Kolkata
About Kolkata
Known as the 'City of Joy,' Kolkata is the cultural heartbeat of India, offering a sensory journey through colonial history, artistic fervor, and world-class cuisine. The city experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate characterized by three main seasons: a pleasant, dry winter (November–February), a sweltering summer (March–May), and a heavy monsoon (June–September). While travelers often prefer the mild winter months—which are less extreme than the freezing temperatures in Delhi—the city truly comes alive during the autumn festival of Durga Puja. Whether you are looking for the festive chaos of October or the bargain prices of the monsoon, understanding Kolkata's seasonal shifts is key to a perfect trip. For those sensitive to heat, Bangalore offers a much milder alternative, but Kolkata's cultural depth remains unmatched.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Kolkata at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
November, December, January, February
Winter (November to February)
March, April, May
Summer (March to May)
June, July, August, September
Monsoon (June to September)
October
Autumn / Festive (October)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Kolkata, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
4 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
INR (Indian Rupee) daily budgets: $25–$40 / day to $180+ / day
At a Glance: When to Visit Kolkata
Best Overall
October to February
Cheapest
May to August
Busiest
October (Durga Puja) and December
Best Weather
November to February
For Events
October and January
For Families
December to February
For Couples
November to January
Budget Travel
June to August
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Kolkata.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Kolkata — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Kolkata
January
Cool and dry. 12°C–26°C (54°F–79°F). 7-8 hours of sunshine. Lowest humidity of the year.
“Best for culture enthusiasts and those who enjoy mild, crisp weather.”
February
Pleasant spring weather. 15°C–29°C (59°F–84°F). Minimal rainfall and clear skies.
“Perfect for travelers seeking a balance between good weather and lower prices than January.”
March
Warm and breezy. 20°C–34°C (68°F–93°F). Humidity begins to rise.
“Best for those wanting to experience local spring festivals before the peak heat hits.”
April
Hot and humid. 25°C–38°C (77°F–100°F). Occasional evening thunderstorms called 'Kalbaishakhi'.
“Best for budget travelers and those wanting to witness the vibrant Bengali New Year.”
May
Peak summer heat. 27°C–40°C (81°F–104°F). Very high humidity makes it feel hotter.
“Best for travelers on a shoestring budget who can handle intense humidity.”
June
Transition to monsoon. 28°C–36°C (82°F–97°F). Frequent pre-monsoon showers and high mugginess.
“Good for foodies wanting to catch the start of the Hilsa season despite the sticky weather.”
July
Heavy monsoon rains. 26°C–32°C (79°F–90°F). High humidity and occasional waterlogging.
“Ideal for slow travelers who enjoy the romantic atmosphere of a tropical rainy season.”
August
Persistent rain. 26°C–32°C (79°F–90°F). Rain occurs in heavy bursts followed by humidity.
“Best for photography enthusiasts wanting to document the making of Durga idols.”
September
Waning monsoon. 26°C–33°C (79°F–91°F). Occasional showers but humidity remains high.
“Best for travelers wanting to see the city's anticipation before its biggest festival.”
October
Pleasant autumn. 24°C–31°C (75°F–88°F). Generally clear skies with rare post-monsoon rain.
“The absolute best time for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.”
November
Cool and comfortable. 18°C–29°C (64°F–84°F). Dry air and pleasant evenings.
“Best for sightseeing and outdoor activities without the sweat.”
December
Coldest month. 13°C–27°C (55°F–81°F). Clear blue skies and zero rain.
“Best for families and those who want to experience the colonial-style Christmas charm.”
Festivals & Events in Kolkata
Durga Puja
A UNESCO-recognized street festival celebrating Goddess Durga. The entire city turns into an open-air art gallery.
Hotels sell out 4-6 months early; extreme crowds; highest prices.International Kolkata Book Fair
The world's largest non-trade book fair, drawing millions of bibliophiles.
Hotels near Salt Lake and Central Kolkata see high demand.Christmas on Park Street
Colonial-era celebrations with street lights, live music, and specialized bakeries.
Park Street becomes pedestrian-only; restaurants have long wait times.Kali Puja & Diwali
Celebrated with grand pandals and the festival of lights, particularly significant at Dakshineswar Temple.
Moderate impact; heavy firework displays and local processions.Dover Lane Music Conference
One of India's most prestigious Indian Classical music events held overnight.
Attracts niche global audience; limited impact on general hotel availability.Poila Baisakh
The Bengali New Year celebrated with new clothes, traditional feasts, and cultural rallies.
Markets are very busy; traditional restaurants are packed.Kolkata International Film Festival
One of the oldest and largest film festivals in India showing global cinema.
Venues like Nandan and Rabindra Sadan become very crowded.Saraswati Puja
The festival of the Goddess of Learning, where students wear yellow and the city feels youthful.
Local neighborhood celebrations; minor impact on international travelers.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Kolkata?
INR (Indian Rupee)
Daily Budget
Peak
$120–$180 (Luxury), $45–$70 (Mid-range)
Off-Peak
$80–$120 (Luxury), $30–$50 (Mid-range)
Kolkata is widely considered the most affordable metro city in India compared to Mumbai or Delhi. However, prices spike by 50-100% during the week of Durga Puja in October and the last week of December.
Where to Stay in Kolkata by Season
Park Street / Camac Street
Moderate to PremiumWinter
The commercial and entertainment heart. Best for Christmas and nightlife. Walking distance to Victoria Memorial.
Ballygunge
PremiumOctober / Festive
An upscale residential area with high-end boutiques and elite Durga Pujas. Very safe and leafy.
Salt Lake / New Town
ModerateSummer / Monsoon
Modern, planned area with wide roads and lots of greenery. Near the airport and less prone to waterlogging.
North Kolkata (Shyam Bazaar / Bagbazar)
Budget to ModerateWinter
For those seeking the 'old world' charm of heritage mansions. Best for photography and heritage walks.
What to Pack for Kolkata
Winter (Nov–Feb)
Pro tip: Mornings can be surprisingly chilly near the river, so bring layers you can peel off.
Summer (Mar–May)
Pro tip: Avoid synthetics; local 'Tant' or 'Khadi' cotton is best for the humidity.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep)
Pro tip: Rain can be unpredictable; always keep a light raincoat in your daypack.
Festive (Oct)
Pro tip: You will be walking a lot during Pandal hopping, so prioritize shoe comfort over style.
FAQs: Visiting Kolkata
What is the best month to visit Kolkata?
The best month is November or January, when the weather is cool, dry, and the city is filled with cultural festivals.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Kolkata?
The cheapest flights and hotel rates are found during the peak summer and monsoon months, specifically May to August.
Is Kolkata worth visiting in winter?
Absolutely. It is the most pleasant time for sightseeing. Unlike the harsh winters of Delhi, Kolkata remains moderately cool and sunny.
How is the weather in Kolkata during Durga Puja?
It is usually pleasant but can be humid. Occasional short showers are possible, but the clear autumn skies make it great for festivities.
Does Kolkata experience heavy rain?
Yes, especially in July and August. While the city handles it well, certain areas can experience temporary waterlogging.
Is it safe to visit Kolkata during the monsoon?
Yes, it is safe, though travel may be slower. It’s the best time for budget travelers to enjoy luxury hotels at lower rates.
What should I wear in Kolkata in May?
May is extremely hot and humid. Wear very light, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes and stay indoors during the afternoon.
When should I book a hotel for Durga Puja?
You should book at least 3 to 6 months in advance as the city reaches 100% occupancy during the festival week.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in India
Mumbai
Mumbai offers a more humid, coastal experience year-round with much more intense monsoons than Kolkata.
Delhi
Delhi features more extreme seasons, with scorching summers and a much colder winter compared to Kolkata’s mild tropical climate.
Bangalore
Bangalore provides a far more temperate climate throughout the year, avoiding the intense humidity found in Kolkata.
Chennai
Chennai is consistently hotter than Kolkata and receives its heaviest rainfall later in the year during the Northeast monsoon.
Hyderabad
Hyderabad offers a drier heat and a blend of historic Nizami culture that contrasts with Kolkata’s colonial and Bengali heritage.
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