Plan your trip · Kolkata
Best time to visit Kolkata
November to February is the easiest time to see Kolkata, with mild days and cool mornings. October brings Durga Puja, and June to September brings heavy monsoon rain.
❄️ Winter
RecommendedOct – Mar
Warm in October and March, cool and mostly dry from November to February — the comfortable peak season, with crisp mornings and evenings.
Pack: light layers with a jacket or shawl for early mornings and after dark.
Plan a winter day →☀️ Summer
Apr – Jun
Very hot and dry, often 40 °C+ by midday — the off-season on the plains. Best explored at dawn and dusk, resting through the afternoon.
Pack: loose light cottons, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Plan a summer day →🌧️ Monsoon
Jul – Sep
Warm and humid with on-and-off showers that cool the air and green the gardens — rain rarely lasts all day.
Pack: a compact umbrella or light rain shell, quick-dry clothes and grippy footwear.
Plan a monsoon day →November to February: the comfortable months
Winter in Kolkata is short and mild. Days are warm and dry, and nights in December and January can dip to about 10 °C. This is the best time for walking the old north, sitting on the ghats and taking early photos at the Victoria Memorial. The drawback is air pollution. Smog and haze are common on still winter mornings, so check the air quality if you have breathing problems. Christmas on Park Street and the Kolkata Book Fair in late January also fall in this season.
March to May: heat and evening storms
It gets hot and humid from March, and May is the hottest month. Temperatures pass 35 °C in the afternoons, and on dry days they can exceed 40 °C. Sudden storms, known as kalbaisakhi or nor'westers, arrive in the late afternoon with strong wind and heavy rain. They cool the air for a while but can bring down trees and cut power. Plan sightseeing for early morning and evening, and rest indoors at midday.
June to September: the monsoon
The monsoon usually reaches Kolkata in June, and July and August are the wettest months. Heavy rain can flood low streets within an hour and slow down traffic. The Metro usually keeps running when the roads are waterlogged. Gardens turn green, and hilsa is at its best. Carry an umbrella, wear sandals and allow extra time to get around.
October: Durga Puja
October is still warm and humid, and late monsoon rain or a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal can arrive without much warning. It is also the month of Durga Puja, the city's biggest event. In 2026 the Puja runs from 17 to 21 October, with pandals open from Mahalaya on 10 October. Hotels fill early and prices rise, so book months ahead. See events and festivals for the rest of the calendar.
Which month to choose
For weather, choose December or January. For festivals, choose October. If you want lower prices and fewer visitors, February and the first half of March are a good compromise.
Questions
Kolkata — FAQ
Is June a monsoon month in Kolkata?
Yes. The monsoon usually arrives in June, often around the middle of the month, and the rain continues until September. July and August are the wettest months.
What are kalbaisakhi storms?
Short, violent evening thunderstorms that hit Kolkata between about March and May. They bring strong wind, rain and sometimes hail. Stay indoors while one passes, and keep away from trees and hoardings.
Is Kolkata smoggy in winter?
Often, yes. On still winter mornings, dust and smoke hang over the city and the air quality can be poor. It usually clears a little by the afternoon. People with asthma should carry their medication and check the air quality index.
When is Durga Puja in 2026?
The main days are Shashthi on 17 October to Bijoya Dashami on 21 October 2026. Mahalaya, when many pandals open, falls on 10 October.