Weather in Ranchi

Planning your day in Ranchi? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and visual charts.

The climate in Ranchi, India, is characterized as subtropical, with distinct seasons. Overall, the city offers warm weather throughout most of the year, with notable fluctuations in temperature and rainfall depending on the season.

The year can be roughly divided into three main seasons. From March to May is the hot and dry summer period, when air temperatures can rise above 35°C, especially in April and May. Then, from June to September, the monsoon season arrives, bringing abundant rainfall and increased humidity, while temperatures drop slightly but remain warm, averaging around 26-29°C. The highest number of rainy days falls in July and August. From October to February, a cooler and drier winter season sets in, with pleasant daytime temperatures around 16-25°C and minimal rainfall, especially in November.

Thus, travellers should expect hot weather from spring until early autumn and significant rainfall during the summer months. Winter months, conversely, offer more moderate and dry conditions, which may be more comfortable for certain types of activities.

The climate in Ranchi is characterized by distinct seasonal temperature changes. The annual temperature range is quite wide: from cool winter nights to hot summer days. The hottest months are traditionally April and May. In May, the average temperature reaches 29.7°C, with the average maximum temperature rising to 35.6°C, and the minimum night-time temperature being around 23.8°C. April is also very hot, with an average temperature of 28.4°C and maximum values up to 35.3°C. The coldest months in Ranchi are January and December. In January, the average temperature drops to 15.9°C, the average minimum night-time temperature is 9.8°C, and the daytime maximum hovers around the 22.0°C mark. December figures are very similar.

The summer period in Ranchi, covering the months from March to June, is characterized by a gradual increase in heat, peaking in April-May. Daytime temperatures during these months are often high, creating a feeling of sweltering heat. With the arrival of the monsoon season, which usually begins in June and lasts through September, temperatures soften slightly, although they remain high. For example, in June the average temperature is 29.3°C, and in July and August – around 26-26.5°C. Maximum daytime temperatures at the height of the monsoon (July-August) fluctuate around 28-29°C. Despite some decrease in peak temperatures, high humidity during this period can make the weather feel quite muggy.

The winter months, from November to February, bring pleasant coolness to Ranchi. November and February are transitional, with average temperatures of 20.1°C and 19.0°C respectively, ensuring comfortable weather. December and January are the coolest, but without severe frosts. Average night-time temperatures during these months drop to 9.8°C - 10.9°C, while during the day the air warms up to a comfortable 22.0°C - 22.3°C. Notable daily temperature fluctuations are characteristic of Ranchi's climate, especially in drier months (e.g., January, April, November). The difference between the daytime maximum and night-time minimum temperature can reach 10-13°C, providing pleasant refreshment after the daytime heat.

In the city of Ranchi, there is a distinct seasonality of precipitation, characteristic of a monsoon climate. The year is clearly divided into dry and wet periods, with most of the annual rainfall occurring within a few months.

The dry season in Ranchi lasts approximately from November to April. During these months, rainfall is minimal. November stands out particularly as the driest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 0 mm and just one rainy day. In January, February, March, April, and December, very little precipitation also falls (about 1 mm per month), and the number of rainy days ranges from 3 to 7. Rains during this period, if they occur, are usually short-lived and not intense.

The rainy season, or monsoon, arrives in Ranchi in June and continues until September, bringing significant moisture with it. The peak of precipitation falls in July and August. August is the wettest month, when an average of 12 mm of precipitation falls, and it rains almost daily (29 rainy days). July is also very wet, with 10 mm of precipitation and 29 rainy days. Significant rainfall is also observed in June and September (6 mm and 8 mm respectively) and a large number of rainy days (19 and 26 days). May and October are transitional months when the amount of precipitation and rainy days begins to increase before the monsoon or decrease after it.

When planning a trip to Ranchi, it is important to consider seasonal weather changes to pack your suitcase correctly. In general, for comfortable movement around the city and sightseeing, you will need comfortable walking shoes. From March to May it is quite hot here, with average maximum temperatures reaching 35-36°C. During this period, pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for protection against the intense sun.

From June to September, the monsoon season arrives in Ranchi, characterized by frequent rains – especially in July and August, when precipitation occurs almost daily. If your trip falls during this time, be sure to take a waterproof jacket or raincoat, as well as an umbrella. Clothing made from quick-drying materials and waterproof shoes or sandals will also be very handy. Humidity is increased during this period, so light clothing remains relevant.

From October to February, the weather in Ranchi becomes cooler and more pleasant, especially in the evenings and mornings, when the minimum temperature can drop to 10-15°C (in December-January). During these months, it is recommended to use the principle of layering in clothing: T-shirts or shirts that can be supplemented with a light sweater, fleece jacket, or coat. During the day it can be sufficiently warm, up to 22-28°C, so the ability to remove the top layer will be useful. Precipitation during this period is minimal, especially in November.