Fall in Delhi really marks a shift from the harsh summer heat and those heavy monsoon rains. You’ll get warm days that slowly cool into crisp evenings, with temperatures dropping from the low 90s °F in early fall to the high 70s °F by the end.
Nights feel even cooler, so outdoor life gets a whole lot more comfortable compared to the sticky months before.
Rainfall drops off quickly after the monsoon, so the skies usually stay clear with just a small chance of a stray shower as fall goes on. Humidity falls, too, and the air becomes drier and way more pleasant.
This change in weather shapes how you experience Delhi’s parks, festivals, and daily routines.
With less daylight, gentler winds, and fewer clouds, fall brings some of the most balanced weather you’ll find in Delhi all year. Whether you want to wander through historic sites, plan an outdoor event, or just take a walk, fall makes it all much more enjoyable.
Overview of Fall Climate in Delhi
Delhi’s fall brings a steady drop in temperature, less rain, and more blue skies compared to the muggy monsoon. You’ll notice days getting shorter, the air drying out, and nights cooling off, which makes this time one of the best seasons in the city.
Defining Fall Months in Delhi
In Delhi, fall usually runs from September through November. This stretch marks the change from the heavy rains of July and August to the dry, crisp weather that leads into winter.
September days often hit above 90°F (32°C), but by November, highs settle closer to 77°F (25°C). Nights cool off even faster, dropping from around 80°F (27°C) in early September to about 52°F (11°C) by late November.
These months aren’t always listed as a separate season in every climate record, but people in Delhi definitely notice the difference. Locals call this time autumn or the post-monsoon period, and everyone agrees it’s a real transition in Delhi’s weather.
General Climate Characteristics
Fall in Delhi means lower humidity, clearer skies, and way less rain. You might still get a few leftover monsoon showers in early September, but the rain tapers off fast.
By November, monthly rainfall averages just 0.2 inches (5 mm), making it one of the driest times.
Cloud cover changes quickly, too. Early September skies are cloudy about one-third of the time, but by mid-October, most days are sunny.
The air feels fresher and lighter than in late summer.
Winds stay light, averaging about 5–6 mph, and shift from the west to the north as fall goes on. The combo of clear skies, gentle breezes, and cool nights creates a more stable, predictable pattern than summer’s chaos.
Transition from Monsoon to Dry Season
The biggest thing about Delhi’s fall is the shift from the rainy monsoon to the dry winter. September still feels humid and muggy, but by October, the air dries out fast.
By November, you wake up to crisp mornings and evenings.
Rainfall drops dramatically during these months. Delhi goes from an average 5–6 inches of rain in early September to almost nothing by late November.
Daylight also fades. From early September to late November, you lose over two hours of sunlight. Sunrises come later, sunsets earlier. That, along with the dry air and cooler nights, makes it obvious that winter is on the way.
Average Fall Temperatures
As fall moves in, Delhi cools off after the hot, sticky monsoon. Days stay warm, but nights get comfortable fast.
The gap between daytime and nighttime temps widens as the season moves on.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Early fall days often hover around 34°C (93°F), but by late November, they drop to about 25°C (77°F). Nights cool down even faster, with lows going from about 25°C (77°F) in September to around 12–15°C (54–59°F) by November.
You might feel warm in the afternoon but reach for a sweater after sunset.
This change is especially noticeable by late October, when nights dip below 20°C (68°F).
The day-night difference can top 15°C (27°F) in late fall. That’s a classic Delhi pattern this time of year.
Temperature Trends from September to November
September still brings hot days, with highs around 34–35°C (93–95°F) and lingering humidity. By October, the air dries out, and highs drop below 30°C (86°F).
November keeps cooling down. Average highs settle into the 25–28°C (77–82°F) range, and nights often reach the low teens in Celsius.
Here’s a quick look at average highs and lows:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 34 (93) | 25 (77) |
| October | 30 (86) | 19 (66) |
| November | 26 (79) | 13 (55) |
Historical Temperature Data
Delhi’s fall weather usually follows the same pattern year after year. Records show September highs can reach 35–36°C (95–97°F), while November sometimes sees daytime highs just above 20°C (68°F).
Heat spikes sometimes pop up in early October, with temperatures briefly climbing above 35°C (95°F). These don’t last long, though, and cool weather follows quickly.
By late November, minimum temps have dipped close to 10°C (50°F). It’s a clear sign that winter’s coming, and it helps mark the change from hot to cool seasons in Delhi.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain in Delhi’s fall season drops quickly from the heavy monsoon downpours to almost nothing by November. You’ll see a sharp decrease in both how much it rains and how often.
End of Monsoon Rains
When September starts, you’re still in the last stretch of the summer monsoon. Early September often brings rain, with the average 31‑day total around 147 mm (5.8 inches).
By late September, the monsoon pulls back, and rain drops off fast. October brings much drier air and clear skies, with only an occasional light shower.
By mid‑November, rainfall averages just 4 mm (0.2 inches) for the month. At this point, rain is basically gone and the air feels dry.
So, if you’re in Delhi in September, you might still want an umbrella. By November, you can usually leave it at home.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
The numbers show a clear drop:
- September: ~120–150 mm on average
- October: ~25–30 mm
- November: ~3–5 mm
Showers in September can still mess with outdoor plans, especially early in the month. By October, rain is lighter and doesn’t last long.
November is almost rain-free, with totals so low they barely register.
Most of Delhi’s annual rainfall (~700–800 mm) falls between June and September. Fall barely adds to the yearly total.
Rainy Day Frequency
The odds of a rainy day drop fast. Early September gives you about a 40% chance of rain on any day.
By late November, your chances fall to 2% or less.
That means you might see rain on 8–10 days in September, 2–3 days in October, and maybe just 1 day in November.
Fall showers tend to be short and light, nothing like July and August’s big storms. By mid‑October, clear skies take over, making this one of the sunniest stretches of the year.
Humidity and Dew Point in Fall
During fall, Delhi’s air shifts from muggy in early September to much drier by late November. This change really affects how comfortable it feels outside, especially in the evenings.
Average Humidity Levels
At the start of fall, humidity is high and the air feels heavy. In early September, there’s a 98% chance of muggy weather, so expect it to feel damp most days.
As fall goes on, moisture drops off quickly. By late November, muggy conditions are down to about 1%, and the air feels much more comfortable.
On average, relative humidity sits between 40–60% in October and November, which most people find pretty tolerable. It’s easier to be outside, and sweat dries faster than during the monsoon.
Lower humidity also means less haze and clearer skies. That’s why days look brighter and nights feel cooler as fall rolls in.
Dew Point Variations
The dew point shows how humid the air feels. In Delhi’s fall, it drops steadily from the high 70s °F in early September to the low 50s °F by late November.
When the dew point is above 70°F, the air feels muggy—pretty common in early fall, especially at night. By mid-October, dew points are often in the 60s°F, which is much nicer.
By late November, dew points in the 50s°F make the air dry and crisp. Nights feel cooler, and mornings can be a bit chilly compared to the afternoons.
This steady drop in dew point explains why there’s such a big jump in comfort from September to November. It’s the signal that summer humidity has given way to drier, cooler air.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
During fall, Delhi’s air calms down compared to the gusty summer and monsoon months. Wind speeds drop, and breezes feel lighter, with hardly any strong gusts.
You get more stable, comfortable weather for outdoor plans.
Typical Wind Speed and Direction
In October and November, average wind speeds in Delhi are low, around 1 meter per second (m/s), or about 3.6 km/h (2.2 mph). This light air often feels still, and some days you barely notice any movement.
Winds usually come from the northwest during fall. The retreating monsoon and the approach of winter drive this pattern.
Northwest winds bring in drier air, which helps clear out the last of the rainy season’s humidity.
For most of fall, calm conditions take over. On the Beaufort scale, these are “light air” days—smoke rises straight up and leaves barely move. It’s a big difference from the blustery summer.
Wind Gusts and Seasonal Changes
Even though average speeds are low, you might notice occasional gusts. They’re not strong, but sometimes reach 2–3 m/s (7–11 km/h), usually in the late afternoon as temperatures shift.
Early fall still carries some leftover humidity and instability from the monsoon, so breezes can feel a bit stronger. By late November, the air is much drier, and gusts almost disappear.
Back in June, Delhi gets its windiest weather at around 4 m/s, but by fall, things are much calmer. This makes outdoor travel and activities easier, with fewer surprises from sudden weather changes.
Other Notable Fall Weather Features
When fall settles into Delhi, you notice more than just a shift in temperature or clearer skies. Fog, sunlight strength, and pollution levels all shape daily routines and travel plans, so it’s worth paying attention if you’re heading outside.
Fog Formation and Impacts
In late fall, fog often creeps in as the nights cool down and humidity hangs around. November seems to bring the most of it, when temperatures drop and calm winds let moisture condense right at ground level.
You’ll wake up some mornings and barely see a few hundred meters ahead. This kind of fog slows airport operations and makes highway traffic crawl, especially on routes going in or out of the city.
If you’re traveling, fog probably means you should give yourself extra time for morning commutes or flights. Trains sometimes run late too, as the railways struggle with low visibility.
The sun usually burns off the fog by late morning, but that brief window can really disrupt plans. A mask or scarf comes in handy, since fog often mixes with pollutants, making the air feel heavier than usual.
UV Index and Sunlight
Cooler weather doesn’t mean the sun takes a break—Delhi’s UV index often stays moderate to high through much of fall. September still brings strong sunlight, with longer days and plenty of solar energy.
By late November, the sun sits lower and days get shorter, but midday UV exposure can still surprise you.
Usually, you’ll see the UV index hover between 5 (moderate) and 7 (high) in early fall, then slide down to 3–4 (moderate) as the season winds down. So, you might still want to grab sunscreen if you’re outside, especially from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Sunglasses and sunscreen aren’t just for summer—they’ll protect your skin even if the air feels cool. Sunlight also helps clear out fog and haze, so afternoons often turn bright after a misty start.
Air Quality and Pollution
Air quality in Delhi gets pretty rough during fall. Cooler nights trap pollutants close to the ground, and with less wind, smog just hangs around.
Farmers in nearby states often burn crops in October and November, which only makes things worse.
You’ll probably notice the Air Quality Index (AQI) jump from “moderate” early in the season to “poor” or even “very poor” by late fall. That can mean eye irritation, coughing, or just general discomfort, especially if you’re sensitive to pollution.
If you’re heading outside, it’s smart to check the AQI first. Throwing on an N95 mask, skipping heavy outdoor workouts when pollution peaks, and running an air filter indoors can really help.
Usually, sunlight and a bit of wind after mid-morning clear out some of the trapped particles. But once evening rolls around and temperatures drop, pollution tends to creep back in.