Climate Insights for Varanasi
Sadar, Uttar Pradesh, India
Climate Overview
The climate in Varanasi is hot. The average annual temperature is 26°C and approximately 1,109 mm of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 337 mm 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.The climate in Varanasi is hot. The average annual temperature is 79°F and approximately 43.7 in of precipitation falls per year. July is the wettest month, receiving around 13.3 in 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 51°F.
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.Temperatures in Varanasi vary considerably across the year, with a 51°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. May is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 102°F and an average of 91°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 51°F and an average of 60°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 19°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between March and April, with a 11°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Varanasi is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 1,109 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 92 mm per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 337 mm of rainfall. August and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 2 mm. That's 335 mm 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.Varanasi is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 43.7 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 3.6 in per month. The wettest month is July, averaging 13.3 in of rainfall. August and September also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is November, with just 0.1 in. That's 13.2 in 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.Varanasi is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 5mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 6mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 4mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 2mph gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to pick up during the summer months. The seasonal averages are 5mph in winter, 6mph in spring, 6mph in summer, 4mph in autumn.
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 7 mm 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.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 65°F with modest rainfall averaging 0.3 in per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 102°F. 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.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 Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.