Weather in Patna

Find out what weather awaits you in Patna. In this section, you will find up-to-date reports, forecasts, and useful weather charts to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Patna, located in India, can be characterised as subtropical with a distinct monsoon influence. Throughout the year, there is a significant shift in weather conditions, including a hot summer, a wet rainy season, and a mild, dry winter. Tourists should take these seasonal fluctuations into account when planning a trip.

The hottest period falls in April, May, and June. Average daytime temperatures during these months regularly rise above 30-32°C, and maximums can reach 37°C. April is characterised by an almost complete absence of precipitation (0 mm). Starting in May, after a dry April, the amount of precipitation begins to increase (2 mm, 7 rainy days), heralding the approach of the monsoon season. In June, the heat persists, but the amount of rainfall (6 mm) and the number of rainy days (14) increase noticeably. From July to September, the monsoon season settles in Patna. During this period, the greatest amount of precipitation falls, about 8-10 mm per month, and it rains very frequently – up to 25-27 days a month, creating high humidity. The winter months, from December to February, conversely offer comfortable weather with average temperatures around 16-19°C and minimal precipitation, making them a popular time for visits. Transitional months, such as March, October, and November, are also characterised by warm weather: in March, rainfall is still scarce (1 mm), in October it decreases to 2 mm, and November is practically dry (0 mm).

The climate in Patna is characterised by significant seasonal temperature variations. The hottest period is usually the pre-monsoon season, with peak temperatures in April, May, and June. During these months, the average maximum temperature often rises above 36-37°C, and the daily average temperature fluctuates around 30-32°C. June stands out as the hottest month with an average temperature of 32.2°C. Conversely, the coldest months are December and January. In January, the average temperature drops to 16.1°C, with the average minimum around 10.7°C, and the daytime maximum barely reaching 21.4°C.

The summer season in Patna, spanning the months from April to September, can be divided into two phases. April and May bring intense heat, when daytime temperatures can be very high, while nights remain warm (average minimum 23.5-25.8°C). With the arrival of the monsoon, usually in June and intensifying in July and August, temperatures drop slightly, but the high humidity caused by frequent rainfall (up to 25-27 rainy days per month) creates a feeling of stifling heat. Average maximum temperatures in July-August hold steady at 32-33°C.

Winter in Patna, from November to February, is quite mild and comfortable. November marks the transition to the cool season with an average temperature of 22.8°C. December and January are the coolest, with morning temperatures dropping to 10-12°C and daytime temperatures rising to 21-24°C. February brings gradual warming. A characteristic feature of Patna, especially in the dry winter and spring months (November-April), is noticeable daily temperature fluctuations, where the difference between the daytime maximum and nighttime minimum can reach 10-13°C. During the monsoon period (July-September), these fluctuations smooth out due to high cloud cover and humidity.

The city of Patna experiences distinct seasonality in rainfall, with a clear division into wet and dry periods. The bulk of the annual rainfall occurs during the summer monsoon months, while the rest of the year remains predominantly dry.

The rainy season in Patna usually lasts from June to September. The peak falls on July and August: during these months, about 10 mm of rain falls, and the number of rainy days reaches 25-27 per month. The nature of the rain during this peak period is typically frequent but very light, possibly drizzling rain, considering the distribution of a small total volume over a large number of days. June (6 mm, 14 rainy days) and September (8 mm, 24 rainy days) are also wet. May (2 mm, 7 rainy days) and October (2 mm, 6 rainy days) can be considered transitional months, when rainfall and rainy days begin to increase before the monsoon or decrease after it.

The dry season covers the period from November to April. The driest months are November, December, January, and April, when rainfall tends towards zero. In November, there are no rainy days at all (0 days), in December – 1 day, in January – 2 days, and in April – 3 rainy days. In February (1 mm, 3 rainy days) and March (1 mm, 2 rainy days), a negligible amount of rain also falls. Overall, during this period, rains are rare and insignificant.

When planning a trip to Patna, it is important to consider its climatic features so that your luggage is as functional as possible. For most of the year, from March to October, hot weather prevails in the city, with peak temperatures in April, May, and June, when the thermometer can rise to 36-37°C. During this period, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget a hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, characterised by high humidity and frequent, though not always heavy, rainfall (up to 27 rainy days per month). Therefore, a light umbrella or raincoat will become indispensable companions.

From November to February, cooler and drier weather settles in Patna. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, averaging from 21°C to 28°C, however, nights and early mornings can be quite cool, with minimum temperatures dropping to 10-13°C, especially in January and December. At this time of year, the principle of layering is recommended: t-shirts or light shirts for the day and a sweater, fleece jacket, or light coat for evening walks. Since precipitation is minimal during this period, the main focus should be on warm clothing for the cool times of the day.

Regardless of the season, for exploring Patna you will need comfortable walking shoes, as you will surely want to see the local sights. It is also worth taking a small first aid kit with basic medications, insect repellent, especially if your trip falls during the wet season, and a portable charger for gadgets. A power adapter may also come in handy.