When Winter Start In India May 2026

Due to India’s diverse topography and latitude, winter onset varies dramatically:

General Inquiry

Unlike temperate regions with a fixed astronomical start (December solstice), winter in India is defined by both climatological patterns and regional geography. There is no single “start date” for the country. Instead, winter arrives in a staggered pattern, beginning as early as October in the northern high-altitude regions and settling across the plains by mid-to-late November. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially classifies the winter season from December to February . when winter start in india

| Region | Typical Start of Winter | Key Indicator | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Mid-October | First heavy snowfall; temperatures drop below freezing. | | Northwest Plains (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan) | Mid-to-late November | Sharp drop in minimum temperatures (below 10°C / 50°F); onset of western disturbances. | | Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra) | Late November to early December | Day temperatures moderate (below 27°C / 81°F); cool nights begin. | | Eastern India (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha) | Early December | Cold northwesterly winds bring fog and falling night temperatures. | | South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala) | Late December to early January | Mild “winter” with temperatures dropping to 15–20°C (59–68°F); influenced by Northeast Monsoon retreat. | Due to India’s diverse topography and latitude, winter

Analysis of the Onset of Winter in India | | Central India (Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra)