Travel time: Year-round
Amritsar experiences a semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh) characterized by dramatic seasonal shifts. Located on the edge of the Indo-Gangetic plain, it is subject to some of the most extreme temperature variations in India, ranging from sub-zero levels in winter to blistering heat in the height of summer.
The pre-monsoon summer is intense and dry. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F) and can peak as high as 48°C (118°F). This period is defined by high solar radiation and low humidity, often dropping below 25% in the afternoons. A specific phenomenon during these months is the 'Loo', a series of hot, dust-laden, and strong winds that blow from the west, significantly increasing the perceived heat and discomfort.
The arrival of the Southwest Monsoon in early July brings a sharp drop in daytime temperatures but a significant spike in humidity, often exceeding 75%. While the average highs sit around 34°C (93°F), the 'feels like' temperature is much higher due to the moisture. This is the wettest period, with July being the peak month for rainfall. Downpours are often sudden and heavy, sometimes leading to temporary waterlogging in urban areas.
This transition period is widely considered the most pleasant. Humidity levels recede, and the skies clear. Daytime temperatures gradually cool from 30°C (86°F) to 25°C (77°F), though evenings begin to feel crisp. This is also when the region's air quality can become a factor as the air stagnates towards the end of the season.
Amritsar's winters are bracing and significantly colder than central or southern India. Daytime highs average 18°C (64°F), but night temperatures often plummet to 4°C (39°F) or lower, occasionally reaching the freezing point. A defining feature of winter is dense fog, particularly from mid-December to late January. This fog can sometimes persist throughout the day, preventing the sun from warming the ground and keeping temperatures in the single digits Celsius.
In the summer, the heat builds rapidly after sunrise, peaking around 3:00 PM. Residents usually retreat indoors during these hours. In contrast, winter days often start with a heavy blanket of fog that lifts by mid-morning, followed by bright, clear sunshine that provides a sharp contrast to the biting cold of the night.
Locals have adapted to these extremes through architecture and lifestyle. High-ceilinged buildings and traditional courtyards help manage summer heat, while the city's famous street food culture shifts with the seasons—from cooling Lassi and Kulfi in the summer to warming Sarson da Saag and hot Masala Chai during the foggy winters. During the peak of summer, the city operates on an 'early morning and late night' schedule to avoid the midday sun.