Weather in Kanpur

Planning a trip or simply interested in the weather in Kanpur? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in Kanpur, India, is characterised as subtropical monsoon, with distinct seasons and significant fluctuations in temperatures and rainfall throughout the year. The city experiences a very hot summer, followed by a wet monsoon season, and finally, a mild and dry winter sets in, which is considered the most comfortable time to visit.

The summer period, preceding the monsoons, typically lasts from March to early June. During this time, the air temperature rises steadily, reaching peak values in April and May, when the average maximum temperature can rise to 38-39°C, and there is practically no precipitation. The monsoon season arrives in late June and continues until September, bringing frequent, though usually not heavy, rains and high humidity. July and August are the wettest months, with the highest amount of precipitation (up to 10 mm) and rainy days (up to 26 per month), which slightly mitigates the daytime heat, although nights remain warm and humid.

After the monsoons end, from October, more comfortable weather settles in Kanpur. October and November are characterised as warm and dry months, with average maximum temperatures around 27-32°C. Real winter arrives in December and lasts through February, offering the coolest and most pleasant conditions for a visit: average daytime highs fluctuate in the range of 20-25°C, while nights can be fresh, with minimum temperatures around 9-12°C. This autumn-winter period, from October to February, is the most favourable time to visit Kanpur thanks to the dry, sunny, and moderately warm or cool weather.

Kanpur, located in India, is characterised by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The hottest months are usually May and June, when the average temperature reaches 32.5-33.2°C, and maximum values can rise to 39.0°C in May. Conversely, the coldest months are considered to be January and December, with an average temperature of around 14.7°C and 16.5°C respectively, and minimum night-time temperatures dropping to 8.8°C in January. Thus, the annual temperature range in Kanpur is quite wide, offering diverse climatic conditions for visitors.

The summer period in Kanpur generally begins in April and continues until June, bringing intense heat. Dry heat prevails in April and May, when daytime temperatures often rise above 37°C, reaching a peak in May with maximum values around 39.0°C. With the onset of June, the heat persists (average temperature 33.2°C) but begins to be accompanied by increased humidity due to the approaching monsoon season. In July and August, despite some decrease in average temperatures to 29-30°C, the weather feels very humid and stifling due to frequent rains. In the hot months, especially in April and May, the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures can be substantial, amounting to around 13-15°C.

Winter in Kanpur, covering the period from December to February, offers much more comfortable temperature conditions. Days are usually mild and sunny, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 20.5°C in January to 25.2°C in February. Nights become cool, especially in January, when the temperature can drop on average to 8.8°C. In the winter months, noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations are observed: the difference between the daytime maximum and night-time minimum is approximately 11-13°C. This makes mornings and evenings quite fresh, while the daytime remains pleasant for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Kanpur observes a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city experiences a long dry season and a shorter, but intense rainy season.

The dry season in Kanpur lasts approximately from October to May. During these months, the amount of precipitation is minimal. For instance, in April, November, and December, there is practically no rainfall on average (0 mm), and the number of rainy days is only 1-3. In January, February, March, and May, about 1 mm of precipitation falls, with rainy days numbering from 3 to 4. This indicates very rare and insignificant rainfall during this period.

The rainy season, or monsoon period, falls on the months from June to September. July and August are the wettest months: July sees an average of 10 mm of precipitation with 24 rainy days, and August sees 9 mm of precipitation and as many as 26 rainy days. This means that it rains very frequently during these months. In June, rainfall amounts to 3 mm with 10 rainy days, and in September – 6 mm with 18 rainy days, which also indicates regular precipitation. Snow is uncharacteristic for Kanpur, given the high temperatures throughout the year.

When planning a trip to Kanpur, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the distinct seasonal weather changes. In general, light and breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, will be appropriate for most of the year. Do not forget comfortable walking shoes, as you will surely want to explore the city on foot. Sunscreen and headwear will also come in handy, especially during the hot months.

From March to June, hot weather settles in Kanpur, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, and reaching 39°C in April and May. During this period, choose the lightest and loosest clothing in light colours. From July to September, the monsoon season arrives, characterised by high humidity and frequent, though not always heavy, rainfall (peaking in July-August with 24-26 rainy days). Take an umbrella or a light raincoat with you, as well as clothes that dry quickly. Insect repellent may also be useful.

From October to February, the weather becomes cooler and more comfortable. Daytime temperatures in October-November are still warm (around 27-32°C), but by December-January drop to 20-22°C, while night-time temperatures can reach 8-10°C. At this time, the principle of layering is recommended: light sweaters, cardigans, or a jacket that can be taken off during the day and put on during the cool evening. Precipitation during this period is minimal, so the main focus should be on thermal comfort.