New Delhi sits at 28.6N latitude at 216m elevation in northern India. The city has a semi-arid climate with extreme seasonal variation: scorching pre-monsoon summers, a drenching monsoon, mild winters, and brief pleasant springs and autumns. This guide provides exact monthly data so you can plan around Delhi’s climate realities.
New Delhi Monthly Weather Data
The table below shows average daily high temperatures, total monthly rainfall, average relative humidity, and total monthly sunshine hours.
| Month | High (°C) | High (°F) | Rain (mm) | Humidity | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 70°F | 19mm | 61% | 235 |
| February | 24°C | 75°F | 20mm | 52% | 230 |
| March | 30°C | 86°F | 15mm | 41% | 270 |
| April | 37°C | 99°F | 21mm | 29% | 285 |
| May | 40°C | 104°F | 25mm | 30% | 295 |
| June | 39°C | 102°F | 70mm | 45% | 240 |
| July | 35°C | 95°F | 237mm | 71% | 190 |
| August | 33°C | 91°F | 253mm | 76% | 195 |
| September | 33°C | 91°F | 123mm | 66% | 230 |
| October | 32°C | 90°F | 17mm | 50% | 275 |
| November | 28°C | 82°F | 9mm | 48% | 260 |
| December | 23°C | 73°F | 10mm | 56% | 240 |
New Delhi Weather Patterns Throughout the Year
New Delhi receives 819mm of rain annually, with 80% falling during the monsoon months of July through September. Annual sunshine totals 2,945 hours. The highest recorded temperature was 48.0°C (118°F) in May. The lowest was -2.2°C (28°F) in January.
Winter in New Delhi: December Through February
December through February are mild and pleasant, the most comfortable season for sightseeing. Highs average 21-24°C (70-75°F) with lows of 7-10°C (45-50°F). January is the coldest month with highs of 21°C (70°F) and dense morning fog that can delay flights and trains. Total winter rainfall is 49mm. Sunshine averages 230-240 hours per month. Pack a light jacket for evenings. This is peak tourist season with correspondingly higher hotel rates.
Spring in New Delhi: March Through April
Spring is brief and heats up fast. March averages 30°C (86°F) and by April you are looking at 37°C (99°F). Humidity drops to its annual low of 29-41%. Rainfall is minimal at 15-21mm. Sunshine reaches 270-285 hours. Mid-March to early April is the last comfortable window before summer. The Holi festival in March (date varies) is a major cultural event across the city.
Summer in New Delhi: May Through June
May and June are brutal. May averages 40°C (104°F) with some days hitting 45°C (113°F). June reaches 39°C (102°F) with increasing humidity as the monsoon approaches. Rainfall totals just 46mm across both months. The dry heat is intense but shade provides relief. Air conditioning is essential. Most outdoor sightseeing must happen before 10 AM. This is low season with hotel rates 40-60% below peak. Dust storms and heat waves are common in late May and June.
Monsoon in New Delhi: July Through September
The monsoon arrives in late June or early July and runs through mid-September. July (237mm) and August (253mm) each bring roughly 10-14 rainy days. September tapers to 123mm. The rain comes as heavy downpours lasting 1-3 hours, not all-day drizzle. Humidity spikes to 71-76%. Temperatures drop to 33-35°C (91-95°F) but the high humidity makes it feel worse than May. Sunshine falls to 190-230 hours. Streets flood in low-lying areas after heavy rain. Dengue and malaria mosquitoes peak during monsoon; use repellent. This is the least popular season for tourism and hotel rates are low.
Autumn in New Delhi: October Through November
October and November are the second-best season after winter. October averages 32°C (90°F) with humidity dropping to 50% and just 17mm of rain. November cools to 28°C (82°F) with 9mm of rain. Sunshine is strong at 260-275 hours. Diwali (October/November) fills the city with lights and fireworks. Air quality deteriorates in November as farmers in surrounding states burn crop stubble, and Delhi’s AQI regularly exceeds 300 (hazardous). Pack N95 masks if visiting in November.
New Delhi Annual Weather Summary
The ideal window is late October through mid-March. February and March offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Avoid May and June due to extreme heat. Avoid July and August due to monsoon disruption. November has great weather but hazardous air quality. Check the best time to visit New Delhi guide for a seasonal strategy.
