[Wandering Photographer]

Hello All,

New to this site, I am travelling to India this summer (May4-July 4).  I will be starting my trip in Delhi, then moving on to Agra, Rajastan, south (generally doing a lap of the coast of India from delhi around to Kolkatta).  What kind of weather can I expect to encounter and what type of rain gear do you recommend bringing, if any?  Thanks a lot.

[cyberhippie]

You can expect very warm weather in May within the Golden Triangle of Delhi ,Agra etc etc.
Expect the Celsius to be hovering around the 37C. Not a huge problem even for Scot's like me. There's still a window of opportunity to do and see the things you have planned. Try keeping travel slow, in this heat AC is a good option on the train.
Night time it's easy enough on non AC but during the daytime, you'll be happy for some AC, believe me!!
Same goes for all those excursions you might have planned on paper. You really don't want to be out all the time in the midday sun. So allow for rest time and plan around 7am to11.30am and 4pm to 7 pm. Drink loads and just take a breather, no need to rush, adjust to the pace you see around you!

As you head south it will be pretty much damp and humid. Wet weather clothes in the Monsoon are of limited use I'm told, the rains aren't all day, everyday I believe and in the humidity of the South I reckon a handy fold down Umbrella might be just the thing (depending on what you're doing OF course.

Whilst in the south or indeed heading that way look out for so called Hill Stations!

These mountain hideaways are scatteredd throughout India and when the humidity and heat just get tooo much, the altitude and coolness of the hills can rejuvenate those heat syphoned bodies!!

Welcome to The Tree don't be a stranger!!

By the way there are guys here on  The India Tree far better qualified than me to advise on the Monsoon and practicalities. they'll be along shortly, if they aren't I'LL PHONE THEM

[priya]

Welcome WP

Yes, you'll find all your answers here. What Cyberhippie has told you about the weather is spot-on - except Rajasthan - Agra  this time of the year is VERY hot.  The daytime temperature when I was there, was in the 40s so just make sure your fluid intake is sufficient.  Light, quick-drying (and comfortable) clothing is also a must as, with the humidity in Kolkata and Delhi, it'll take ages to dry.

I'm sure you'll have a lot more questions before your departure, so fire away.......we're all here to help you.

Check out our gallery to give you an idea of some of the places you'll be visiting.

[Wandering Photographer]

Thanks a lot for the warm welcome and the great information.  I will be sure to ask for help on any questions/conerns that I have.  Can't wait to be there...  42 days and counting!!!

[iwanttogoback]

only 42 days... lucky sod.

[jyotirmoy]

Welcome to the tree.
Most of your querries have been answered by CH & Priya. As a resident of Delhi I dread the months of June & July.... June is terribly hot and July is terribly uncomfortable. I would head for the mountains in summer. Ladakh is dry & really beautiful in July.
Use repellants or net to prevent mosquitoes while travelling along the east coast.

[jyotirmoy]

If you hadn't been inside a blast furnace come to Delhi, no entrance fee. Yesterday the temperaure crossed 44 and slated to rise further. The monsoon is stagnating in the south. If I had a canibal friend to obilige I would have smeared myself with tandoori marinade and sit in the Sun. The electricity bill I am running up running the AC’s will burn a hole, laments a burning soul.

[iwanttogoback]

jyoti, that sounds awful.

every so often we get a run of days over 40C here and it's foul, when you have to go outside you really do feel like you are baking. it's not just hot, it's inexplicably, unrelentingly burning and drying.

mmm, jyoti tandoor, not sure how many takers there would be for that.

[jyotirmoy]

So you know what it is iwanttogoback, the humidity is 20%.....
The tandoori would be too much bonny....

[Luckywoman]

That's awful Jyoti! Let's hope the monsoon reaches Delhi soon.

[jyotirmoy]

The sky is clear, hot blazing Sun scortching Delhi relentlessly. The met department predicts further rise of temperature to 45. After years the"loo" which is the local name for the super hot dry wind that comes from Rajasthan and lashes the plains of upper India is back. This will soon claim heat stroke victims. This hot wind also kills mosquitoes & flies and bacterias as well. Drink a lot of water before venturing out. After coming back from out side rest & relax for a while before consuming cold water. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day, drink water at regular intervals even if you don't feel thirsty. Eat cucumbers , melons and drink light lassi with a pinch of salt. Never never buy cut fruits from the wayside stalls. buy fruits from fruit shops. Wash it clean and use your clean knife to peel & slice. This "loo" will make the mangoes ripe and soon we will have the excellent Langdas, Dusseris and Chousas gracing the fruit shops.

[YETI]

jyotirmoy, on Jun 6 2007, 10:00 AM, said:

The met department predicts further rise of temperature to 45.

Oh man, that's painful.

Are you still experiencing the power shortages like last year? I was in Delhi the day before the monsoon broke in 2006 and it was around the 40 degree mark most days. Stifling. This wasn't helped by the power dying every half hour or so. No fan, no A/C, the walls start acting as radiators, you're in and out of the shower all the time and life really ain't a lot of fun.