Climates of India

Overview

Climate is the average weather of a place over many years. India has a monsoon type of climate, but different regions experience very different conditions. From the cold Himalayas to the hot Thar Desert and the rainy north-east, India shows great climatic diversity, mainly because of its size, location and physical features.

Key points

• India has four main seasons: winter, summer, monsoon (rainy) and post-monsoon (retreating monsoon).
• The monsoon winds bring most of India's rainfall between June and September.
• Factors affecting climate: latitude, altitude, distance from the sea and relief (mountains).
• Mawsynram and Cherrapunji in Meghalaya receive the highest rainfall in the world.
• The Thar Desert is very dry, while coastal areas are warm and humid.

Important terms / dates

• Climate - average weather over a long period.
• Monsoon - seasonal reversal of winds bringing rain.
• Latitude - distance north or south of the Equator.
• June to September - the south-west monsoon season.

Important questions

1. What type of climate does India have?
2. Name the four seasons of India.
3. List the factors that affect India's climate.
4. Why do coastal areas have a moderate climate?

Quick revision

India has a monsoon climate with four seasons. Latitude, altitude, distance from the sea and relief create wide variations. The south-west monsoon (June to September) brings most of the rainfall on which Indian farming depends.