Climate of India
Geography • Class 9 Social Science • NCERT • CBSE
India has a tropical monsoon type of climate. The four seasons are: Winter (December–February), Summer/Pre-monsoon (March–May), Rainy/Southwest monsoon (June–September), and Retreating monsoon (October–November). The monsoon is the most significant feature of Indian climate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the four seasons of India and when do they occur?
- Four seasons: (1) Winter (December–February): cold, dry; western disturbances bring rain to northwest. (2) Summer (March–May): very hot; loo winds; pre-monsoon storms (mango showers, Kalbaisakhi). (3) Southwest Monsoon (June–September): main rainy season; brings 75-90% of annual rainfall. (4) Retreating Monsoon (October–November): northeast monsoon brings rain to Tamil Nadu coast.
- Why does Mawsynram receive the highest rainfall in India?
- Mawsynram (Meghalaya) receives the highest annual rainfall (~11,000mm) because: (1) It lies in the Khasi Hills which funnel moisture-laden Bay of Bengal winds. (2) The bowl-shaped topography concentrates rainfall. (3) Moist air rises rapidly over the steep hills, cools, and condenses as heavy rain. Cherrapunji (also Meghalaya) is a close second.
- How does the Himalayan barrier influence India's climate?
- The Himalayas influence India's climate in three ways: (1) Prevents cold Central Asian winds from entering India — so north India is not as cold as other areas at similar latitudes. (2) Forces the moisture-laden southwest monsoon winds to rise and cool — causing heavy rainfall on the southern slopes and Indo-Gangetic Plains. (3) Stores water as glaciers and snow — feeds perennial rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra year-round.
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