Mumbai City
Weather
The
period between October and February is the most pleasant time to visit
Mumbai, when the city enjoys a balmy season of blue skies and a cool
breeze. From March, the temperature gradually rises and the humidity
reaches saturation point. It is very hot just before the monsoon rains
break in mid-June. The rains last until September. They come as a welcome
relief to Bombayites but when the drainage system fails everyone
encounters difficulties getting around town. After the initial few days of
flooded roads, however, Bombayites take the downpours and regular
drenching in their stride. In September, the humidity and temperature
begin to fall. Luckily Mumbai does not suffer from the incessant power
cuts that plague other parts of India, so offices and hotels remain
air-conditioned and bearable through the hot months.
The city,
being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, does not experience
distinct seasons, but the climate can broadly be classified into two
main seasons ? the humid season and the dry season. The humid season,
between March to October, is characterized by high humidity and
temperatures of over 30°C (86°F). The monsoon rains lash the city
during June to September and supply most of the city's annual rainfall
of 2,200 mm (85 in). The maximum annual rainfall ever recorded was 3,452
mm (135.89 in) in 1954[5]. The highest rainfall recorded in a single day
was 944 mm (37.16 inches) on 2005-07-26.
The dry season, between November and February, is characterized by
moderate levels of humidity and warm to cool weather. Cold northerly
winds are responsible for a high wind chill factor during January and
February. The annual temperatures range from a high of 38°C (100°F) to
a low of 11°C (52°F). The record high is 43°C (108°F) and record low
is 7.4°C (45°F) on 1962-01-22.
