How to Plan an Incredible Family Trip to Japan in 2023/2024. Learn more.
Delhi Weather — Delhi's Temperatures, Festivals and Outdoor Activities

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

By CarolUpdated Oct. 14, 2022

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.

Recommended Articles

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 monsoon 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.

  Average Temperature (°C ) Maximum Temperature (°C ) Minimum Temperature (°C ) Average Rainfall (mm)
January 14 20 7 23
February 17 24 11 18
March 22 30 15 13
April 29 36 22 8
May 33 40 26 13
June 33 39 27 74
July 31 35 27 200
August 30 34 26 233
September 30 33 24 117
October 25 31 19 25
November 21 27 13 3
December 16 21 8 5

Recommended Itinerary

98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
Tour Review
orge alvarez, May 2023
Debbie Woods, May 2023
Heather Stern Wilensky, Apr 2023
Chiefray, Apr 2023
Scott Orchard, Mar 2023
Britt Rosen, Mar 2023
Deby, Feb 2023
Todd Atwell, Feb 2023
Roger Pyle, Feb 2023
Nancy Parker, Feb 2023
AZ, Feb 2023
Trent, Jan 2023
Lois Paskow, Dec 2022
Karen Brooks, Dec 2022
Michael Sharp, Dec 2022
lily hartati, Dec 2022
Khai, Nov 2022
Omega, Nov 2022
Bowen, Nov 2022
Peter Bongiovanni, Nov 2022

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.

jama masjid 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 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.

Monsoon Season in Delhi

Delhi’s monsoon season begins in June and ends in September. During this time, the temperatures start to drop while humidity levels increase gradually. June and July are still hot with an average temperature of 36 °C (97°F). By August and September, the temperature decreases to 33°C (91°F).

Rainfall is quite heavy during this season, reaching its highest in August at an average of 250 mm (9.8 inches) of rain over 8 days. Sunshine averages at 8 hours per day and humidity rises to around 70% which may feel uncomfortable to people from dryer climates.

The monsoon season is part of the low season for tourism. Because of this, booking hotels and flights will be easier and more affordable during this period. You will also not have to deal with crowds at the city's main attractions.

If you would like to travel to Delhi during the monsoon season, Asia Highlights can arrange your outdoor sightseeing so that you can avoid the rain. We will also book private air-conditioned cars to make sure your travels are comfortable and efficient.

During your stay, we will book heritage hotels for you so that you can relax and enjoy their facilities such as swimming pools and fitness centers in your free time.

Recommended Itinerary

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.

Holi powder 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.

Diwali Light 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 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.                                                           

Rashtrapati Bhavan 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.

Red Fort 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.

Recommended Tours

Visit India with Asia Highlights

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.

Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)

  • Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
  • Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.

Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

We are here to help you...
Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create My Trip
4.9 ExcellentTrustPilot rating TrustPilot Logo

The Asia Highlights Experience

1-to-1 Expert Planning

1-to-1 Expert Planning

Your tour will be tailor-made to suit you by a destination expert. Your personal travel advisor will always reply within 24 hours.

Personal Journeys

Personal Journeys

Enjoy having your own personal local guide and ride. Explore destinations at your own pace. Have as much flexibility as possible.

Authentic Experiences

Authentic Experiences

Go beyond the sightseeing. Understand the destinations by practicing the local culture and interacting with local people.

One-Stop Service

One-Stop Service

Leave all the booking work to us, including international and internal transportation, visas, hotels, meals, and activities.

About Us
At Asia Highlights, we are committed to providing you a premium, quality private tour, whether it's a milestone trip, family trip, or bucketlist trip — your planning will be made easy with just one specialist throughout. Know more ...
Rated 4.9 out of 5 | Excellent
China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Corporate Number: 914503003486045699
Featured on
Medias