India has multiple climate zones rather than a single national weather pattern. The country is commonly described as dominated by a **tropical monsoon** system, but it also includes **alpine**, **humid subtropical**, **semi-arid**, **arid desert**, and **tropical wet and dry** climates. Under the Köppen system, several classifications apply across the country, including **Aw**, **Am**, **BSh**, **BWh**, **Cwa**, **Cfa**, **D**-type mountain climates, and **ET** in the highest Himalayan areas.
## Seasonal pattern - **Winter:** Roughly December to February; cool to mild in much of the country, cold in northern plains and very cold in mountain regions. - **Pre-monsoon summer:** Roughly March to May; often very hot, especially in inland northern and central India. - **Southwest monsoon:** Usually June to September; the main rainy season for most of India. - **Post-monsoon / retreating monsoon:** October to November; important especially in parts of southeastern India.
## Temperature - Northern plains often see winter lows in the single digits °C and summer highs above **40°C**. - Desert areas can become extremely hot in late spring and early summer. - Coastal cities are generally moderated by the sea but can be hot and humid. - Himalayan states experience cool to freezing conditions depending on elevation.
## Rainfall - Rainfall varies dramatically. - Western Rajasthan is arid. - The western coast, northeastern hills, and parts of the Himalayan foothills can receive very heavy seasonal rain. - Areas such as **Mawsynram** and **Cherrapunji** in Meghalaya are famous for exceptionally high rainfall.
## Snowfall and hazards - Regular snowfall occurs in higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan regions. - Major weather-related risks include **floods**, **cyclones**, **heatwaves**, **droughts**, **landslides**, and occasional **cold waves** in the north.
## Best time to visit - **October to March** is often considered the most comfortable broad travel window for much of India. - Himalayan trekking seasons and coastal best times vary by region. - Monsoon travel can be rewarding but may involve transport disruption and heavy rain.