Seasons in India, Summer, Winter, Monsoon, Autumn, Impact

India, located between latitudes 8°N and 37°N, experiences diverse climatic conditions due to its vast size, varied topography, and geographical location. The country witnesses a rhythmic pattern of weather changes, collectively known as seasons. These seasonal variations influence agriculture, lifestyle, festivals, and even economic activities. India’s climate system is mainly governed by monsoons, solar radiation, and geographical factors like mountains and oceans, creating distinct seasonal divisions observed across the subcontinent.

Seasons in India

India’s seasonal cycle is determined mainly by the monsoon system and solar movement. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) divides the Indian year into four main seasons-Winter, Summer (Pre-Monsoon), Monsoon (Rainy Season), and Post-Monsoon (Retreating Monsoon or Autumn). Each season plays a crucial role in shaping India’s ecological balance, food production, and natural processes. These transitions are guided by variations in the position of the sun and the southwest and northeast monsoon winds.

Seasons in India Classification

According to the IMD classification, India’s annual climate cycle is shaped by the movement of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), monsoon winds, and solar heating variations. India’s year can be broadly divided into four major seasons:

1. Winter Season (December to February)
2. Summer or Pre-Monsoon Season (March to May)
3. Southwest Monsoon Season (June to September)
4. Post-Monsoon or Retreating Monsoon Season (October to November)

Traditional and Regional Seasonal Divisions:

According to the Indian traditional calendar (Hindu Panchang), the year is divided into six seasons (Ritus):

1. Vasanta (Spring)- Mid-February to Mid-April
2. Grishma (Summer)- Mid-April to Mid-June
3. Varsha (Monsoon)- Mid-June to Mid-August
4. Sharad (Autumn)- Mid-August to Mid-October
5. Hemant (Pre-winter)- Mid-October to Mid-December
6. Shishir (Winter)- Mid-December to Mid-February

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Winter Season (January-February)

During winter, northern India experiences cold temperatures due to the southward movement of the sun and influence of Western Disturbances. The average temperature ranges from 10°C – 15°C in the plains to below freezing in the Himalayas and northern regions. The IMD’s “Annual climate summary 2023” reported that the winter season (January-February 2023) was unusually warm, with an average temperature anomaly of +0.83°C above the long-term average. While there was below-normal rainfall for the country as a whole (45% below LPA).

• Western Disturbances, originating in the Mediterranean region, bring light rain and snow to northwest India.
• Cold waves affect the Indo-Gangetic plains, while southern India remains relatively warm.
• Rabi crops like wheat and mustard thrive due to cool and dry conditions.

Summer Season or Pre-Monsoon (March-May)

Summer marks the transition to monsoon. Temperatures rise sharply due to increased solar radiation and dry continental winds.

• Maximum temperatures exceed 40°C in central and northwestern India.
• Loo winds blow across the plains, and pre-monsoon showers (Mango showers) occur in Kerala and coastal Karnataka.
• Nor’westers, local thunderstorms, are common in eastern India, especially West Bengal and Assam.
• The Thar Desert low-pressure zone begins forming, which later attracts the southwest monsoon winds.

Types of Monsoon Seasons in India

These monsoons result from the differential heating of land and sea, coupled with Earth’s rotation and pressure systems. India’s monsoon system consists of two main branches:

1. Southwest Monsoon (June-September): Originating in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal, responsible for major rainfall.
2. Northeast Monsoon (October-December): Brings rain to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh. 

Southwest Monsoon Season (June-September)

This is India’s most significant climatic phase, accounting for nearly 75% of the annual rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) 2023 report stated all-India rainfall was 94% of the LPA (87 cm), with deficits in Eastern and Northeastern India and near-normal rainfall elsewhere

• The Southwest Monsoon originates due to differential heating of land and sea and is guided by the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and monsoon trough.
• It advances over Kerala around June 1.
• The monsoon withdraws from northwestern India first, typically starting in mid-September, and the process completes later in October.
• The Bay of Bengal branch brings heavy rainfall to eastern and northeastern India, while the Arabian Sea branch covers western India.
• States like Meghalaya, Assam, and Kerala receive high rainfall annually.
• The Burst of the Southwest Monsoon marks the rapid onset of monsoon rains over India, usually in early June. It occurs when the monsoon winds reach the Indian subcontinent from the Arabian Sea, bringing heavy rainfall within days.

Retreating Monsoon Season (October-December)

After September, the monsoon withdraws from northwestern India, leading to a transitional climate known as the Retreating Monsoon or Post-Monsoon Season. An Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) report for the 2023 Southwest Monsoon stated that 15 low-pressure systems formed during that season (June-September), reflecting increased frequency linked to warming sea-surface temperatures

• The northeast monsoon winds dominate southern India, especially Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, contributing up to 50% of Tamil Nadu’s annual rainfall.
• Cyclonic disturbances from the Bay of Bengal frequently affect eastern coasts during this season.
• Conditions gradually become cooler, marking the onset of winter.

Seasons in India Geographical Influence

India’s seasonal variations are significantly shaped by its geography. The formation and variation of seasons in India result from complex geographical and atmospheric factors.

• Latitude: India’s latitudinal extent (8°N-37°N) creates tropical and subtropical climate zones.
• Altitude: Higher regions like the Himalayas experience severe cold and snowfall.
• Distance from the Sea: Coastal regions enjoy moderate climates due to maritime influence.
• Jet Streams: The Subtropical Westerly Jet (SWJ) influences winter, while the Tropical Easterly Jet (TEJ) impacts monsoon circulation.
• Himalayas: Act as a climatic barrier, blocking cold Central Asian winds and guiding monsoon flow and maintaining a moderate climate in the plains.
• Ocean Currents: Warm and cold currents regulate humidity and rainfall along India’s coastlines
• The Thar Desert creates low-pressure zones that attract monsoon winds.
• The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats influence rainfall distribution, with windward slopes receiving high rainfall and leeward sides facing drought.
• Coastal regions experience less temperature variation, while inland areas face extreme seasonal contrasts.
• Northeast India receives heavy monsoon rainfall, particularly in Meghalaya (Mawsynram- world’s wettest place).
• In Western India Hot arid conditions prevail, majorly in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Seasons in India Impact on Agriculture

India’s agriculture is closely tied to its seasons. Seasonal variations dictate irrigation demand, cropping patterns, and rural employment, forming the backbone of India’s agrarian economy.

• Rabi crops (winter crops): Wheat, barley, mustard, gram- sown in October to December, harvested in March-April.
• Kharif crops (monsoon crops): Rice, maize, cotton, sugarcane-sown with the onset of monsoon and harvested in autumn.
• Zaid crops: Watermelons, cucumbers, and vegetables grown between Rabi and Kharif seasons.
• The RBI’s 2023 Annual Report stated that deficient monsoon rainfall in 2023 (June-September) was a challenge. However, it noted that the total Foodgrain production for 2023-2024 was estimated to be higher than the previous year due to good production of crops like rice, wheat, and millets.

Seasons in India Impact on Economy

The majority of India’s workforce depends on agriculture, making monsoon performance critical to economic growth. Economic activities like Fisheries and hydropower sectors also depend on monsoon patterns. Adequate monsoon ensures stable food production, reduces inflation, and boosts rural income. However, erratic rainfall can lead to droughts or floods, disrupting the economy. Power generation, manufacturing, and transport also rely on seasonal stability, particularly water availability from monsoon-fed rivers and reservoirs.

Seasons in India Impact of Climate Change

Climate change has significantly altered India’s traditional seasonal patterns. These trends threaten food security, water availability, and climate resilience, requiring adaptive strategies and robust forecasting systems.

• IMD reported India’s average temperature has risen by approximately 0.7°C between 1901 and 2018. Globally, 2023 was a record-breaking hot year at 1.45°C above the pre-industrial average.
• Heatwaves and unseasonal rains have increased, while the monsoon onset has become erratic.
• IPCC AR6 (2021) projects intensified extreme rainfall events and shorter, more intense monsoon spells.
• Melting Himalayan glaciers are altering river flow patterns and snowmelt-dependent agriculture.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that India’s summer temperatures may rise.

Seasons in India Government Policies

To manage seasonal variations and climate impact, the government has implemented several policies:

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Enhances irrigation efficiency to reduce monsoon dependence.
• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP): Controls soil erosion and water runoff.
• National Monsoon Mission: Improves forecasting accuracy using scientific models.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008): Includes eight sub-missions like the National Water Mission and Sustainable Agriculture Mission.
• National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) (2015): Supports projects that build resilience in climate-sensitive sectors.
• Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS): Provides agro-meteorological advisories to farmers.
• National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS): Studies climate impact on Himalayan ecosystems and seasonal snow.
• India’s Updated NDC (2022): Commits to reducing emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, aligning with Paris Agreement goals.

International Commitments:

India collaborates globally to strengthen its seasonal and climatic resilience.

• Member of World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
• Participates in South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) for regional seasonal forecasting.
• India-UK and India-EU Climate Partnerships promote research on seasonal variability and adaptation.
• UNFCCC commitments align with sustainable seasonal management and resilience-building strategies.

Seasons in India Challenges

India’s seasonal system faces multiple interlinked challenges due to climate change, oceanic fluctuations, and developmental pressures. Addressing these issues requires a balanced approach combining scientific innovation, community engagement, and strong institutional coordination.

• Climate Variability and Extreme Weather

1. 1. • Challenge: Erratic monsoons, rising temperatures, droughts, and floods disrupt agriculture and water supply across India.
      • Way Forward: Expand the National Monsoon Mission, improve localized forecasts, and promote rainwater harvesting and watershed management.

• Oceanic Phenomena Impacts

1. 1. • Challenge: El Niño reduces rainfall causing heatwaves; La Niña increases floods, affecting crops and rural incomes.
      • Way Forward: Strengthen ocean monitoring via INCOIS, adopt climate-resilient agriculture, and collaborate globally for forecasting.

• Limited Climate Data Integration

1. 1. • Challenge: Data sharing is slow, rural areas lack forecast access, and fragmented databases delay responses.
      • Way Forward: Create a National Seasonal Data Grid, promote open-access platforms, and train communities in climate monitoring.

• Agricultural Vulnerability

1. 1. • Challenge: Agriculture is highly climate-sensitive, with unpredictable monsoons reducing yields and income.
      • Way Forward: Implement climate-smart agriculture, link crop insurance to weather data, and strengthen KVKs for advisories.

• Institutional and Policy Gaps

1. 1. • Challenge: Fragmented climate governance delays response and reduces local technical capacity.
      • Way Forward: Establish National Council for Climate Adaptation and mainstream seasonal resilience in development schemes.

• Technological and Infrastructure Constraints

1. 1. • Challenge: Inadequate weather stations, outdated models, and poor rural communication reduce warning efficiency.
      • Way Forward: Invest in Doppler radar, AI forecasting, digital alerts, and disaster-resilient infrastructure.

• Public Awareness and Behavioral Adaptation

1. 1. • Challenge: Low climate literacy leads to ignoring early warnings and poor adaptation.
      • Way Forward: Launch awareness campaigns, integrate climate education, and involve communities in local disaster management.

• Financial and Resource Constraints

1. 1. • Challenge: Limited funds slow regional adaptation projects; dependence on central schemes restricts flexibility.
      • Way Forward: Increase state climate funds, promote public-private partnerships, and leverage international green finance.

• Water Resource Stress

1. 1. • Challenge: Seasonal changes intensify water scarcity, groundwater depletion, and poor inter-state coordination.
      • Way Forward: Accelerate Jal Jeevan Mission, use real-time basin management, and adopt efficient irrigation practices.

• Urban Climate and Heat Islands

1. • Challenge: Urbanization disrupts climate balance, increases heat, and worsens flooding during monsoons.
   • Way Forward: Integrate urban climate plans, promote green infrastructure, and develop city-specific monsoon management frameworks.

Seasons in India Cultural Significance

India’s seasonal changes are deeply intertwined with its culture. Festivals like Holi (Spring), Baisakhi (Spring), Onam (Monsoon), and Diwali (Autumn) celebrate the cycle of nature. Seasonal foods, attire, and rituals vary across regions, reflecting harmony with the environment. Ancient texts like the Rigveda and Kalidasa’s Ritusamhara poetically describe the beauty of India’s changing seasons, showcasing the deep connection between climate and civilization. Indian classical music’s ragas (like Megh Malhar and Basant) and literature also reflect seasonal moods, symbolizing the deep connection between nature and culture.

• Winter: Associated with harvest festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti.
• Summer: Marks festivals like Rath Yatra and Gangaur.
• Monsoon: Celebrated with Onam, Teej, and Raksha Bandhan.
• Post-Monsoon: Witnesses major festivities such as Durga Puja, Diwali, and Navratri.

Seasons in India UPSC 

India’s climate pattern is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming and oceanic fluctuations. The government has adopted advanced forecasting systems and policy measures to enhance monsoon prediction and climate resilience.

• National Monsoon Mission-III (MM-III) 2021 to 2026 implemented by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, continues to focus on improving rainfall prediction using advanced models.
• The National Climate Change Adaptation Fund supports projects to reduce climate risks in agriculture, water, and coastal sectors.
• The Extended Range Forecast System (ERFS) provides forecasts for a time range of 7 to 30 days, enhancing preparedness against floods and droughts.
• India has strengthened international climate cooperation under COP28 commitments, promoting regional data-sharing and joint research with WMO and SAARC Meteorological Centre.
• Satellite-based rainfall tracking and AI-driven climate models are being used for accurate seasonal predictions. These technologies help improve early warning systems and adaptive planning for farmers.
• As of 2025, India is witnessing a warming trend with longer summer spells and shifting rainfall patterns.
• The IMD’s Climate Report 2024 recorded 202 as the second-warmest year with 6% below-normal monsoon rainfall. Northern India saw record heatwaves, while southern states faced severe water scarcity.
• According to the State of Climate Report 2024, India’s annual mean temperature was 0.65°C above normal, marking its warmest year on record.
• Monsoon rainfall (2024) was 106% of the Long Period Average (LPA), yet uneven, causing floods in Himachal Pradesh and droughts in Maharashtra.
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Mission Mausam scheme with a total cost of ₹2,000 crore for the period 2024-2026, with ₹258 crore allocated for 2024-25. The scheme focuses on upgrading weather forecasting systems and infrastructure.
• El Niño conditions persisted from mid-2023 into early 2024, reducing winter rainfall in northern India.
• WMO 2024 forecast suggests a shift toward La Niña by mid-2025, which may bring stronger monsoon rainfall and cooler summer temperatures.