Geography of Hyderabad, India - Climate

Climate

Hyderabad has a unique combination of a tropical wet and dry climate that borders on a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen climate classification BSh).

The climate of Hyderabad remains fairly warm through most parts of the year and does not receive much rainfall in the monsoon. With the onset of winters in North and central parts of India, temperatures marginally come down in the months of December and January and the nights become quite cool in and around the Hyderabad city. During the summer months, the mercury goes as high as 42°C while in winters the minimum temperature may come down to as low as 12°C. June to November are the months of monsoons, accompanied by rains. During the Monsoons also the temperature goes down at times. Thus, for most parts of the year the weather and climate of Hyderabad remains fairly moderate and you can visit the Hyderabad city anytime in the year but the best season to visit Hyderabad is between October–February.

Hot steppe type climate prevails over Hyderabad. Telangana district in which Hyderabad is situated is the hottest part of the State during summer and coldest in winter. The mean daily temperature varies from 30°C to 36°C from April to June and from 20°C to 24°C in the months of December and January.

The mean maximum temperature ranges between 39°C and 43°C in May. After the withdrawal of the monsoon, the maximum temperature rises slightly due to increased insulation.

The mean minimum temperature is 13°C to 17°C in December and January, but it rises to 26°C to 29°C in May. The minimum temperature falls rapidly after October, and less than 10°C was recorded on individual days.

The climate is pleasant from November to February. The summer months of April and May are uncomfortable due to oppressive heat. The period from July to September is warm, humid and uncomfortable.

Rainfall

More than 75 per cent of the rainfall is received during the south-west monsoon season, i.e., from June to September, July being the month when it rains. September is the month, when there are rains. The south-west monsoon sets in by the 7th of June. Its advent is sudden and the rainfall increases from less than 5 per cent (of the annual) in May to 15 per cent in June.

Humidity

Humidity during the monsoon season is very high exceeding 75% from July to September. In the dry months of March, April and May, humidity is comparatively low with an average of 25 to 30%.

Cloudiness

June to October is the period when more than half of the sky is covered with clouds, while only about 1/4 of the sky is clouded from January to March. Half of the days in July and August have overcast skies. About 10 to 13 days in the months of January, February and March, the skies are free from clouds in clear weather.

Recent Temperature Increases

According to India Meteorological Department, the summer months of April & May 2009 recorded the warmest temperatures since 1901, with mean maximum temperatures hovering frequently at around 42°C with maximum temperature touching 45°C.