Weather in Sylhet

Planning your day in Sylhet or just interested in the weather? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Sylhet, located in Bangladesh, is characterized as tropical monsoon. This means the city experiences high temperatures throughout most of the year and has distinct wet and dry seasons. Average annual temperatures range from pleasant in the winter months to hot and humid during the summer period.

Three main seasons can be distinguished in Sylhet. From November to February is the relatively cool and dry season, when average temperatures stay in the 17-20°C range, and rainfall is minimal. From March to May, the temperature gradually rises, reaching 26-27°C, and the transition to the rainy season begins. The true monsoon season covers the period from June to October. During this time, it is very hot and humid in Sylhet, average temperatures are 27-28°C, and significant rainfall occurs, especially in June, July, and August, when there can be up to 30 rainy days per month.

Thus, when planning a trip to Sylhet, tourists should expect predominantly warm or hot weather. The most comfortable time to visit, in terms of rainfall and temperature, is the period from November to February. From April to October, one should be prepared for frequent and heavy rains, high humidity, and consistently high temperatures.

Sylhet experiences a distinct tropical monsoon climate with noticeable temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The coldest month is usually January, when the average temperature is about 17.7°C, with night lows dropping on average to 11.9°C, and day highs reaching a comfortable 23.6°C. Conversely, the peak heat falls on the period from June to September. July, August, and September are the hottest months with an average temperature of 28.3°C. During these months, daily highs often exceed 30-31°C, and nights remain very warm.

The summer period in Sylhet, which lasts roughly from April to October, is characterized by hot and humid weather. Average daytime temperatures in the height of summer (June-September) consistently stay around 30-31°C, and nighttime temperatures rarely drop below 25°C. This creates a sensation of constant heat. The difference between day and night temperatures in the summer months is relatively small, which, combined with high humidity (especially from May to September, judging by the number of rainy days), makes the weather quite sultry and muggy.

Winter in Sylhet, covering December, January, and February, brings significant relief from the summer heat. This season is distinguished by mild and pleasant weather. During the day, the air temperature usually ranges from 23°C to 26°C, creating comfortable conditions for walks and outdoor activities. Nights become noticeably cooler, especially in January, when the thermometer can drop to 11-14°C. In the winter months, a more substantial difference between day and night temperatures is observed compared to summer, which is typical for the drier season.

The climate of Sylhet is characterized by distinct rainfall seasonality, which is typical for regions with monsoon influence. The year here is clearly divided into a prolonged wet season, when it rains very frequently, and a shorter, significantly drier period. Understanding these climatic features will help you better plan your trip to Bangladesh.

The rainy season in Sylhet usually gains strength starting in April, when the number of rainy days noticeably increases, and reaches its peak from May to September. During these months, precipitation becomes a very frequent occurrence. June stands out as the month with the highest average rainfall, reaching 28 mm, with rain falling on approximately 29 days. In July and August, the maximum number of rainy days is observed – precipitation is recorded almost daily, up to 30 days in each of these months, although the total monthly rainfall (23 mm and 22 mm respectively) is slightly lower than in June. The nature of rainfall during this period consists of frequent, but judging by the average monthly volumes, not always heavy rains, evenly distributed throughout these months.

The dry season in Sylhet falls on the period from November to February. During this time, the amount of precipitation drops sharply, creating comfortable conditions for visiting. January is the driest month, when there is practically no rainfall (average 0 mm), and the number of rainy days is minimal – only about two. December and February are also characterized by very low rainfall (about 1 mm each) and a small number of days with rain, usually no more than 2-4 per month. Clear and dry weather prevails during these months.

When preparing for a trip to Sylhet, remember its distinct monsoon climate. The driest and coolest season lasts from November to February. In November, the average daytime temperature is about +23°C, and from December to February, it stays in the comfortable range of +18°C...+20°C. However, evenings and early mornings can be quite fresh, with temperatures dropping to +12°C...+14°C. Therefore, your luggage should include light trousers, T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, as well as a light jacket or sweater. Rainfall in these months is rare, but sunscreen will still not be amiss.

From March, gradual warming begins in Sylhet, and from April to October, the rainy season sets in, peaking from May to September. During these months, downpours occur almost daily, and air humidity rises significantly. Average temperatures during this period usually range from +26°C to +28.5°C. Your main ally will be light, "breathable," and quick-drying clothing. Don't forget a reliable umbrella, a high-quality raincoat, and water-resistant shoes or sandals. Insect repellent will also be very useful, as insects are especially active during the wet season.

Regardless of the season, for exploring Sylhet and its surroundings, you will need comfortable walking shoes. A hat and sunglasses will protect you from the active sun, which can be intense even on cloudy days. Given the high humidity, especially during the monsoon period, prefer clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. The principle of layering clothing will help you easily adapt to changes in temperature and humidity throughout the day.