The Best Time to Visit Kolkata, India

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When is the Best Time to Visit Kolkata?

• Kolkata Hotel & Neighborhood Map

Visiting Kolkata between November to mid-March offers the best conditions. This dry season coincides with cooler temperatures ranging from 12°C to 29°C. It is also the peak travel season, so reserving accommodations and transportation tickets ahead of time is advisable to avoid issues.

• Most Suitable Time for Sightseeing: Like numerous Indian cities, the extreme heat and heavy rains represent 2 vital factors when planning travel. It is hot year-round but more tolerable from December to February and surprisingly cooler at night. Discomfort from heat and humidity increases between late March and May as the monsoon builds, which occurs from June to September. Moisture and heat linger in October, so the finest months for attractions are November through mid-March.
• Best Time for Weather: The dry season lasts from November through mid-May, but during April and May, temperatures and humidity rise to uncomfortable levels. The heat persists throughout the rainy period from June to September, when flooding is rampant and cyclones are not uncommon. The finest weather can be found between November and mid-March.
• Best Time for Honeymoons: While Kolkata may not be the most intimate destination for newlyweds, November through mid-April allow couples to enjoy private time together without enduring extreme heat or rain. Temperatures remain moderate during this period.
• Best Time for Nightlife: The hippest pubs and clubs are along fashionable Park Street and the best time to enjoy them is during the dry months of November to April.
• Best Time for Savings: May through October. While Kolkata does not see huge numbers of visitors, hotel costs will still be lower during the hotter and rainier months. Avoid major festivals like Diwali.

Kolkata Travel Seasons

• High Season (November through February and around Durga Puja in mid-autumn): During the colder weeks, pleasant climate persists daily without becoming too damp or sultry as in other months. Temperatures can surprisingly fall rapidly after nightfall sometimes achieving degrees as low as 12°C on average. Kolkata does not attract large numbers of sightseers, so hotel fees tend to increase less throughout Christmas/New Year compared to destinations with heavier tourism. Nevertheless, streets fill beyond typical fullness and crowds swell considerably over the 5 day major festival of Durga Puja in September/October (explained later).
• Shoulder Season (March to mid-May): The brief period after the dry winter and before the monsoon commences. Temperatures rise to a yearly-high average of 36°C and still an uncomfortable 25°C overnight. Humidity is extremely high but at least it doesn`t rain very much (yet).
• Low Season (mid-May to October): This is when the monsoon has impacted the city, pounding the streets with rain that quickly causes flooding. Every year or so, cyclones pass through, which local authorities have limited ability to handle. The heat and rain may persist deep into October.

Kolkata Weather by Month

• Kolkata Weather in January: The dry season is now in full effect, making it an excellent time to visit. It`s the second-driest month after December and average daily temperatures are a comfortable 26°C while overnight it`s 12°C, when locals bundle up in multiple layers of wool. Local markets showcase fruits and vegetables at their freshest and most flavorful.
• Kolkata Weather in February: Triple the rain of the previous month, but still in the dry season with insufficient downpours affecting travel. Pleasant average high of 29°C during the day and still a coolish 16°C at night.
• Kolkata Weather in March: Some rain but nothing as severe as the following few months. Temperatures (and humidity) start to rise quickly and noticeably to the equal second-highest of the year: 34°C. Overnight, average temperatures have dramatically increased by 5 degrees.
• Kolkata Climate in April: End of the dry phase with just a handful of precipitation events. Daytime/nighttime average temperatures rise to highs around 36°C/24°C. Additional showers later in the month, but no monsoon or cyclones foreseen yet. Even locals may now be noticeably suffering from the unpleasant level of moisture in the air.
• Kolkata Weather in May: Onset of the rainy season later in the month: temperatures are high and humidity oppressive. By now, be alert for cyclones. In May 2019, Cyclone Fani necessitated evacuation of roughly 1 million people from the city and nearby coastline.
• Weather conditions in Kolkata during June: The monsoon season is in full swing, so expect heavy rainfall for extended periods. This is exacerbated by the second-highest average overnight temperatures of 26°C. Roads become waterlogged quickly and remain so, even near upscale hotels, and travel plans may be impacted. Stay alert for possible cyclones.
• Kolkata Weather in July: Slightly less rain (total of 303mm) than August, but still unpleasantly hot and humid at 33°C/25°C on average during the day and night. Getting around is difficult because of flooded roads and no umbrella will be sufficient.
• Weather in Kolkata During August: The highest rainfall of the year, usually including cyclones. While temperatures remain consistent, humidity decreases slightly during the peak of monsoon season.
• Kolkata Weather in September: Still quite hot and sticky similar to August, but with a slight decrease in rainfall (239mm) signaling the approaching dry season. By now, flooding has likely spread extensively throughout many parts of the city and locals are thoroughly tired of the rain.
• In October in Kolkata, a slight drop occurs in average daytime and overnight temperatures to 32°C/23°C, but most noticeable is the significant fall in average rainfall to 110m. Rain may linger deep into this month, while temperatures, especially overnight, start dropping.
• Kolkata Weather in November: Tourists may find some relief as the average temperature drops a few degrees to 30°C during the day, but overnight, it is a far more comfortable 19°C (which locals regard as downright cold). As the wet season has finished, average rainfall drops dramatically and won’t affect travel plans.
• Kolkata Weather in December: The dry and relatively cooler season is well underway. Second-lowest average daytime temperatures of the year (still a balmy 27°C) and a surprisingly chilly 13°C overnight. Virtually no rainfall.

Kolkata Holidays, Events, and Festivals by Months

India has the world’s second-largest population of Muslims (following Indonesia). Dates for these 4 major festivals vary annually as per the Islamic calendar. Each is a public holiday when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.

• Eid-al-Fitr – The conclusion of Ramadan is celebrated with up to three days of feasts, music, and dance at mosques and in people`s homes.
• Eid Mulid-un-Nabi (Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday) – Celebrated with spiritual services and processions.
• Muharram/Ashura – Commencement of the Islamic New Year.
• Eid al-Adha/Zuha (Bakr-Id) – Commemorates Ibrahim`s willingness to sacrifice his son. Mainly goats are ritually slaughtered and shared with family, friends, and those in need.

Kolkata in January

• New Year’s Day (1st) – Celebrated by friends and family. Generally some shows around the city.
• Lohri (13th) – Traditional harvest festival dedicated to fire and the Sun God and celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. Public holiday so some government offices and tourist attractions may close. “Til rice” or sweet rice mixed with jaggery and sesame seeds is the traditional dish of the festival.
• Makara Sankranthi (14th or 15th) – Similar to Lohri but celebrated more in western India and Varanasi, marking the end of winter with widespread kite flying.
• Republic Day (26th) – Commemorates India adopting its constitution on January 26, 1950. Huge processions in Delhi, less formal displays elsewhere. National holiday when government buildings and many tourist spots close.
• The Dover Lane Music Conference – A major annual celebration of traditional Indian music attracting renowned artists from across the country. It takes place over several days at multiple locations, usually in late January.
• International Kolkata Book Fair (dates may vary, late January to early February) – Asia`s largest book exhibition is held across twelve days. Over six hundred stalls and many local and globally renowned writers attend.
• Saraswati Puja (date varies, January/February) – Major Hindu festival dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of Wisdom. Many locals, especially students and creative professionals, dress in yellow and make offerings. Over time it has taken on aspects resembling Valentine`s Day. (Celebrated as Vasant Panchami in other parts of India.)
• Chinese New Year (date varies, January/February) – Celebrated energetically by the Chinese minority for around a week in old Chinatown (now home to more Muslims than Chinese).

Kolkata in February

• (Maha) Shivaratri (variable, February/March) – Day of fasting dedicated to Lord Shiva, with ceremonies at temples. Public holiday, when some government workplaces and tourist attractions may close.
• Holi (variable, February/March) – Vibrant commemoration of the start of spring. Nearly everyone – including surprised foreigners – gets splashed with colored water and/or powder. The local version is distinct and called Dol Purnima.
• Annual photography festival held in Kolkata (late February to early March) – One week when amateurs and professionals meet, learn, and capture photos.

Kolkata in March

• Chaitra Navratri (variable, September/October) – The start of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. The 9th night is celebrated as Rama Navami.
• Rama Navami (variable, March/April) – This commemorates Lord Rama’s birth. 9 days incorporate music, dance, fasting, feasting, and recitation of the Ramayana (epic tale). One day is a public holiday potentially closing most government facilities and some tourist attractions.
• Mahavir Jayanti (date varies, March/April) – Celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, Jainism`s most revered teacher. Colorful rituals at temples and offerings to those in need. Public holiday, when some government workplaces and attractions may shut down.
• Easter (changeable, March/April) – Celebrated by the Christian minority. A few businesses may close on Good Friday.

Kolkata in April

• Vaisakhi (usually 13th or 14th) – Another festival related to the onset of spring, as well as the start of the New Year according to the Sikh calendar. Abundant music, dancing, wrestling, and wearing of traditional costumes.
• Ambedkar Jayanti/Bhim Jayanti (14th) – Honors the birth of late Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, a leading historical figure. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close.
• Poila Baisakh/Bengali New Year – On or around mid-April homes are decorated and people visit family and friends to celebrate. The city also hosts cultural programs during this time.

Kolkata in May

• Vesak/Buddha Purnima (changeable, April/May) – Solemn festivals are held at temples marking the birth and death of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. This is a public holiday, when some government offices and tourist attractions may close for the observance.

Kolkata in July

• Raksha Bandhan/Rakhi (dates vary, July/August) – A Hindu celebration emphasizing familial bonds, especially between siblings. Commonly called Brother-Sister Day, sisters tie colorful bracelets (Rakhis) on brothers’ wrists who give gifts in return.

Kolkata in August

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• Parsi New Year (August 17th) – Celebrated by followers of the ancient Zoroastrian religion.
• Janmashtami (changeable, August/September) – This important Hindu festival honors the birth of Lord Krishna through rituals like fasting and decorating public places with ornamentation. It is a public holiday when government and tourist sites may have restricted hours.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (changeable, August/September) – Celebrations last up to 10 days honoring the birth of the highly esteemed elephant-headed God, Ganesha.

Kolkata in September

• Navaratri (variable, September/October) – Nine days devoted to passionately celebrating the battle of Goddess Durga over a demon, or Lord Rama over Ravana. Some observe with traditional dancing, others by fasting. In Kolkata, with fireworks, colorful processions, and cultural occasions. The 9th day is Dussehra.
• The Durga Puja/Dussehra (changeable, September/October) – Ten days devoted to passionately celebrating the victory of Durga over Mahisasura, and the general triumph of good over evil. It begins on the same day as Navratri. Temples and homes are illuminated, fairs and stalls operate all night, and streets become hopelessly crowded with traffic and devotees. It is a national public holiday, when most government entities and some tourist attractions close.

Kolkata in October

• Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti (2nd) – Sombre event commemorating the birth anniversary of the nation`s founding father, Mahatma Gandhi. National holiday when all government offices and many attractions close.
• Lakshmi Puja (changeable, October/November) – Around the full moon after Durga Puja, with 5 days honoring the important Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Lakshmi.
• Kali Puja (changeable, October/November) – Celebrated on the same day as Lakshmi Puja. Lord Shiva’s partner, Goddess Kali is honored through nighttime prayers.
• Karaka Chaturthi/Karva Chauth (changeable, October/November) – Paying homage to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, this occasion fosters kinship and togetherness. Fasting by married women and unique rituals also intend prosperous and healthy lives for their spouses.
• Diwali (variable dates, October/November) – A major celebration of light involving candles and fireworks. It is observed by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs, so travel is busy during this period. One day is designated a public holiday when some government offices and attractions may have limited operations.

Kolkata in November

• Kolkata International Film Festival (mid-November) – India’s largest cinema event brings in films and actors from across the country as well as other places for approximately 8 days.
• Jazzfest Calcutta (changeable, November/December) – Three days of toe-tapping music performed and enjoyed by aficionados. Other styles featured include blues and more contemporary forms.

Kolkata in December

• Christmas Day (25th) – Celebrated by all Christians and most visitors. Public holiday, when some government offices and tourist spots may close. Most interesting along the westernized shopping district of Park Street. Called Boro Din by Bengalis, the day is observed in a conventional and distinctive way.
• New Year’s Eve (31st) – Celebrated by many Indians as well as all tourists, though perhaps not as boisterously as in parts of the Western world.