An Overview of India's October Climate
October 2026 sees the formal end of the southwest monsoon, which concluded with a rainfall deficit, particularly in southern and eastern India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that rainfall for October is likely to be below normal
for most of the country. However, a shift is underway. While most regions will experience warmer than average temperatures, northwest India might see normal to above-normal rainfall. For the southern peninsula, the story is different as it awaits the northeast monsoon, which is expected to arrive in the third week of October and bring normal rainfall to the rain-starved region. This sets the stage for a month of diverse and changing weather patterns across the nation's major hubs.
Delhi: Welcoming Pleasant Days and Cool Nights
For Delhi, October is one of the most pleasant months of the year. With the southwest monsoon having withdrawn by late September, the city will experience a significant drop in humidity and minimal rainfall. Expect clear, sunny days with maximum temperatures hovering in the low to mid-30s Celsius. The most noticeable change will be the cooler nights, with minimum temperatures dipping into the low 20s and even high teens towards the end of the month, offering a welcome respite from the long summer. Overall, it’s a dry, warm, and comfortable month, perfect for outdoor activities as winter begins to make its presence felt.
Mumbai: Lingering Humidity with Drier Skies
Mumbai will transition from monsoon to post-monsoon weather in October. The month begins with the final retreat of the heavy rains, although some lingering humidity and warmth will persist. Daytime temperatures are expected to be high, often reaching into the mid-30s Celsius, creating a classic 'October heat' scenario. Rainfall will decrease sharply as the month progresses, with mostly sunny and dry days becoming the norm. While the intense downpours of the monsoon are over, the air remains humid, and nights will stay warm, generally in the mid-to-high 20s. Prepare for hot days, but with the promise of much drier conditions compared to previous months.
Kolkata: The Last of the Rains
Kolkata in October will see the tail end of the monsoon season. The month starts with a chance of showers and thunderstorms, a final flourish from the retreating monsoon. Humidity will remain high during the first half of the month, coupled with warm daytime temperatures in the low 30s. As October moves forward, rainfall will become less frequent, giving way to more comfortable and clearer weather. Nights will also start to become more pleasant, though they will remain relatively warm. The festive season, including Durga Puja, often coincides with this period of improving weather, as the city dries out and temperatures begin to moderate.
Chennai: Gearing Up for the Northeast Monsoon
October is a pivotal month for Chennai as it marks the transition to its primary rainy season, the northeast monsoon. The first half of the month may be hot and relatively dry as the city waits for the seasonal wind patterns to shift. The IMD predicts the northeast monsoon will set in around the third week of October, bringing much-needed rain. For the month, rainfall may be normal to above-normal for Chennai, with temperatures staying slightly above average. Once the monsoon arrives, expect cloudy skies, increased humidity, and frequent spells of rain, particularly in the latter part of the month. Daytime temperatures will hover in the low 30s, with warm nights.
Bengaluru: A Mix of Showers and Pleasant Weather
Bengaluru's weather in October remains characteristically pleasant, though it is influenced by both the retreating southwest monsoon and the incoming northeast monsoon. The city can expect a mix of sunny days and scattered thunderstorms, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Temperatures will be moderate, with highs generally staying below 30°C and comfortable overnight lows around 20°C. After a deficient southwest monsoon, the region is hoping for normal rainfall during the October-December period. This means residents should keep an umbrella handy for occasional downpours while enjoying the city's famously mild climate.
