Overview of Ahmedabad's Climate
Ahmedabad features a hot semi-arid climate (Köppen BSh), characterized by extreme dryness for most of the year and concentrated rainfall during the monsoon months. Located in the north-central part of Gujarat on the banks of the Sabarmati River, the city is defined by its intense solar radiation and significant temperature variations between day and night.
Seasonal Patterns
Summer (March to June)
Summers are long and punishing, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F).
- Peak Heat: May is typically the hottest month, with record-breaking highs reaching up to 48°C (118°F).
- The "Feel": The heat is bone-dry and accompanied by scorched winds from the northwest (the Loo), which can make the air feel like a furnace.
- Daily Progression: Mornings heat up rapidly; by 10:00 AM, outdoor activity becomes challenging. The maximum temperature peaks around 3:00 PM, and the city only begins to cool down long after sunset.
Monsoon (Mid-June to September)
The arrival of the southwest monsoon brings life-saving relief from the summer heat, but it also introduces high humidity.
- Rainfall: Most of the city's annual 800mm (31 inches) of rain falls between July and August. Rainfall is often erratic, occurring in heavy torrential bursts that can lead to localized flooding.
- The "Feel": While temperatures drop to the low 30s°C, the moisture makes the air feel "heavy" and oppressive. This is the only time the city feels lush and green.
Post-Monsoon / Autumn (October to November)
as the rains retreat, a brief spell of heat returns—often called the "second summer." The humidity remains high, and the sun feels particularly sharp before the transition to winter begins in late November.
Winter (December to February)
This is widely considered the most pleasant time in the city.
- Temperatures: Days are sunny and mild, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F-86°F). Nights can be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to 12°C-15°C (53°F-59°F).
- Cold Waves: Occasional cold winds from the north can push night temperatures into the single digits in January.
Regional Microclimates
- The Sabarmati Riverfront: Areas immediately adjacent to the river often feel 1°C to 2°C cooler during the day due to the breeze and the thermal mass of the water.
- Urban Heat Island (UHI): The densely packed "Pol" streets of the historic Walled City trap heat during the day but provide shade. In contrast, the concrete-heavy modern districts can be significantly hotter at night as buildings release stored heat.
- Rural Fringes: Outlying areas like Bopal or the SG Highway experience more pronounced nighttime cooling compared to the city center.
Historical Context and Local Adaptation
Ahmedabad is a pioneer in climate resilience, having implemented India's first Heat Action Plan (HAP) after a devastating heatwave in 2010.
- Local Experience: Locals adapt by shifting their schedules; markets are most vibrant in the late evening, and the city effectively "naps" during the mid-afternoon heat.
- Architecture: Historic Ahmedabad architecture—such as the massive stepwells (vavs) and shaded courtyards—was designed specifically to provide cool refuges from the arid environment.
Specific Weather Phenomena
- Dust Storms: Pre-monsoon winds in May and June can stir up significant dust, reducing visibility.
- Kite Flying Winds: During the Uttarayan festival in January, the city relies on steady northeasterly winds to lift millions of kites into the sky, a day when the clear blue winter sky is a community highlight.