03 March, 2010

Kolkata: Climate

Climate


Kolkata lies in the tropic zone and hence the climate in Kolkata is also tropical. Tropical regions are the areas of the Earth where the sun reaches a point directly overhead at least once a year. During summer season the climate becomes very hot and humid. The city’s annual mean temperature is 26.8 °C and monthly mean temperatures varies from 19 °C to 30 °C. The maximum temperature of the city during summer (April-June) exceeds 40°C while minimum temperature during winter (December and January) reaches 12°C. The highest temperature recorded is 43°C and the lowest is 5°C.


The city experiences the southern monsoon between June and September during which heavy rains lash the city. This is the season when the city gets most of its annual rainfall. Kolkata is among the most polluted cities of the world with high level of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in the atmosphere creating a major health hazard.

The best time to visit the city is between September and March. During this period the skies are clear and the climatic condition is favorable for the tourists.

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