Travel time: Year-round
Karnataka’s climate is a study in geographical contrast, defined by its position on the southwestern coast of India and the dramatic rise of the Western Ghats. The state transitions from a humid tropical coast to a temperate mountain range and finally into a semi-arid interior plateau. Because of this elevation and ocean proximity, weather in Karnataka is less about a single state-wide average and more about which of its three distinct zones you are in.
Widely considered the most pleasant time to explore, winter in Karnataka is characterized by clear blue skies and low humidity. On the Deccan Plateau (including Bengaluru and Mysuru), early mornings can be brisk, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 18°C (59°F–64°F), warming to a comfortable 28°C (82°F) by midday. In the Northern Maidan (districts like Bidar or Kalaburagi), nights can feel even sharper, occasionally dropping to 10°C (50°F).
As spring arrives, heat quickly builds across the interior. While the coastal belt remains humid but relatively stable in temperature, the northern plains witness scorching conditions, with mercury often crossing 40°C (104°F). A unique phenomenon during this time is the "Mango Showers" or "Cherry Blossom" rains—brief, heavy afternoon thunderstorms in April and May that provide fleeting relief from the heat and are essential for the state’s coffee and mango crops.
The monsoon is the dominant climatic event of the year, bringing nearly 80% of the state's annual rainfall. It strikes the Karavali (Coast) with immense force, where places like Agumbe—often called the "Cherrapunji of the South"—receive thousands of millimeters of rain. In the Malenadu (Western Ghats), the weather is perpetually misty, cool, and damp. However, as the winds cross the mountains, they lose moisture, leaving the eastern Bayalu Seeme (Plains) in a rain shadow; here, rain is much lighter and intermittent.
As the monsoon winds reverse, the southern and eastern parts of the state receive another round of showers, particularly in October. This season brings a second "spring" feel, as the landscape remains lush and green from the rains, but the oppressive humidity begins to lift, leading into the cool winter months.
Historically, Karnataka’s agriculture and culture have revolved around the monsoon cycle. Locals in the coastal regions adapt by timing daily activities around the heavy afternoon downpours of July. In the interior, the architecture often features high ceilings and thick stone walls to mitigate the summer heat. While the state has seen record highs of 45.6°C (114°F) in Raichur and lows near 2.8°C (37°F) in the north, travelers typically experience a moderate version of these extremes.
Beyond the numbers, Karnataka’s weather is defined by its intermittent breeze. On the plateau, even on a sunny day, the dry wind makes the heat feel manageable. On the coast, the weather is "sticky," and the sun feels intense due to the reflection off the Arabian Sea. In the mountains, the dampness is the defining trait; it’s a “heavy” cold that makes the air feel thick and invigoratingly fresh.