Kerala

Due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea, Kerala experiences both hot and humid climate throughout the year. Kerala is blessed with a pleasant and equable temperature throughout the year and receives rainfall more than any other state in India due to its closeness to the equator. There are 4 distinct seasons that can be observed all over Kerala.

Summer - Which usually extends from March to May with temperature hovers around 39.4 degree centigrade. The summer season can be identified with relatively higher temperature, low rainfall, slightly humid weather and erratic rains accompanied by lightening and thunder. Compared to other states in India, Kerala remains cool and pleasant during summer season due to the presence of Western Ghats on the east which prevents the dry northern winds from entering the state and the Arabian Sea for the cool breeze that blows towards the land providing it with a moderate temperature.

South-west Monsoons - The main rainy season is during the South West Monsoon, which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. During the rainy season Kerala receives torrential rain with average annual rainfall of 2250 - 2500 mm. Owing to its geographical location on the windward side of the Western Ghats, Kerala is the first state to be hit by the monsoon winds that receives copious rainfall during this season. The slopes of the Western Ghats are among the places in India which receives the highest amount of rain.

North-East Monsoons - The North East Monsoon brings fair amount of rain during the second half of October through November sometimes lasts till December, also known as Retreating Monsoons or the Reverse monsoons. During this time, there are heavy but short-lived downpours almost daily usually in the afternoon and the dark clouds play hide and seek with the sun all day long. The average annual rainfall is usually 450 - 500 mm.

Winter season - From December through January temperature remains around 14 degree centigrade with very occasional chilly bite, the best time to visit Kerala or Kozhikode. In the Highlands, the climate is cool throughout the year, winter temperatures often fall below 10°C.

Climate chart of Kerala (temperature ° C)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec   Max. Temperature 30 31 32 34 34 30 29 29 30 30 30 31   Min. Temperature 22 23 24 25 25 24 23 23 23 23 23 22   Avg. days with rainfall 1 1 3 7 10 17 14 9 8 12 9 4

Kerala has virtually become an all season destination due to its equable climate year around. Winter and summer season are considered to be the best time to visit God’s own country, Kerala. Monsoon is the best time for those who are in love with rainy season and for all kinds of Ayurvedic treatments, which Kerala is famous for World over.

Kolkata

Kolkata is located on the great gangetic delta. Its climate is very much influenced by the sea. Kolkata has a very tropical savanna type of climate. Kolkata is dominated by 3 seasons – summer, monsoon, and winter. The summer is hot and humid and continues from April to June. Summer is dominated by strong south-westerly monsoon winds. Monsoon arrives in mid June and stays up to September. Winter is the most pleasant time in Kolkata. Winter lasts for 3 months-December, January, and February.

The temperature in summers can reach to a maximum of 41 ° C. Early morning mists are common in winter. During the winter months the temperature drops to about 9.6 'C providing a pleasant weather to enjoy. Maximum rainfall occurs during the monsoon in August (306 mm) and the average annual total is 1,582 mm (WMO, 1971).

Some fast facts about the weather & climate of Kolkata:
Winter temperature: 12-27° C
Summer temperature: 24-39° C
Annual rainfall: around 160 cm
Humidity level is relatively high in summers
Best season to visit Kolkata is between October and March.