Kolkata experiences a tropical climate, with wet and dry seasons. Kolkata arguably has three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures soaring as high as 104ºF (40ºC) during the months of May and June. The summer months are often punctuated with dusty squalls, followed by hail or thunderstorms, bringing slight relief from the humidity and heat. Winters are short, lasting only about two to three months, with temperatures dropping to 54°F (9°C) during the day between December and January. There are occasional showers in winter but the wet season is brought by the monsoon between June and September, when the city receives a lot of rain. Visiting during the monsoon season is not recommended.The best time to visit Kolkata is in the cooler months between October and April. February is probably the best month of all from a weather perspective. Kolkata has a problem with pollution and there is regularly haze and smog in the city reducing visibility. In winter the mornings are often hazy and misty, but there is usually sunshine in the afternoons.
