooler conditions to
Chandigarh, with temperatures lower than those of the following month,
February. Despite the low temperatures, the city enjoys an average daily sunshine of 7.1 hours. In relation to neighboring months, January is dry and cold while February is relatively warmer and rainier.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Chandigarh witnesses a turnaround in climate during
February. While the mercury gradually climbs higher than
January, it is still a fair bit lower than
March, making February the transitional period from cold to warm season in the city.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As spring sets in,
Chandigarh experiences higher temperatures than
February, but the heat is not as intense as in
April.
March usually receives more rainfall than February but less than April. Compared to the colder months, the hours of sunshine are longer and the humidity level drops a notch.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is when the heat truly sets in
Chandigarh, with temperatures peaking in comparison to both
March and
May. Notwithstanding the increased heat, the city receives moderate rainfall and enjoys longer days before the arrival of the intense summer in May.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May, the second last month of spring in
Chandigarh, sees the temperatures soaring even higher. Although hotter than
April, it does not match the peak heat of
June. The rainfall is lower this month, but May sees a slight increase compared to June.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is the zenith of summer in
Chandigarh, with temperatures being the highest all year, followed by a slight dip in
July. This month sees an increase in relative humidity, making the heat feel more oppressive. Despite the heat, this month, similar to its predecessor and successor,
May and July respectively, enjoys more sunshine hours.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
With the onset of monsoon,
July experiences a dip in temperatures, but it still remains hotter as compared to
August. The city witnesses its highest rainfall of 164mm (6.46") in July, making it the wettest month in
Chandigarh. Humidity also peaks, making the weather considerably damp.
Weather in July »Weather in August
In
August,
Chandigarh observes a further decline in temperature, which is lesser than
July and more than
September. The city contends with a little less rainfall than July, but it remains significantly higher than in September. The humidity and cloud cover percentage are high during this month, making the sky look overcast.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Weather in October
Weather in November
In
November,
Chandigarh’s weather starts turning colder, pushing the temperatures down to lower than in
October and higher than in
December. The city experiences a sharp drop in humidity, down from October's and less than what it'll be in December.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December is the harbinger of winter in
Chandigarh. The city experiences its coldest temperatures with the thermometer reading lower than
November and higher than
January. With lower temperatures, the city sees negligible rainfall and a sizable decline in humidity as compared to November.
Weather in December »