Climate Overview
The climate in Varanasi is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1109mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 337mm of rainfall. Varanasi is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: May, April, June. The coldest months are January, December, February, when temperatures can drop to 11°C.
Temperature
Temperatures in Varanasi vary considerably across the year, with a 28°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. May is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 39°C and an average of 33°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 11°C and an average of 15°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 10°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between March and April, with a 6°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Varanasi is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1109mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 92mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 337mm of rainfall. August and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 2mm. That's 335mm less than July, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Varanasi is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 8km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 10km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 6km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 4km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 8km/h in winter, 9km/h in spring, 10km/h in summer, 7km/h in autumn.
Seasons
7 days until Autumn
It is currently summer in Varanasi, which began on June 21, 2026. Varanasi is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in May at around 39°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 11°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 (7 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from 19 to 39°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 50mm over the season and a monthly average of 17mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 9km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season. It is a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 27 to 38°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 757mm across the season with a monthly average of 252mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 10km/h. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 16 to 33°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 276mm for the season, averaging 92mm per month. Winds are generally light, averaging 7km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 11 to 27°C. Precipitation is minimal, with only around 26mm for the entire season. Winds are generally light, averaging 8km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Varanasi is during January, February, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 7mm per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 39°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Varanasi based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
