India's climate is remarkably diverse due to its vast geographical extent, varied topography, and complex weather patterns. The country’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to temperate and alpine in the northern regions, reflecting its diverse landscape. The seasonal cycle in India is marked by four primary seasons: winter, summer, monsoon, and post-monsoon. These seasons shape the weather patterns and influence various aspects of life, including agriculture, culture, and daily activities.

Seasons in India

Winter (January-February):

• Features: The winter season is characterized by cool to cold weather, with temperatures dipping significantly in the northern parts, especially in the Himalayan region. The southern and coastal regions remain relatively warm, with mild winters.
• Impact: This season is crucial for the Rabi crop season, where wheat, barley, and other winter crops are cultivated.

Summer (March-May):

• Features: Summer in India is marked by high temperatures, particularly in the central, western, and southern regions. The northern plains and central India experience intense heat, often leading to heatwaves.
• Impact: The summer season is a dry period, with water scarcity being a common issue in many regions. This is also the pre-monsoon season, where thunderstorms and dust storms are frequent.

Monsoon (June-September):

• Features: The monsoon season is the most significant climatic phenomenon in India, bringing the bulk of the annual rainfall. The southwest monsoon winds, originating from the Indian Ocean, bring heavy rainfall to most parts of the country, especially the western coast and northeastern regions.
• Impact: Monsoon is crucial for agriculture, as it provides the necessary water for the Kharif crops like rice, maize, and pulses. However, it also causes flooding in certain areas, leading to displacement and economic losses.

Post-Monsoon (October-December):

• Features: This season, also known as the retreating monsoon, is characterized by the withdrawal of monsoon winds. The weather gradually becomes cooler, and the southern and southeastern regions, particularly Tamil Nadu, receive rainfall from the northeast monsoon.
• Impact: The post-monsoon season is a transitional period, setting the stage for the winter crops. It also marks the beginning of the dry season in many parts of the country.

Climatic Regions of India

India's diverse climate can be categorized into several climatic regions, each with distinct characteristics:

Tropical Wet (Humid) Climate:

• Regions: This climate is prevalent along the western coastal plains, the Western Ghats, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Features: High temperatures and heavy rainfall throughout the year are typical. The rainfall is often intense, and humidity remains high.
• Examples: Cities like Mumbai and Kochi experience this climate, with an annual rainfall exceeding 200 cm.

Tropical Dry Climate:

• Regions: Found in central and northwestern India, including parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Features: Characterized by high temperatures, scanty rainfall, and arid conditions. This region experiences severe droughts during the summer.
• Examples: Jaipur and Ahmedabad are notable cities in this climate zone, where annual rainfall is often below 75 cm.

Tropical Wet and Dry (Savanna) Climate:

• Regions: Central and eastern parts of peninsular India exhibit this climate.
• Features: This climate has distinct wet and dry seasons, with moderate to high temperatures throughout the year. The wet season coincides with the monsoon, while the dry season is prolonged.
• Examples: Nagpur and Hyderabad are examples of cities with this climate, experiencing a distinct contrast between the wet and dry periods.

Subtropical Humid Climate:

• Regions: This climate is typical of the northern plains, covering areas like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
• Features: Hot summers, cold winters, and moderate to high rainfall define this region. The climate supports extensive agricultural activities.
• Examples: Delhi and Lucknow are major cities in this region, with significant temperature variations between summer and winter.

Mountain Climate:

• Regions: The Himalayan region falls under this category.
• Features: The climate varies with altitude, with colder temperatures and varying rainfall patterns. Higher altitudes receive snow during winter.
• Examples: Shimla and Leh are examples of cities with a mountain climate, where temperatures can drop significantly, and snowfall is common in winter.

Tropical Desert Climate:

• Regions: The Thar Desert in Rajasthan is the primary region with this climate.
• Features: This climate is marked by extremely high temperatures in summer and very low rainfall throughout the year, leading to arid and desert conditions.
• Examples: Jaisalmer and Bikaner experience this harsh climate, with temperatures soaring above 45°C in summer.

Tropical Semi-Arid (Steppe) Climate:

• Regions: Southern parts of the Deccan Plateau exhibit this climate.
• Features: Moderate to high temperatures with limited rainfall characterize this region. The climate supports steppe vegetation and dry farming.

Examples: Bangalore and Pune are cities with a tropical semi-arid climate, experiencing mild winters and hot, dry summers.