What August feels like in Kolkata
August falls in Kolkata's wet season — the rainfall numbers rise clearly above the dry months. Expect proper heat in the afternoon — slow down between noon and four. Evenings ease the heat only slightly, and nights remain very warm. Thick, humid air means clothes cling and the heat feels stronger than the number.
Rain in Kolkata in August
Dry days are the exception, with rain on most days. Rain tends to come in heavy bursts: about 12.1 mm (0.5 in) on an average rainy day. That is close to Kolkata's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 11.2 mm). It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in August
On 15 August the sun rises at about 5:13 am and sets around 6:09 pm local time, giving 12 h 56 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 28 min less daylight than in mid-July. Measured sunshine covers about 59% of the daylight — sun and cloud share the day.
How August compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, August comes out as the 6th warmest month in Kolkata. It is about as warm as July, with 22 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. September averages a high of 31°C (87.8°F).
Who August suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Kolkata in August
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Protect yourself from strong sun: hat, SPF and plenty of water.
Quick questions
How warm is Kolkata in August?
Afternoons average 31.1°C (88°F) and nights about 26°C (78.8°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 6th warmest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Kolkata in August?
Quite a lot — 350 mm spread over about 29 days.
What should I wear in Kolkata in August?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is August or September better for visiting Kolkata?
September scores better on our climate ranking (#9 of 12 vs #11), rated Fair against Fair. September has fewer rainy days.