The short answer
When to go to Kolkata
November to February is the most comfortable season, with dry air and mild temperatures suited to walking through the Victoria Memorial grounds and heritage neighbourhoods. April to June turns hot and increasingly humid, and July to September brings heavy monsoon rain with high humidity that can be taxing for older travellers, so both stretches are best avoided or shortened. Whatever the month, cool indoor stops like the Indian Museum help break up a hot afternoon.
Month by month
Kolkata weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 26°C | 14°C | 15 mm | Cool, dry and comfortable | |
| February | 29°C | 18°C | 25 mm | Mild, warming | |
| March | 34°C | 23°C | 37 mm | Warm, still manageable | |
| April | 35°C | 26°C | 55 mm | Hot, humidity building | |
| May | 36°C | 27°C | 119 mm | Hot and humid, early monsoon showers | |
| June | 34°C | 27°C | 277 mm | Monsoon rain, high humidity | |
| July | 33°C | 27°C | 372 mm | Peak monsoon | |
| August | 32°C | 27°C | 372 mm | Heaviest rain, very humid | |
| September | 33°C | 26°C | 325 mm | Monsoon still heavy | |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 180 mm | Monsoon retreating, still humid | |
| November | 30°C | 20°C | 33 mm | Dry, pleasant | |
| December | 27°C | 16°C | 6 mm | Cool and dry |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Kolkata seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January, November and December
- January: Cool, dry and comfortable
- November: Dry, pleasant
- December: Cool and dry
Good, with small trade-offs: February and March
- February: Mild, warming
- March: Warm, still manageable
Possible, with planning: April and October
- April: Hot, humidity building
- October: Monsoon retreating, still humid
Best avoided with parents or children: May, June, July, August and September
- May: Hot and humid, early monsoon showers
- June: Monsoon rain, high humidity
- July: Peak monsoon
- August: Heaviest rain, very humid
- September: Monsoon still heavy
Useful answers
Best time to visit Kolkata: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Kolkata?
January, November and December are the best months to visit Kolkata, with February and March also good. November to February is the most comfortable season, with dry air and mild temperatures suited to walking through the Victoria Memorial grounds and heritage neighbourhoods. April to June turns hot and increasingly humid, and July to September brings heavy monsoon rain with high humidity that can be taxing for older travellers, so both stretches are best avoided or shortened. Whatever the month, cool indoor stops like the Indian Museum help break up a hot afternoon.
Which months should I avoid in Kolkata with elderly parents?
May, June, July, August and September are the months to avoid with older travellers. Hot and humid, early monsoon showers Monsoon rain, high humidity
When does it rain most in Kolkata?
July is the wettest month, with about 372 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 36°C.