Delhi Weather — Delhi's Temperatures, Festivals and Outdoor Activities

Delhi has a humid subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter is typically from November to February, while summer is from March to May, and the monsoon season is between June and September.

The warmest month in Delhi is May with an average temperature of 33°C (91°F ) and the coolest month is January with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F). The city averages 693 mm (27.3 inches) of annual rainfall with 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Quick facts

• Delhi's pleasant winter weather allows visitors to do more outdoor activities, however, because it's the peak tourist season in India, tourist attractions will be more crowded and travel expenses at their highest.
• The summer and monsoon seasons don't attract many visitors to Delhi due to the hot temperatures and heavy rain, but this allows for less crowded tourist sites and more affordable travel expenses.
• Winter in Delhi is from November to February during which the temperature ranges from 21°C (70°F) to 7°C (45°F).
• The Unite Holi Music Festival is an event held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium during Holi where one can enjoy great music and an abundance of colors and fun.
• Visitors should dress modestly at all times to avoid unwanted attention and respect the many different cultural and religious beliefs within India.

Delhi Temperatures and Rainfall

The hot season in Delhi lasts from April to June. During this time, temperatures range between 22°C (71°F) and 45°C (113°F). The cold season occurs between November and March and temperatures in this season range between 7°C (44°F) and 28°C (82°F).

Both the hot and cold seasons in Delhi are very dry, averaging 11 mm (0.5 inches) and 14 mm (0.6 inches) of rainfall respectively.

The rainy season often begins in July and ends in September with an average rainfall of up to 797.3 mm (31.5 inches) and 9 hours of daily sunshine.

Winter is the high season for tourism in Delhi due to the pleasant weather which makes travel more convenient and comfortable. During this time, the city's attractions will be more crowded and the prices for hotel and flight bookings will be higher. Alternatively, traveling in the summer or monsoon season results in less crowded tourist sites and more affordable travel expenses. Continue to read the Best Time to Visit India.

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Delhi Yearly Weather

Delhi has a humid subtropical climate characterized by long, hot, and relatively rainy summers with short, cool, and dry winters. May is the hottest month with an average temperature of 33°C (91°F) and January is the coldest with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F).

The average sunshine throughout the year is 10 hours per day, with May being the sunniest month with an average of around 13 hours per day. The wettest month is July, with an average of 250 mm (9.8 inches) of rain that falls over 8 days.

Delhi's Winter

Winter in Delhi is from November to February. The average temperature in November is around 20°C (68°F). In December and January, winter is in full swing with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). By February, the temperature stabilizes at around 17°C (63°F).

Winter in Delhi is sunny and dry. The average rainfall during this season is only 13 mm (0.5 inches) per month. The sun shines around 10 hours per day and the air is not too sticky with a relative humidity of around 60%.

Outdoor activities such as visiting parks and historic sites are more comfortable to do in the winter because of the cool and dry weather. Because winter is also the high season, traveling at this time means higher prices and less availability of hotels and flights. Popular tourist sites may also be crowded.

People come to the Jama Masjid for daily prayers in the cool weather

When traveling in India in the winter, it's a good idea to explore popular attractions in the early morning.

Summer in Delhi

Summer in Delhi is hot and dry. This season normally begins in March and lasts through May. The temperatures during summer can vary from 25°C (77°F) to 45°C (113°F). May is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 33°C (91°F).

Rainfall is very minimal during this season, averaging at only 11 mm (0.5 inches) per month with an average sunshine of 12 hours per day. During this time, dust storms are common and are caused by hot winds carrying sand from the Thar Desert.

Because of the lower number of travelers that visit Delhi during the summer, hotels and flights will be easier to book and up to 30% less expensive allowing for more affordable travel. Tourist sites will also be less crowded, meaning that visitors can spend more time at each attraction.

If you would like to visit Delhi in the summer to avoid the crowds, then Asia Highlights can help you arrange your outdoor tours in the early morning and book a private air-conditioned car to take you to and from your hotel so you can avoid the hot weather.

Rajghat is the site of Gandhi'scremation.To avoid the hot weather, no travelers visit here at noon

We can also help you book heritage hotels with facilities such as swimming pools and spas for you to cool off and enjoy your leisure time.

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Festivals Celebrated in Delhi

Holi, Diwali, and Dussehra are some of the main festivals celebrated in Delhi. If you visit Delhi during one of these holidays, you will be able to take part in the celebrations and also enjoy the events and activities being held.

Below are some great ways that travelers can get involved in Delhi's festivals.

Attend the Unite Holi Music Festival

Holi is celebrated in March and is one of the major festivals in India. This festival is celebrated as a way to give thanks for a good harvest. Holi celebrations in Delhi often begin with a 'Tilak', a traditional mark of color drawn on a person's forehead to symbolize honor and confidence.

During the festival, many parties are held. One of which is the Unite Holi Music Festival. This festival takes place in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where you can enjoy great music and an abundance of colors and fun.

A traditional mark of color drawn on a person's forehead to symbolize honor and confidence

Celebrate Diwali with Decorations and Fireworks

Diwali is the most awaited and celebrated festival in India. During this holiday, the markets and homes of the people in Delhi are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. People also make Rangoli which are intricate designs made on the floor with colored powders near the entrance of homes.

People also decorate their homes with diyas (clay lanterns) and electric lights. Devotees will go to the temple and pray to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi to bless them with prosperity.

The markets and homes of the people in Delhi are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights

Watch the Reenactment of Ramlilia on Dussehra

Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana. In Delhi, Dussehra celebrations include the famous Ramlila which is the reenactment of the Ramayana, a great Hindu epic.

After the Ramlila performance has ended, huge effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakaran, and Meghnath are burnt as a sign of the destruction of evil. Lots of fireworks lit while the effigies are burning to celebrate the festival of Dussehra.

Rama's statue is worshipped to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon Ravana

New Delhi and Old Delhi

Most people think that New Delhi and Delhi are the same city, but actually, they are not. Delhi is a city located in North India that borders the states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh while New Delhi is one of the nine districts of Delhi.

New Delhi was created in the early 20th century when the capital of the British Empire shifted from Calcutta to Delhi. Ministers and government officials live in spacious bungalows on the tree-shaded avenues around the Vistory Square, where Lutyen's grand Central Vista lies ahead.

Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens as the British Viceroy's Palace, Rashtrapati Bhavan is now the official residence of the President of India

Old Delhi is what remains of the ancient city that was founded by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and was known as Shahjahanabad.

The attractions in Old Delhi include the impressive Red Fort, the large Jama Masjid mosque, and the busy Chandni Chowk market. In New Delhi, you will find monuments such as the India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, and Qutab Minar.

Commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1639, the Red Fort is Delhi's most politically significant monument

Tips for Visiting Delhi

When traveling in Delhi, visitors should make sure to dress appropriately at all times. Delhi is a multi-cultural city with certain cultures and religions that require women to cover their legs and shoulders. It is a good idea to dress modestly to be respectful and also a safety measure as showing skin can be seen as an open invitation by some men.

In Delhi, it is also important to only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks at bars and restaurants. This practice will reduce the chances of feeling unwell and developing a case of the "Delhi Belly".

We also recommended that travelers carry bug spray or insect repellent. Although most mosquito bites will only cause irritation, some may cause Dengue Fever or Malaria. Check our Complete India Packing Guide.

The best way to get around Delhi is by a private chauffeured car. This allows you flexibility in time and provides a more comfortable experience. In a private car, you can just sit back and relax and let it take you anywhere around the city.

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Traveling in Delhi during the different seasons will give you a different and unique experience each time. If you are unsure about how to prepare for Delhi's weather, feel free to contact Asia Highlights for the best recommendations. We can help you with your questions regarding the weather, climate, and other important issues you may need to consider before you travel.