Climate of Delhi

New Delhi
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D     15   21 6     14   24 8     9.3   30 14     6.1   37 20     19   41 24     54   40 28     241   35 26     284   33 25     119   34 23     17   33 18     6.4   28 12     8.6   23 7 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation totals in mm Source: IMD
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D     0.6   70 43     0.6   75 47     0.4   86 56     0.2   99 68     0.7   105 76     2.1   104 82     9.5   95 79     11   92 78     4.7   93 74     0.7   92 65     0.3   83 53     0.3   73 45 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation totals in inches

The climate of Delhi is a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Koppen climate classification Cwa) with high variation between summer and winter temperatures and precipitation. Delhi's version of a humid subtropical climate is markedly different from many other humid subtropical cities such as Sao Paulo, Tokyo and Brisbane in that the city features dust storms (something more commonly seen in a desert climate), has relatively dry winters and has a prolonged spell of very hot weather. Summers start in early April and peak in May, with average temperatures near 32^oC (90^oF), although occasional heat waves can result in highs close to 45^oC (114^oF) on some days. The monsoon starts in late June and lasts until mid-September, with about 797.3 mm (31.5 inches)^[1] of rain. The average temperatures are around 29^oC (85^oF), although they can vary from around 25^oC (78^oF) on rainy days to 32^oC (90^oF) during dry spells. The monsoons recede in late September, and the post-monsoon season continues till late October, with average temperatures sliding from 29^oC (85^oF) to 21^oC (71^oF).

Winter starts in November and peaks in January, with average temperatures around 12-13^oC (54-55^oF). Although winters are generally mild, Delhi's proximity to the Himalayas results in cold waves. Delhi is notorious for its heavy fog during the winter season. In December, reduced visibility leads to disruption of road, air and rail traffic^[2]. They end in early February, and are followed by a short spring till the onset of the summer.

Extreme temperatures have ranged from −0.6 °C (30.9 °F) to 47 °C (116.6 °F).^[3]

Climate data for Delhi
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	21.1 (70.0)	24.2 (75.6)	30.0 (86.0)	36.2 (97.2)	39.6 (103.3)	39.3 (102.7)	35.1 (95.2)	33.3 (91.9)	33.9 (93.0)	32.9 (91.2)	28.3 (82.9)	23.0 (73.4)	31.4
Average low °C (°F)	7.3 (45.1)	10.1 (50.2)	15.4 (59.7)	21.5 (70.7)	25.9 (78.6)	28.3 (82.9)	26.6 (79.9)	25.9 (78.6)	24.4 (75.9)	19.5 (67.1)	12.8 (55.0)	8.2 (46.8)	18.8
Rainfall mm (inches)	20.3 (0.799)	15.0 (0.591)	15.8 (0.622)	6.7 (0.264)	17.5 (0.689)	54.9 (2.161)	231.5 (9.114)	258.7 (10.185)	127.8 (5.031)	36.3 (1.429)	5.0 (0.197)	7.8 (0.307)	797.3 (31.39)
Avg. rainy days	1.7	1.3	1.2	0.9	1.4	3.6	10.0	11.3	5.4	1.6	0.1	0.6	39.1
Sunshine hours	213.9	217.5	238.7	261.0	263.5	198.0	167.4	176.7	219.0	269.7	246.0	217.0	2,688.4
Source no. 1: WMO [4]
Source no. 2: HKO (sun only, 1971–1990) [5]

Notes

1. ^ "Climatological Table". Indian Meteorological Department. http://www.imd.gov.in/section/climate/newdelhi1.htm. Retrieved 2009-05-13. 
2. ^ "Fog continues to disrupt flights, trains". The Hindu. 2006-01-07. http://www.hindu.com/2005/01/07/stories/2005010719480300.htm. Retrieved 2006-05-16. 
3. ^ "At 0.2 degrees Celsius, Delhi gets its coldest day". Hindustan Times. 2006-01-08. http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1593200,000600010001.htm. Retrieved 2006-04-29. 
4. ^ "World Weather Information Service - New Delhi". World Meteorological Organisation. http://worldweather.wmo.int/066/c00224.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-04. 
5. ^ "Climatological Normals of New Delhi, India". Hong Kong Observatory. http://www.weather.gov.hk/wxinfo/climat/world/eng/asia/india/new_delhi_e.htm. Retrieved 2011-05-04.