Climate of India – Seasons & Monsoon
Delhi Police Exams - GK Section
Introduction
India's climate is diverse and complex, influenced by its vast size, varied topography, and geographical location. The country experiences a monsoonal type of climate, where seasonal reversal of winds plays a key role.
The word Monsoon comes from the Arabic word "Mausim" meaning season. It defines the seasonal change in wind direction that brings alternation between wet and dry periods.
Factors Affecting India's Climate
Latitude: India lies between 8°4′N and 37°6′N — from tropical to subtropical zones.
Altitude: Temperature decreases with height — e.g., Shimla is cooler than Delhi.
Distance from the Sea: Coastal areas have moderate climate; interiors experience extremes.
Himalayas: Act as a climatic barrier — prevent cold Siberian winds and help monsoon formation.
Western Disturbances: Bring winter rainfall in north India (from Mediterranean region).
Jet Streams: Upper air currents that influence monsoon onset and retreat.
Seasons in India (Indian Meteorological Department)
| Season | Duration | Main Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Cold Weather Season (Winter) | December – February | Cool, dry weather; NE monsoon winds prevail. |
| Hot Weather Season (Summer) | March – May | Rising temperature, low pressure over NW India; pre-monsoon showers in south. |
| Southwest Monsoon Season | June – September | Heavy rainfall from Arabian Sea & Bay of Bengal branches. |
| Retreating Monsoon Season (Post-Monsoon) | October – November | Winds reverse direction; NE monsoon gives rain to Tamil Nadu. |
Monsoon in India
Southwest Monsoon (June–September)
Brings ~75% of total annual rainfall. Divided into two main branches:
Arabian Sea Branch
Hits the Western Ghats & parts of western India
Bay of Bengal Branch
Moves towards northeast and eastern India
Causes orographic rainfall on windward slopes and rain shadows on leeward sides.
Northeast Monsoon (October–November)
Winds blow from land to sea, but bring rainfall to Tamil Nadu, SE Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala.
Known as the Retreating Monsoon or Winter Monsoon.
Monsoon Timeline: Onset around June 1 (Kerala) → advances northward → Withdrawal begins from September (NW India) → completely retreats by mid-October.
Climatic Regions of India (Koppen Classification)
| Region Type | Example States |
|---|---|
| Tropical Wet (Am) | Western Coast, NE States |
| Tropical Dry (Aw) | Deccan Plateau |
| Semi-Arid (Bs) | Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan |
| Mountain Climate (H) | Himalayas |
| Arid (Bw) | Thar Desert |
Special Weather Phenomena
Loo
Hot, dry winds of North India during May–June
Mango Showers
Pre-monsoon showers in Kerala & Karnataka
Western Disturbances
Winter rains in NW India
Norwesters (Kalbaisakhi)
Violent thunderstorms in Bengal & Assam
Cyclones
Common in Bay of Bengal (pre & post-monsoon periods)
Jet Streams
Upper air currents that regulate monsoon patterns
Memory Tricks & Quick Recap
Memory Tricks:
4 Seasons
Cool, Hot, Wet, Retreating
Rainfall Distribution
75% rainfall comes from Southwest Monsoon
Regional Rainfall
Northeast Monsoon = Tamil Nadu rains
Quick Recap:
Himalayas block cold winds and trigger monsoon rains
Jet Streams regulate monsoon onset and retreat
Western Disturbances bring winter rainfall to NW India
Exam Tip: Delhi Police often asks about monsoon patterns, rainfall distribution, and regional climate characteristics. Remember key timelines and regional variations.
Practice Questions (Delhi Police PYQ-style)
Which state receives rainfall from the Northeast Monsoon?
Options: A) Kerala B) Tamil Nadu C) Gujarat D) Rajasthan
Category: Monsoon Patterns
Show Answer
B) Tamil Nadu
In India, the Southwest Monsoon usually sets in over Kerala during:
Options: A) May 15 B) June 1 C) June 15 D) July 1
Category: Monsoon Timeline
Show Answer
B) June 1
Western disturbances cause rainfall in which region?
Options: A) Central India B) Eastern India C) North-West India D) Coastal India
Category: Weather Phenomena
Show Answer
C) North-West India
The retreating monsoon causes rainfall mainly in:
Options: A) Punjab B) Maharashtra C) Tamil Nadu D) Rajasthan
Category: Monsoon Patterns
Show Answer
C) Tamil Nadu
Which one of the following is not a characteristic of the Indian monsoon?
Options: A) Seasonal reversal of winds B) Uneven distribution of rainfall C) High pressure during summer D) Wet and dry seasons
Category: Monsoon Characteristics
Show Answer
C) High pressure during summer
Summary Points
Master Indian Geography for Delhi Police Exam!
Join Courage Library for comprehensive study materials and expert guidance.
Be a Couragian!