Weather in Chandigarh

The weather in Chandigarh is characterised by distinct seasonality, allowing tourists to plan their journey according to their preferences. The climate here is subtropical: the year is clearly divided into a hot summer, a humid monsoon season, and a mild, pleasant winter.

The best time to visit is considered to be the period from October to March. In winter, it is dry and sunny: in January, the average temperature is around 12°C, although nights can cool down to 7°C. These are ideal conditions for exploring architecture and taking long walks, as rain is a rarity during these months.

A sharp warming trend begins in April. The summer months (May and June) are the hottest of the year. The average temperature rises to 30°C, while daytime maximums often exceed 36°C. Tourists who do not tolerate extreme heat well are advised to plan excursions for the early morning or evening.

From July to September, the monsoons arrive in the region. This is a time of high humidity and frequent rainfall: in July and August, the number of rainy days can reach 26 per month. Despite the rain, air temperatures remain high (around 28–29°C), creating a tropical steam room effect.

Chandigarh is a unique phenomenon on the map of India, often referred to as "The City Beautiful". Unlike many noisy and chaotic metropolises in the country, it welcomes travellers with wide boulevards, an abundance of greenery, and surprising tranquillity. The city holds a special administrative status: being a Union Territory, it simultaneously serves as the capital of two states — Punjab and Haryana.

The history and appearance of the city are inextricably linked with the name of the famous architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh became the first planned city of independent India, embodying bold ideas of modernism and functionality. The urban environment here is organised on a sector principle, where residential quarters harmoniously coexist with park zones, creating a comfortable space for living and tourism.

Among the main attractions, the amazing Rock Garden stands out — a labyrinth of sculptures created from recycled materials and industrial waste. For a peaceful rest, the artificial Sukhna Lake is ideal, where locals and tourists love to go boating and watch the sunsets. The combination of modern architecture, well-maintained gardens, and a high level of safety makes this city a must-visit destination for those wishing to see a "different" India.

The climate in the city of Chandigarh is distinguished by marked seasonality and a significant temperature range throughout the year. The hottest period is traditionally May and June, when average daily maximums reach 36°C, creating intense heat. Conversely, January and December are considered the coldest months: the average temperature drops to 12–13°C, and at night the thermometer can fall to 7°C, making warm clothing a necessary attribute for a trip at this time.

The summer season has its own peculiarities: the beginning of summer (April-May) is characterised by dry and intense heat. With the arrival of July and August, despite remaining high temperatures of around 28–29°C, the weather changes due to high humidity and frequent rainfall. During this period, the heat can be harder to bear due to the sultriness, although the rains bring welcome freshness after the scorching spring sun.

Winter in this region of India is mild, but travellers should take into account noticeable daily temperature fluctuations. The difference between daytime warmth and night-time coolness is especially noticeable in the transitional seasons (March, April, November), when the amplitude can reach 13–15 degrees. October and March are considered the most comfortable for visits, when pleasant warm weather sets in — averaging around 20–24°C, which is perfectly suitable for long walks.

The character of precipitation in the city of Chandigarh has a clearly defined seasonality. Throughout the year, the weather changes from arid periods to months with high humidity, which is directly related to the monsoon climate of this region. Travellers should consider these features when planning a trip to choose the most comfortable time for a visit.

The wettest period falls in the middle and end of summer. The undisputed leaders in terms of precipitation frequency are July and August: during these months, up to 26 rainy days are recorded, making rain an almost daily occurrence. June and September serve as transitional stages when it rains regularly (from 11 to 14 days with precipitation), but not as constantly as during the peak season.

In contrast to summer, autumn and the beginning of winter are the driest times of the year. From October to December, the probability of precipitation is minimal, and statistics show an almost zero level of moisture with only 2 rainy days per month. In January, light winter rains are possible (about 8 days with precipitation), however, spring brings back dry and clear weather, ideally suited for walking.

When packing for Chandigarh, it is important to consider seasonality, as the climate here varies from sweltering summer to cool winter. For a trip during the hot months (April to June) and the humid monsoon season (July-September), the foundation of your wardrobe should be light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton and linen, which allows the body to breathe. Be sure to put a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream in your suitcase, as the sun here is very active. In the rainy season, especially in July and August when precipitation falls frequently, a compact umbrella or raincoat, as well as waterproof footwear, will certainly come in handy.

In winter, from December to February, the weather changes: nights become cold (temperatures can drop to +7°C), although it is still sunny and pleasant during the day. At this time of year, it is best to use the layering principle. Bring warm jumpers, fleece tops, and a mid-season jacket to feel comfortable during evening walks or early in the morning. In spring and autumn, the climate is mildest, so a light windbreaker or cardigan will suffice in case of a fresh breeze.

Regardless of the season, India requires attention to the choice of footwear: for long walks through the famous Rock Garden and other parks, comfortable, proven sneakers or flat sandals are ideal. It is also worth remembering cultural sensitivities: for visiting temples and religious sites, it is better to choose modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. It is also useful to carry a small backpack for water and necessary small items.