Traveling from the United States to the bustling city of Kolkata, India is an exciting adventure, especially if you know what kind of weather to expect.
For those wondering how Kolkata’s climate measures up to locations back home, there are a few U.S. cities with similar weather patterns. This can help prepare for the experience and make packing much easier.
Kolkata experiences hot and humid weather, with temperatures often reaching the mid-80s in February.
In summer, the temperatures rise even further, sometimes hitting the high 90s.
Places like Miami, Florida, share this warm and humid climate, making it a comparable city for travelers familiar with the Southeast U.S.
Additionally, cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, also exhibit similar weather patterns.
With high humidity and significant rainfall, these cities provide a context of what to expect when visiting Kolkata. This knowledge can turn a good trip into a great one, ensuring travelers are well-prepared for the weather.
Climatic Characteristics of Kolkata
Kolkata features a tropical savanna climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and a significant monsoon season. The temperature here varies throughout the year, with distinct wet and dry periods.
Temperature and Humidity Levels
Kolkata’s temperature often ranges from 59°F to 86°F throughout the year.
In the summer, temperatures can reach the low 100s, particularly in June and July.
Winter months, such as January, offer more moderate temperatures, often dipping to around 60°F at night.
Humidity levels are generally high, making the summers feel even hotter.
Humidity can reach nearly 100% during the monsoon season, which exacerbates the warm temperatures.
Although humidity decreases slightly during the winter, it remains relatively high year-round, contributing to a consistent, sultry atmosphere.
Precipitation and Monsoon Influence
Kolkata experiences significant precipitation, especially during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September.
During these months, the city can receive heavy rainfall, contributing to an annual average of about 60 inches.
The monsoon winds impact Kolkata’s weather patterns profoundly.
Aside from bringing torrential rains, monsoons also lead to extensive cloud cover and frequent thunderstorms.
Rainfall tapers off significantly after September, leading to drier and relatively cooler months from October to May.
This distinct seasonality makes planning travel and daily activities heavily dependent on these climatic patterns.
U.S. Locations with Kolkata-like Climates
Some locations in the Southeast United States share similar climate characteristics with Kolkata, India, especially regarding temperature, humidity, and rainfall patterns.
Southeastern United States
The Southeastern United States, particularly coastal areas, has climates that resemble Kolkata’s humid subtropical conditions.
Cities like Miami and New Orleans experience high humidity and warm temperatures for most of the year.
For instance, Miami’s average summer temperatures range from 77°F to 91°F, reflecting Kolkata’s own summer temperatures of 79°F to 95°F.
Both regions also face monsoon-like rainfall during certain periods.
Miami receives about 58 inches of rain annually, spread across intense summer months.
Similarly, Kolkata’s rainy season contributes to its annual 62 inches of precipitation.
The humidity levels in these cities are comparable, often exceeding 70%, creating a familiar humid environment for visitors from Kolkata.
Comparative Analysis of Climatic Data
Although both regions share a similar overall climate, slight variations exist in the temperature and rain patterns.
Kolkata experiences more intense heat during peak summer days compared to cities in the Southeastern United States.
New Orleans, for example, has average summer highs of 91°F, slightly lower than Kolkata’s extremes.
Comparing average precipitation, New Orleans gets nearly 64 inches yearly, which aligns closely with Kolkata’s levels.
When examining humidity, both locations show year-round high levels, often reaching above 75%.
This high humidity contributes significantly to the perceived warmth and overall feel of the climate.
Insights on regional climatic similarities can be found in articles.