Travel time: Year-round
Mysore (Mysuru) possesses a tropical savanna climate, characterized by a unique balance of warmth and moderation. Located at an altitude of approximately 763 meters (2,500 feet) above sea level, the city avoids the extreme humid heat of the coastal regions and the biting cold of northern India, offering one of the most stable and pleasant climates in the country.
A typical day in Mysore follows a predictable and comfortable rhythm. Mornings usually start crisp and cool, particularly between November and February, when a light mist often blankets the city’s green spaces. As the sun rises, temperatures climb steadily, peaking in the mid-afternoon. However, even in the height of summer, the low humidity and steady breezes prevent the air from feeling stifling. Evenings are the hallmark of Mysore's climate; as soon as the sun sets, the temperature drops noticeably, creating a breezy, refreshing atmosphere perfect for outdoor gatherings.
This is widely considered the most agreeable time in Mysore. Daytime temperatures highlight a "perfect goldilocks" zone, averaging 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). Nights can be surprisingly chilly, occasionally dipping to 12°C (54°F). The air is dry, the skies are a clear cobalt blue, and the city experiences its highest number of sunshine hours.
As spring transitions into summer, temperatures rise, reaching their peak in April and May. While highs typically hover around 34°C to 35°C (93°F to 95°F), occasional heatwaves can push mercury toward 39°C (102°F). Unlike the dry heat of central India, Mysore often receives "mango showers"—pre-monsoon thunderstorms in late April and May—which provide vital relief and keep the landscape from parching.
Mysore's monsoon experience is distinct because it sits in the rain shadow of the Western Ghats. While the nearby coastal and hill station regions (like Coorg) are drenched in torrential downpours, Mysore receives moderate, intermittent rain. This period is characterized by constant overcast skies, high humidity, and a dramatic cooling of the air. The city turns a deep, vibrant green, and the dust of summer is washed away.
This transitional season brings some of the city's heaviest rains, often occurring as late-afternoon thunderstorms. It coincides with the grand Dasara festival. The weather is unpredictable—shifting from brilliant sunshine to sudden cloudbursts—and the humidity begins to drop as the cool winter winds start to blow from the north.
The Chamundi Hills, rising roughly 300 meters above the city, represent a distinct microclimate. The temperature at the summit is consistently 2°C to 3°C cooler than the city center, and it is often the first place to catch incoming rain clouds or morning fog. Within the city, the presence of large water bodies like Karanji Lake and Kukkarahalli Lake creates localized cooling zones, where night temperatures can feel slightly lower than in the denser urban corridors.
Historically, Mysore was favored by the Wadiyar Dynasty specifically for its temperate climate, which allowed for the cultivation of exotic flora in the Brindavan Gardens and the famous Mysore Mallige (jasmine). Locals have adapted to this climate by favoring architecture that emphasizes cross-ventilation and high ceilings to capture the evening winds.
The most significant phenomenon affecting Mysore is the Rain Shadow Effect. The Western Ghats mountain range acts as a shield against the heavy South-West monsoon. This results in Mysore receiving a total annual rainfall of only about 800mm, whereas regions just 100km to the west receive over 3,000mm. This keeps the city accessible and pleasant even during the peak of India's rainy season.
Beyond the numbers, the weather in Mysore feels "crisp." The lack of extreme humidity for most of the year means that even when it is hot, the shade remains cool. There is a perceptible "freshness" to the air, attributed to the surrounding forests and the lack of stagnant, heavy atmospheric pressure found in lower-lying cities.