Karnataka has a highly varied climate because of its size, elevation changes, and the barrier effect of the Western Ghats. Broadly, the state includes **tropical monsoon**, **tropical savanna**, and **semi-arid** conditions, with localized highland climates in the Ghats. Köppen classifications commonly found across the state include **Am**, **Aw**, and **BSh**, with some upland areas bordering milder subtropical highland conditions.
### Seasonal pattern - **Summer:** Usually March to May. Interior districts can become very hot, while elevated and coastal areas are moderated somewhat by altitude or sea influence. - **Southwest monsoon:** June to September. Western Karnataka, especially the Ghats and coast, receives very heavy rainfall. - **Post-monsoon / retreating monsoon:** October to November. Some southern and southeastern areas receive additional rain. - **Winter:** December to February. Generally mild to warm, with cooler nights on the plateau and in hill districts.
### Typical climate contrasts | Region | General temperature pattern | Rainfall pattern | |---|---|---| | Coast (Mangaluru, Udupi, Uttara Kannada) | Warm and humid year-round | Very heavy monsoon rainfall | | Western Ghats / Malnad | Mild to warm, cooler at elevation | Some of the heaviest rainfall in India | | Southern plateau (Bengaluru, Mysuru) | Moderate to warm; relatively pleasant winters | Moderate rainfall | | Northern interior | Hot summers; warm winters | Lower and more variable rainfall |
### Weather notes - **Average temperatures:** Depend strongly on region. Bengaluru is notably milder than many Indian cities because of elevation, while northern districts can experience much higher summer heat. - **Rainfall:** Exceptionally high in the Western Ghats and coastal belt; much lower in interior districts, especially in rain-shadow zones. - **Snowfall:** None under normal conditions. - **Humidity:** High on the coast, lower inland except during monsoon periods. - **Natural hazards:** Flooding and landslides can affect the coast and Ghats during heavy monsoons; drought and water stress are recurring concerns in parts of interior Karnataka. - **Best time to visit:** Often November to February for general travel, though hill and coastal travel preferences vary by purpose.
For exact monthly city-by-city averages, official meteorological data should be consulted, as conditions vary substantially across the state.
