Surat, situated on the banks of the Tapti River in Gujarat, features a Tropical Savanna Climate (Aw/As). This results in distinct seasonal shifts—ranging from bone-dry summers with searing heat to intense, humidity-laden monsoons and mild, breezy winters. Its proximity to the Arabian Sea plays a crucial role in regulating nighttime temperatures, though it also makes the city a target for rare but significant tropical cyclones.
The Daily Rhythm
Surat’s weather follows a predictable daily cycle influenced by the coastal breeze.
- Morning: In winter, mornings are crisp and cool, often starting around 15°C to 18°C (59°F–64°F). In summer, the heat begins to build immediately after sunrise.
- Afternoon: This is the peak for heat and humidity. During the pre-monsoon months (April–May), the "feels like" temperature often exceeds 40°C (104°F) due to high humidity.
- Evening & Night: The sea breeze generally sets in during the late evening, providing a much-needed cooling effect. In the dry season, the diurnal temperature range is high, with nights being significantly cooler than the days.
Seasonal Trends
The Hot Season (March to June)
Summertime in Surat is intense. Temperatures steadily climb through March, peaking in May. Daytime highs frequently touch 38°C (100.4°F) and occasionally reach as high as 44°C (111°F). The air is thick with humidity from the nearby Gulf of Khambhat, making the heat feel heavy and oppressive.
The Monsoon Season (Mid-June to September)
Surat receives approximately 1,200mm (47 inches) of rain annually, with the vast majority falling during these four months. July is the wettest month, often seeing rain for 20 or more days.
- Phenomena: Monsoon clouds provide relief from the direct sun, but the humidity remains near 80–90%. Heavy downpours can occasionally lead to flooding of the Tapti River, a historical challenge for the city.
The Post-Monsoon Transition (October to November)
As the rains retreat, there is a secondary heat peak. Highs return to the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F), but the humidity begins to drop, leading to clearer skies and the transition toward winter.
The Winter Season (December to February)
Widely considered the best time to experience the city, winter is mild and dry.
- Atmosphere: Skies are consistently clear and the air is much less muggy.
- Cold Spells: While average lows are around 15°C (59°F), occasional air masses from the north can cause temperatures to dip as low as 8°C (46°F) for short periods.
Local Adaptations & Experiences
Locals have lived in rhythm with the Tapti River for centuries. In the summer, life slows down significantly between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, with businesses often buzzing late into the night when the air is cooler. During the monsoon, the arrival of the "Pehli Baarish" (first rain) is a major cultural event, though residents remain vigilant about river levels during high-intensity years.
Regional Weather Variations
- Coastal vs. Inland: The Dumas beach area and southwestern suburbs closer to the coast are typically 2°C to 3°C cooler during the day than the dense urban core (the Old City), which acts as a heat island.
- Air Quality: During the drier winter months, Surat can experience stagnant air patterns, leading to moderate to poor air quality levels due to industrial activity and a lack of dispersing winds.
Critical Weather Phenomena
- Cyclones: Surat is within the path of tropical cyclones emerging from the Arabian Sea. These are most common in the pre-monsoon (May–June) and post-monsoon (October–November) windows.
- Humidity Fluctuations: In May, the combination of high temperature and sea-salt-heavy humidity results in a "miserable" comfort index where the air feels saturated, unlike the dry heat found further north in Ahmedabad.