135 India Climate Facts For Budding Climatologists

Whether it be tropical storms, monsoon rains, sunshine, or snow, the Indian subcontinent has it all!

The climate of India has been a matter of fascination for many people since this place provides such a large range of climatic regions to live in and enjoy. India is a land of vast diversity, with a geography that ranges from the snow-capped Himalayas to the tropical rainforests of the south.

India's climate is equally diverse, with conditions varying widely from region to region. The Eastern, Northern, Western, and Southern regions of India have different climatic conditions, which are influenced by many factors.

There are a few seasons that appear in the country. However, the overall climatic condition of the majority of India can be classified as tropical, wet, and dry climate.

The subcontinent is surrounded by three major water bodies, namely, the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. These water bodies have a huge influence on the climate of India and its economy at large.

Being an agrarian country, it is but natural that India is very dependent on its monsoon rain. Let's take a closer look at India's climate and discuss some of the key factors that influence it.

Types Of Climates In India

India's predominant climate is tropical; however, based on the region that you visit, you may be greeted with completely different levels of precipitation and temperatures. The range of climatic conditions is a result of the landforms and relief features that exist in the country.

India is surrounded by three major water bodies and is also near the Thar desert and the Himalayas. All these features have a different set of influences, which is why there is a range in terms of climate.

Nearly all the regions get the basic seasons. However, the intensities of each vary greatly.

• The climatic zones of India are dependent on the relief features.
• Another factor that influences the climate of India is the pressure and winds.
• The impact of water bodies such as the Arabian sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal is also huge.
• The southern region of the country experiences a tropical, wet type climate.
• This type of climate is brought about by the neighboring water bodies.
• The difference in pressure in the oceans creates winds that bring rain.
• Apart from monsoon, the region is also famous for lots of sunlight.
• Southern India experiences one of the country's highest temperatures, and even their average annual temperature is quite high.
• The monsoon rainfall lasts on the Malabar coast, Western Ghats, and some parts of Assam from June to September.
• The driest parts of the year continue from December to March.
• Even after the withdrawal of the monsoon winds, the state of Tamil Nadu still gets a lot of rain.
• The tropical climate of southern India promotes the growth of coconuts, bananas, and coffee, which the entire world relishes.
• For the rest of the year, the temperatures are quite high.
• This is because the southern part of India lies below the Tropic of Cancer, near the Equator.
• Due to the shape of the Earth, the places close to the Equator are hotter, and the same rule applies to the southern parts of India as well.
• Northern India, on the other hand, has a greater range of temperatures.
• Places such as Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are also south of the Tropic of Cancer, but they have different climatic conditions.
• The Northeast monsoon is most well experienced by the state of Tamil Nadu.
• In the months of October and December, the state often gets flooded because of the heavy precipitation.
• Unlike the southernmost parts of the country, these states have a tropical dry type of climate and not a tropical wet climate.
• They receive less rainfall throughout the year, and the driest months are around the months of November and December.
• The east coast of Southern India has higher temperatures, while the west coast remains relatively cooler.
• The western disturbances take place around the months of April and May.
• Northeastern and Northern India has a subtropical, humid type of climate.
• In these areas, the temperatures are very extreme and show a lot of variations. That is to say that in these climatic regions, the summers are extremely hot, and the winters are extremely cold.
• These regions also get some amounts of rainfall in the winter season.
• Apart from this, the areas also tend to be windy.
• This is because of how close the Himalayas ranges are.
• The tropical, dry type of climate is prevalent in places such as Rajasthan.
• This state in India is known to experience arid climatic conditions.
• There is nearly no precipitation in the area.
• This desert area is not fit for agricultural practices, which is why most people depend on eating meats of different kinds.
• In the eastern part of the Thar desert, in states such as Haryana, a less extreme climatic condition is found.
• Even though the temperatures are high, the arid climate is not present.
• This area is thought to be a transitional zone, which leads to the subtropical northwestern and northern India.
• The climate in states like Haryana can be defined as a tropical steppe type of climate, while that of Rajasthan is tropical and arid.
• The wind speeds in northeastern and northern India come from the Himalayas.
• In these areas, the climate can be defined as subtropical, and humid.
• In northern and northeast India, the temperatures can drop quite low in the winters.
• As the influence of the oceans decrease, the temperatures start to show much greater ranges.
• The monsoon rains come in the form of thunderstorms, which can be quite strong and destructive.
• In the south of the Himalayas, the climate is typically quite cold.
• This is due to the influence of the winds from the central parts of Asia.
• The winters are freezing cold and are accompanied by snowfall.
• The summers are also relatively cold.
• The climate in the extreme northern regions is, therefore, alpine.
• In India, the monsoon season typically starts in June and goes on till September or even November in some cases.
• Parts of northern West Bengal also receive a lot of snowfall.
• The northeast monsoon rains have a huge influence on West Bengal due to the proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
• The average temperatures in the north west are moderate in the winter season.
• Northeast India typically receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon months (June-September).
• The Eastern and Western Ghats receive varying amounts of rainfall.
• The Western Ghats receive more rain in comparison to the Eastern Ghats.
• This is because the Western Ghats come under the influence of the southwest monsoon rains.
• The higher altitude regions of the Western Ghats have slightly lower temperatures.
• This provides some relief from the scorching heat of the lower altitude regions.
• In northern India, summers are characterized by dry and warm winds called Loo.
• The monsoon in Jammu lasts between the months of June-August.
   

Most Common Climate In India

When most people think of India, they think of the tropical climate in the south. However, India is a large country with many different climates.

Let's discuss the four main climates in India: Tropical, subtropical, temperate, and alpine. We will also talk about which parts of India have each climate and what time of year it is typically hot or cold.

• The tropical climate is found in the southern part of India.
• This region has two seasons: a hot, dry season from October to March and a hot, wet season from April to September.
• The temperature ranges from 25-40 C (77-104 F).
• The subtropical climate is found in the central part of India.
• This region has three seasons: a hot, dry season from October to February; a hot, wet season from March to June; and a cool, dry season from July to September.
• The temperature ranges from 20-30 C (68 -86 F)
• The humid subtropical climate and subtropical highland climate are found in the northern part of India.
• This region has four seasons: a hot summer from April to June; a rainy monsoon season from July to September; a cool fall from October to November; and a cold winter from December to March.
• The temperature ranges from 15-25 C (59-77 F).
• The alpine climate is found in the Himalayan region of India.
• This region has two seasons: a hot summer from April to June and a cold winter from November to February.
• The temperature ranges from 0-15 C (32-59 F).
• In the tropical region of India, common foods are rice, fish, and coconuts.
• In the subtropical region of India, common foods are naan bread, chicken tikka masala, and basmati rice.
• In the temperate region of India, common foods are samosas, paneer butter masala, and chapatis.
• In the alpine region of India, common foods are momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and yak meat.
• The climate in the Himalayas is determined by elevation.
• The higher the elevation, the colder the climate.
• The alpine climate is also dry, while the other three climates are wet.
• The temperature range in the Indian desert climate is from 15-45 C (59-113 F).
• The temperatures in the Indian desert climate are very hot because of the lack of rainfall.
• This causes the air to be dry and dusty.
• The precipitation range in the Indian desert climate is from 3.9-17 in (100-500 mm) per year.
• Some common animals in the Indian desert climate are camels, lizards, and snakes.
• Some common crops in the Indian desert climate are dates, figs, and grapes.
• Common crops in the Indian temperate climate are potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower.
• The monsoon season is a time of great joy in India. It is a time when the country comes to life, as the rain brings new growth and renewal.
• The monsoons are known for their heavy rains and thunderstorms, which can sometimes be quite dangerous.
• However, they also bring much-needed relief from the heat of summer.
• People in India enjoy celebrating the monsoon season with festivals and traditional foods.
• The monsoon season is the most important time of year for western India.
• This region is largely desert, and the monsoons bring much-needed rain to the area.
• The cities of Mumbai and Gujarat are both located in western India. There are many festivals and celebrations in these areas, and the food is especially delicious.
• The monsoon season arrives a little later in eastern India, typically in late June or early July.
• The rains continue until September or October.
• This part of India is known for its tea plantations, and the monsoon rains are vital for the growth of the tea leaves.
• The region also has a rich culture, with many beautiful temples and palaces.
• During the monsoon season, India is covered in a thick haze of humidity.
• This can be a little uncomfortable, but it's worth it for the delicious mango showers that come with the rain.
• Mangoes are India's national fruit, and there are hundreds of different varieties.
• They're usually eaten as a snack or dessert, and they're especially delicious when served with yogurt or ice cream.
• Coffee grows easily in Southern India because the monsoon rains provide the necessary moisture.
• The region is also home to a variety of coffee beans that are well-suited for cultivation.
• Coffee plantations can be found throughout Southern India, and they typically produce a high yield of beans.
• The Bay of Bengal is a large bay that lies along India's east coast.
• It is a popular tourist destination, and it is also home to many fishing villages.
• The Bay of Bengal is responsible for the storms that occur in eastern India during the monsoon season.
• The winds blowing over the bay create unstable weather conditions, which often lead to thunderstorms and heavy rains.
   

Climate Zones In India

The climate in India can be broadly classified into four seasons: winter, summer, spring, and fall. However, there are variations due to the country's size and location.

• Northern India has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold winters.
• The Himalayas act as a natural barrier against the cold winds blowing in from Central Asia and keep the temperatures moderate.
• Winters can get quite chilly, with temperatures dropping below freezing point in some parts of Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh.
• Heavy snowfall is common in these regions during the winter months.
• Southern India has a tropical climate with hot summers and mild winters.
• The region experiences two monsoons: The southwest monsoon (June-September) and the northeast monsoon (October-December).
• The southwest monsoon brings rains to the coastal areas, while the northeast monsoon prevails in the interior regions.
• The climate in India is also affected by altitude.
• Regions that are higher up in the mountains have a cooler climate than those at lower elevations.
• For example, Leh, located in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state, has an average temperature of 18 C (64 F) even though it is located close to the Himalayas. Shimla, which is located in Himachal Pradesh state, has an average temperature of 25 C (77 F) despite being at a much lower elevation than Leh.
• The climate in India is also affected by ocean currents and winds.
• The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea contribute to making the climate in India tropical.
• The monsoons are caused by the differential heating of land and water.
• During summer, the land heats up faster than the sea, causing air to rise over the land.
• This leads to moist air being drawn in from over the sea, resulting in rains.
• Climate change is already affecting India's agriculture sector and leading to increased crop failures.
• There has been a decline in yields of major crops such as wheat, rice, maize and sugarcane owing to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
• The lack of water due to climate change is also affecting the availability of drinking water and leading to shortages in some areas.
• The Himalayas are melting at an alarming rate due to climate change, which could lead to a rise in the level of rivers and flooding in the future.
• The climate in Western India is tropical, with hot summers and mild winters.
• The Arabian Sea contributes to the climate here by bringing moisture and rainfall to the region.
• This means that there is less rainfall in this region than in other parts of India.
• The main factor influencing the climate here is the presence of the Arabian Sea, which leads to more moisture and higher levels of rainfall.
• Regions near the coast experience cooler temperatures due to maritime winds blowing inland from the ocean.
• The Bay of Bengal plays an important role in determining the climate, as it brings moist air and high levels of rainfall to the region.
• Another main factor influencing the climate is the presence of mountains, which create a rain shadow effect.

Fun Facts About India Climate

The Indian government has been taking several steps to address climate change.

• It has set up a National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) that outlines various measures that need to be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Some key initiatives under NAPCC include the promotion of renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, afforestation, development of green transport infrastructure, and climate-resilient agriculture.
• The government has also pledged to reduce the Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from the 2005 levels.
• The average temperature in India has increased by about 0.6 C (33.08 F) over the past 100 years.
• Additionally, there has been a decrease in rainfall during the monsoon season, which has led to a decline in crop yields.

FAQs

What are the six climates of India?

According to studies, there are six main climatic regions in India. These regions can be classified as hot and dry, warm and humid, moderate, composite, cold and cloudy, and cold and sunny.

What three things affect India's climate?

The three things that impact the climate of India are latitude, altitude, pressure, and winds. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of this country, and hence, there the climates in areas above and below this latitude are very different in nature.

While the places north of the Tropic of Cancer have sub-tropical climatic conditions, the places south of it have a tropical and dry kind of climate.

In the same way, places at higher altitudes, such as those in Northern India, have colder climatic conditions as compared to the lower altitudes, such as in Southern India. The influence of the Indian Ocean, Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian Sea on the Indian subcontinent is also huge.

The pressure over these water bodies causes the winds to flow.

One of the most important factors brought upon by pressure and winds in India is the monsoon rainfall. Specifically, the southwest monsoon rains are very integral to the economy of the country since India is a primarily agricultural nation.

What is the most common climate in India?

The tropical and subtropical climate is most common in India, given the fact that the Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of the country. To be more specific, the tropical wet and dry type of climate is most common in the country.

The hot season goes on for longer in most areas, although the northern regions of the country do experience more winter conditions than the others.

Is India's climate good?

The Indian tropical climate is ideal for anyone who loves a bit of sunshine. For people living in the colder areas of the world, spending some time in India can be a very interesting experience.

With the influence of the water bodies and the Himalayan ranges, there is more than just one climatic regions in the country. A trip through the span of India can reveal more than just one climate, which gives a bit of much-needed variety!

Which is the coldest place in India?

A town called Drass in Ladakh is the coldest place in India. The average temperature at Drass is around −20 C (−4 F). This temperature condition prevails in the region due to the high altitude.