India in August: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for August
Average temperature across India in August.
City Weather in August
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | 30° | 25° | 485 mm | very high | Hot |
| Delhi | 34° | 26° | 241 mm | very high | Hot |
| Bengaluru | 28° | 20° | 116 mm | extreme | Mild |
| Hyderabad | 30° | 22° | 178 mm | very high | Warm |
| Ahmedabad | 32° | 25° | 248 mm | very high | Hot |
| Chennai | 35° | 26° | 134 mm | extreme | Hot |
| Kolkata | 32° | 26° | 343 mm | very high | Hot |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northwest & Thar Desert (Rajasthan, parts of Gujarat)
September is the transitional month when monsoon retreats north and west; parts of Rajasthan get scattered heavy showers that refresh gardens and temporarily cool cities like Jodhpur. The later the month, the more consistently dry and pleasant the weather becomes, making it a good time for desert treks and heritage tours before peak winter crowds. Expect dusty mornings early in the month and clearer skies by late September.
Indo‑Gangetic Plains & North Indian Cities (Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow)
September is the easing phase as monsoon withdraws northwards; the rain becomes patchy and days warm up again but with less intensity than pre-monsoon heat. This is a favorable month for photography - the air clears and river levels remain high enough to show flowing water at Varanasi’s ghats. Temperatures are comfortable for full-day tours, though sudden showers are still possible early in the month.
Western Ghats & Southwest Coast (Kerala, Goa, Konkan, coastal Karnataka, Mumbai)
November brings clear skies, cooling breezes and excellent visibility across the coast and Ghats; this is the second prime season for beach-goers and for wildlife safaris in places like Silent Valley and Bandipur. Tourist infrastructure is fully functioning after monsoon repairs, and boat services in the backwaters are reliable. Pack light layers for evenings and expect higher rates and more crowds in established resorts.
Deccan Plateau & Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, interior Karnataka, interior Maharashtra)
September sees the monsoon weakening and patchy showers continuing early in the month; by late September the Deccan is mostly dry and the countryside looks refreshed. This is a very good month for visiting archaeological sites and for wildlife photography as animals become active in the cooler, drier parts of the day. Expect improving road conditions and easier access to remote areas.
Eastern Coast & Bay of Bengal (Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Odisha coast)
September is when the southwest monsoon withdraws from much of the eastern coast, though the Bay still spawns showers; areas around Kolkata become drier by late September. The coast’s humidity begins to drop and beaches clear out after the monsoon, improving conditions for travel and sightseeing. This month offers a balance of greener landscapes and more stable weather before the northeast monsoon.
Himalayan Foothills & Hill Stations (Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Mussoorie, Darjeeling, Sikkim)
September sees the monsoon retreat and a rapid improvement in weather, offering clear skies and excellent views of the higher peaks; this is a top month for trekking in many mid-elevation routes and for photography. The air clears of monsoon haze, and tourism ramps up again for autumn treks. Expect cooler nights and sunshine during the day - a very comfortable window for mountain travel.
Trans‑Himalayan & Ladakh (Leh, Nubra, Pangong, Zanskar)
September offers clear skies and cooler nights, producing excellent visibility of the Trans‑Himalayan ranges - a favorite month for photography and high-altitude routes as crowds thin slightly. Trails remain accessible and the high passes seldom close yet; early autumn colors can appear in sheltered alpine meadows. Prepare for chilly evenings and early frost at higher campsites.