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What type of climate does Kolkata have?
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Kolkata
Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata, India.
Kolkata features a tropical wet-dry climate, which is characterized by a seasonal monsoon regime. The city remains warm throughout the year, with average high temperatures fluctuating from approximately 80 °F (27 °C) during the winter months of December and January to nearly 100 °F (38 °C) in April and May.12
The year is generally divided into three distinct seasons:
- Hot and dry season (March to early June): Characterized by sultry days and frequent thunderstorms.1
- Hot and wet season (mid-June to September): This period experiences the bulk of the city's average annual rainfall of about 64 inches (1,625 mm), driven by southwest monsoon winds. These months are typically very humid.12
- Cool season (October to February): This period is generally pleasant and dry, though visibility can occasionally be reduced by morning fog or evening smog.12
While the monsoon winds provide a natural cleansing effect for the air, the city has faced significant challenges with atmospheric and water pollution due to industrial and vehicular activity.2