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 Page 1


India- Climate 
 
 
 
 India Climate: A Diverse Overview of Climatic Regions and Factors Affecting 
India's Climate 
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geographical features, experiences a wide range of 
climates throughout the country. From tropical regions in the south to temperate 
and alpine climates in the Himalayan north, India showcases a remarkable variety 
of weather conditions. The country's climate is influenced by factors such as the 
Himalayas, the Thar Desert, latitude, altitude, and monsoon winds. Understanding 
India's climatic regions and the factors that shape its climate is crucial for 
comprehending the country's weather patterns and its impact on various aspects 
of life. 
Climatic Regions of India 
India's climatic regions are classified into four main groups based on the Koppen 
climate classification system. These regions are characterized by distinct weather 
patterns, temperatures, and rainfall. 
Page 2


India- Climate 
 
 
 
 India Climate: A Diverse Overview of Climatic Regions and Factors Affecting 
India's Climate 
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geographical features, experiences a wide range of 
climates throughout the country. From tropical regions in the south to temperate 
and alpine climates in the Himalayan north, India showcases a remarkable variety 
of weather conditions. The country's climate is influenced by factors such as the 
Himalayas, the Thar Desert, latitude, altitude, and monsoon winds. Understanding 
India's climatic regions and the factors that shape its climate is crucial for 
comprehending the country's weather patterns and its impact on various aspects 
of life. 
Climatic Regions of India 
India's climatic regions are classified into four main groups based on the Koppen 
climate classification system. These regions are characterized by distinct weather 
patterns, temperatures, and rainfall. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate 
? Tropical Monsoon Climate: This subregion includes the Western Ghats, the 
Malabar Coast, southern Assam, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar 
Islands. It features moderate to high temperatures and heavy rainfall, with 
the months from May to November receiving the most precipitation. This 
climate sustains abundant vegetation throughout the year. 
? Tropical Wet and Dry Climate: This subregion is predominant in the inland 
peninsular area, excluding some parts of the Western Ghats. Summers are 
scorching, and the rainy season extends from June to September. 
Tropical Dry Climate 
The tropical dry climate group encompasses three subdivisions: 
? Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: Karnataka, central Maharashtra, parts 
of Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh experience this climate. Rainfall is 
unreliable, and hot and dry summers prevail from March to May. 
? Sub-Tropical Arid (Desert) Climate: Western Rajasthan witnesses this 
climate, characterized by scanty and erratic rainfall, extreme summers with 
temperatures reaching up to 40°C. 
? Sub-Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: The regions of Punjab, Haryana, 
and Kathiawar fall under this climate. Summers are hot, and rainfall is 
unreliable, occurring mainly during the summer monsoon season. 
Sub-Tropical Humid Climate 
Most of North and Northeast India experience this climate. Summers are 
scorching, and winter temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C. Rainfall mainly 
occurs in summers, but snowfall or occasional rain can be witnessed in some 
areas. May and June are the hottest months, and frost occurs during winter. 
Mountain Climate 
The Himalayas exhibit a wide range of climates, varying from tropical to tundra, 
with temperature dropping by 0.6°C for every 100-meter rise in altitude. The 
trans-Himalayan belt, the northern side of the western Himalayas, is cold, arid, 
Page 3


India- Climate 
 
 
 
 India Climate: A Diverse Overview of Climatic Regions and Factors Affecting 
India's Climate 
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geographical features, experiences a wide range of 
climates throughout the country. From tropical regions in the south to temperate 
and alpine climates in the Himalayan north, India showcases a remarkable variety 
of weather conditions. The country's climate is influenced by factors such as the 
Himalayas, the Thar Desert, latitude, altitude, and monsoon winds. Understanding 
India's climatic regions and the factors that shape its climate is crucial for 
comprehending the country's weather patterns and its impact on various aspects 
of life. 
Climatic Regions of India 
India's climatic regions are classified into four main groups based on the Koppen 
climate classification system. These regions are characterized by distinct weather 
patterns, temperatures, and rainfall. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate 
? Tropical Monsoon Climate: This subregion includes the Western Ghats, the 
Malabar Coast, southern Assam, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar 
Islands. It features moderate to high temperatures and heavy rainfall, with 
the months from May to November receiving the most precipitation. This 
climate sustains abundant vegetation throughout the year. 
? Tropical Wet and Dry Climate: This subregion is predominant in the inland 
peninsular area, excluding some parts of the Western Ghats. Summers are 
scorching, and the rainy season extends from June to September. 
Tropical Dry Climate 
The tropical dry climate group encompasses three subdivisions: 
? Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: Karnataka, central Maharashtra, parts 
of Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh experience this climate. Rainfall is 
unreliable, and hot and dry summers prevail from March to May. 
? Sub-Tropical Arid (Desert) Climate: Western Rajasthan witnesses this 
climate, characterized by scanty and erratic rainfall, extreme summers with 
temperatures reaching up to 40°C. 
? Sub-Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: The regions of Punjab, Haryana, 
and Kathiawar fall under this climate. Summers are hot, and rainfall is 
unreliable, occurring mainly during the summer monsoon season. 
Sub-Tropical Humid Climate 
Most of North and Northeast India experience this climate. Summers are 
scorching, and winter temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C. Rainfall mainly 
occurs in summers, but snowfall or occasional rain can be witnessed in some 
areas. May and June are the hottest months, and frost occurs during winter. 
Mountain Climate 
The Himalayas exhibit a wide range of climates, varying from tropical to tundra, 
with temperature dropping by 0.6°C for every 100-meter rise in altitude. The 
trans-Himalayan belt, the northern side of the western Himalayas, is cold, arid, 
India- Climate 
 
 
and windswept. Heavy rainfall is received on well-exposed slopes, while the 
leeward side experiences less rain. The heaviest snowfall occurs from December 
to February. 
Seasons of India 
India experiences four main seasons, each characterized by distinct temperature 
variations and weather conditions. 
? Winter: Winter generally begins in January and February, though it starts in 
December in some parts of northwestern India. Average temperatures 
range from 10-15°C in the northwest to 20-25°C in the southeast. Some 
regions, such as the western Himalayas, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, receive 
rainfall during this season. 
? Summer/Pre-monsoon/Thunderstorm/Hot Weather: This season lasts 
from March to June, with mean daily temperatures recorded at 30-35°C in 
the interior peninsular regions. Central India experiences maximum 
temperatures exceeding 40°C during the day, while coastal areas have 
moderate temperatures due to the influence of sea breezes. 
Thunderstorms and dust storms are common during this season, providing 
relief from the scorching heat. 
? Monsoon/Rainy Season: The monsoon season is a significant climatic 
feature of India, lasting from June to September. It is characterized by the 
southwest monsoon winds that bring heavy rainfall to most parts of the 
country. The western coast, northeastern states, and the Himalayan 
foothills receive the highest precipitation. The monsoon plays a vital role in 
agriculture and the overall economy of the country. 
? Post-Monsoon/Autumn: The post-monsoon season occurs from October to 
November and is marked by decreasing rainfall and receding monsoon 
winds. Temperatures start to cool down, providing relief from the summer 
heat. Some parts of India, particularly the southern peninsula, experience a 
second, smaller monsoon known as the Northeast monsoon, which brings 
rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and 
Karnataka. 
Page 4


India- Climate 
 
 
 
 India Climate: A Diverse Overview of Climatic Regions and Factors Affecting 
India's Climate 
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geographical features, experiences a wide range of 
climates throughout the country. From tropical regions in the south to temperate 
and alpine climates in the Himalayan north, India showcases a remarkable variety 
of weather conditions. The country's climate is influenced by factors such as the 
Himalayas, the Thar Desert, latitude, altitude, and monsoon winds. Understanding 
India's climatic regions and the factors that shape its climate is crucial for 
comprehending the country's weather patterns and its impact on various aspects 
of life. 
Climatic Regions of India 
India's climatic regions are classified into four main groups based on the Koppen 
climate classification system. These regions are characterized by distinct weather 
patterns, temperatures, and rainfall. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate 
? Tropical Monsoon Climate: This subregion includes the Western Ghats, the 
Malabar Coast, southern Assam, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar 
Islands. It features moderate to high temperatures and heavy rainfall, with 
the months from May to November receiving the most precipitation. This 
climate sustains abundant vegetation throughout the year. 
? Tropical Wet and Dry Climate: This subregion is predominant in the inland 
peninsular area, excluding some parts of the Western Ghats. Summers are 
scorching, and the rainy season extends from June to September. 
Tropical Dry Climate 
The tropical dry climate group encompasses three subdivisions: 
? Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: Karnataka, central Maharashtra, parts 
of Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh experience this climate. Rainfall is 
unreliable, and hot and dry summers prevail from March to May. 
? Sub-Tropical Arid (Desert) Climate: Western Rajasthan witnesses this 
climate, characterized by scanty and erratic rainfall, extreme summers with 
temperatures reaching up to 40°C. 
? Sub-Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: The regions of Punjab, Haryana, 
and Kathiawar fall under this climate. Summers are hot, and rainfall is 
unreliable, occurring mainly during the summer monsoon season. 
Sub-Tropical Humid Climate 
Most of North and Northeast India experience this climate. Summers are 
scorching, and winter temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C. Rainfall mainly 
occurs in summers, but snowfall or occasional rain can be witnessed in some 
areas. May and June are the hottest months, and frost occurs during winter. 
Mountain Climate 
The Himalayas exhibit a wide range of climates, varying from tropical to tundra, 
with temperature dropping by 0.6°C for every 100-meter rise in altitude. The 
trans-Himalayan belt, the northern side of the western Himalayas, is cold, arid, 
India- Climate 
 
 
and windswept. Heavy rainfall is received on well-exposed slopes, while the 
leeward side experiences less rain. The heaviest snowfall occurs from December 
to February. 
Seasons of India 
India experiences four main seasons, each characterized by distinct temperature 
variations and weather conditions. 
? Winter: Winter generally begins in January and February, though it starts in 
December in some parts of northwestern India. Average temperatures 
range from 10-15°C in the northwest to 20-25°C in the southeast. Some 
regions, such as the western Himalayas, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, receive 
rainfall during this season. 
? Summer/Pre-monsoon/Thunderstorm/Hot Weather: This season lasts 
from March to June, with mean daily temperatures recorded at 30-35°C in 
the interior peninsular regions. Central India experiences maximum 
temperatures exceeding 40°C during the day, while coastal areas have 
moderate temperatures due to the influence of sea breezes. 
Thunderstorms and dust storms are common during this season, providing 
relief from the scorching heat. 
? Monsoon/Rainy Season: The monsoon season is a significant climatic 
feature of India, lasting from June to September. It is characterized by the 
southwest monsoon winds that bring heavy rainfall to most parts of the 
country. The western coast, northeastern states, and the Himalayan 
foothills receive the highest precipitation. The monsoon plays a vital role in 
agriculture and the overall economy of the country. 
? Post-Monsoon/Autumn: The post-monsoon season occurs from October to 
November and is marked by decreasing rainfall and receding monsoon 
winds. Temperatures start to cool down, providing relief from the summer 
heat. Some parts of India, particularly the southern peninsula, experience a 
second, smaller monsoon known as the Northeast monsoon, which brings 
rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and 
Karnataka. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Factors Affecting India's Climate 
? Himalayas: The Himalayan mountain range acts as a significant barrier, 
influencing India's climate. It prevents the cold air masses from Central Asia 
from entering northern India, resulting in the subcontinental climate. It also 
contributes to the formation of the southwest and northeast monsoon 
systems, influencing the distribution of rainfall across the country. 
? Thar Desert: Located in the northwestern region of India, the Thar Desert 
influences the climate of the surrounding areas. It creates a rain shadow 
effect, leading to arid and semi-arid conditions in western Rajasthan. The 
desert's hot and dry winds, known as "loo," affect the temperature and 
weather patterns of the adjacent regions. 
? Latitude and Altitude: India's location near the equator gives it a tropical 
climate. The southern parts of the country experience higher temperatures 
and more humidity compared to the northern regions. Altitude also plays a 
significant role, with higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures 
and distinct climatic conditions. The Himalayas, for example, exhibit alpine 
and tundra climates at higher altitudes. 
? Monsoon Winds: The southwest and northeast monsoons are vital for 
India's climate. The southwest monsoon, originating from the Arabian Sea, 
brings the majority of the country's rainfall during the summer season. The 
northeast monsoon, originating from the Bay of Bengal, influences the 
southeastern coast during the post-monsoon period. These monsoonal 
winds are influenced by temperature and pressure gradients, ocean 
currents, and the topography of the region. 
? Ocean Currents: The Indian Ocean and its currents play a role in shaping 
India's climate. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean contribute to the high 
humidity levels in coastal regions. Ocean currents, such as the Indian Ocean 
Dipole and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), have a significant 
impact on the monsoon rainfall patterns and can lead to droughts or excess 
rainfall in different parts of India. 
Page 5


India- Climate 
 
 
 
 India Climate: A Diverse Overview of Climatic Regions and Factors Affecting 
India's Climate 
 
Introduction 
India, known for its diverse geographical features, experiences a wide range of 
climates throughout the country. From tropical regions in the south to temperate 
and alpine climates in the Himalayan north, India showcases a remarkable variety 
of weather conditions. The country's climate is influenced by factors such as the 
Himalayas, the Thar Desert, latitude, altitude, and monsoon winds. Understanding 
India's climatic regions and the factors that shape its climate is crucial for 
comprehending the country's weather patterns and its impact on various aspects 
of life. 
Climatic Regions of India 
India's climatic regions are classified into four main groups based on the Koppen 
climate classification system. These regions are characterized by distinct weather 
patterns, temperatures, and rainfall. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate 
? Tropical Monsoon Climate: This subregion includes the Western Ghats, the 
Malabar Coast, southern Assam, Lakshadweep, and Andaman and Nicobar 
Islands. It features moderate to high temperatures and heavy rainfall, with 
the months from May to November receiving the most precipitation. This 
climate sustains abundant vegetation throughout the year. 
? Tropical Wet and Dry Climate: This subregion is predominant in the inland 
peninsular area, excluding some parts of the Western Ghats. Summers are 
scorching, and the rainy season extends from June to September. 
Tropical Dry Climate 
The tropical dry climate group encompasses three subdivisions: 
? Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: Karnataka, central Maharashtra, parts 
of Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh experience this climate. Rainfall is 
unreliable, and hot and dry summers prevail from March to May. 
? Sub-Tropical Arid (Desert) Climate: Western Rajasthan witnesses this 
climate, characterized by scanty and erratic rainfall, extreme summers with 
temperatures reaching up to 40°C. 
? Sub-Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate: The regions of Punjab, Haryana, 
and Kathiawar fall under this climate. Summers are hot, and rainfall is 
unreliable, occurring mainly during the summer monsoon season. 
Sub-Tropical Humid Climate 
Most of North and Northeast India experience this climate. Summers are 
scorching, and winter temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C. Rainfall mainly 
occurs in summers, but snowfall or occasional rain can be witnessed in some 
areas. May and June are the hottest months, and frost occurs during winter. 
Mountain Climate 
The Himalayas exhibit a wide range of climates, varying from tropical to tundra, 
with temperature dropping by 0.6°C for every 100-meter rise in altitude. The 
trans-Himalayan belt, the northern side of the western Himalayas, is cold, arid, 
India- Climate 
 
 
and windswept. Heavy rainfall is received on well-exposed slopes, while the 
leeward side experiences less rain. The heaviest snowfall occurs from December 
to February. 
Seasons of India 
India experiences four main seasons, each characterized by distinct temperature 
variations and weather conditions. 
? Winter: Winter generally begins in January and February, though it starts in 
December in some parts of northwestern India. Average temperatures 
range from 10-15°C in the northwest to 20-25°C in the southeast. Some 
regions, such as the western Himalayas, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, receive 
rainfall during this season. 
? Summer/Pre-monsoon/Thunderstorm/Hot Weather: This season lasts 
from March to June, with mean daily temperatures recorded at 30-35°C in 
the interior peninsular regions. Central India experiences maximum 
temperatures exceeding 40°C during the day, while coastal areas have 
moderate temperatures due to the influence of sea breezes. 
Thunderstorms and dust storms are common during this season, providing 
relief from the scorching heat. 
? Monsoon/Rainy Season: The monsoon season is a significant climatic 
feature of India, lasting from June to September. It is characterized by the 
southwest monsoon winds that bring heavy rainfall to most parts of the 
country. The western coast, northeastern states, and the Himalayan 
foothills receive the highest precipitation. The monsoon plays a vital role in 
agriculture and the overall economy of the country. 
? Post-Monsoon/Autumn: The post-monsoon season occurs from October to 
November and is marked by decreasing rainfall and receding monsoon 
winds. Temperatures start to cool down, providing relief from the summer 
heat. Some parts of India, particularly the southern peninsula, experience a 
second, smaller monsoon known as the Northeast monsoon, which brings 
rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and 
Karnataka. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Factors Affecting India's Climate 
? Himalayas: The Himalayan mountain range acts as a significant barrier, 
influencing India's climate. It prevents the cold air masses from Central Asia 
from entering northern India, resulting in the subcontinental climate. It also 
contributes to the formation of the southwest and northeast monsoon 
systems, influencing the distribution of rainfall across the country. 
? Thar Desert: Located in the northwestern region of India, the Thar Desert 
influences the climate of the surrounding areas. It creates a rain shadow 
effect, leading to arid and semi-arid conditions in western Rajasthan. The 
desert's hot and dry winds, known as "loo," affect the temperature and 
weather patterns of the adjacent regions. 
? Latitude and Altitude: India's location near the equator gives it a tropical 
climate. The southern parts of the country experience higher temperatures 
and more humidity compared to the northern regions. Altitude also plays a 
significant role, with higher elevations experiencing cooler temperatures 
and distinct climatic conditions. The Himalayas, for example, exhibit alpine 
and tundra climates at higher altitudes. 
? Monsoon Winds: The southwest and northeast monsoons are vital for 
India's climate. The southwest monsoon, originating from the Arabian Sea, 
brings the majority of the country's rainfall during the summer season. The 
northeast monsoon, originating from the Bay of Bengal, influences the 
southeastern coast during the post-monsoon period. These monsoonal 
winds are influenced by temperature and pressure gradients, ocean 
currents, and the topography of the region. 
? Ocean Currents: The Indian Ocean and its currents play a role in shaping 
India's climate. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean contribute to the high 
humidity levels in coastal regions. Ocean currents, such as the Indian Ocean 
Dipole and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), have a significant 
impact on the monsoon rainfall patterns and can lead to droughts or excess 
rainfall in different parts of India. 
India- Climate 
 
 
Conclusion 
India's climate is diverse and influenced by various factors, including geographical 
features, monsoon winds, ocean currents, and altitude. The country experiences a 
range of climates, from tropical to alpine, and four distinct seasons. 
Understanding these climatic regions and factors is essential for predicting 
weather patterns, planning agriculture, and addressing the challenges posed by 
climate change in India.