Winter in Delhi gives you a much-needed break from the city’s brutal summers, but it brings its own quirks. Daytime highs usually hover around 19–22°C, and the nights can get pretty chilly, dropping to about 8–11°C. Honestly, this is probably the best time to be outside in Delhi.
The season feels mild compared to Delhi’s wild extremes. Still, you’ll notice shifts in temperature, cloud cover, and rainfall that create a different vibe across the city.
In December, you’ll see mostly clear skies, but as February rolls in, clouds start to take over. Rain doesn’t show up often, but there’s always a small chance for showers, especially later in the season.
Humidity, wind, and sunlight change subtly too, affecting everything from morning strolls to evening get-togethers.
If you get a handle on these patterns, planning becomes a lot easier—whether you live here or you’re just passing through during the cooler months.
From those crisp mornings to days that start short and slowly stretch out, Delhi’s winter climate brings a rhythm that mixes comfort with a bit of variety.
Overview of Winter Climate in Delhi
Delhi’s winter brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and plenty of fog. You’ll get mild afternoons, chilly nights, and the air quality definitely changes compared to other times of year.
Rainfall stays low, but you might get caught in a stray shower or a cloudy spell now and then.
Winter Months and Duration
Winter usually kicks off in late November and hangs around until mid-February. The coldest bit lands between mid-December and late January.
During this stretch, average minimum temperatures dip between 7–10 °C (45–50 °F). Daytime highs tend to stay near 20–23 °C (68–73 °F).
Sometimes, the temperature drops close to freezing, but that’s pretty rare.
Fog really sets the tone for winter, especially in December and January. Dense fog often forms at night and sticks around in the early morning, cutting visibility and slowing down travel.
Humidity ramps up during foggy spells, and that damp chill can feel stronger than you’d expect.
Typical Weather Patterns
Delhi’s winter creates a big gap between day and night temperatures. Nights and mornings feel cold, but afternoons usually turn sunny and comfortable.
This sharp contrast means you’ll want to dress in layers if you’re out all day.
Rain barely makes an appearance, with an average of 15–20 mm per month spread across just a few days. When it does rain, expect cloudy skies and a bit of a dip in daytime temps.
Air pollution tends to get worse in winter. Calm winds and frequent fog trap pollutants close to the ground, which messes with visibility and makes the air hard to breathe.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Winter feels way more manageable than Delhi’s blazing summers. In May and June, highs soar past 40 °C (104 °F), but in winter, you’re looking at highs close to 20 °C.
That’s a huge difference, and outdoor activities become a lot more fun.
Monsoon months, from late June to September, bring heavy rain and muggy air. Winter, on the other hand, is dry, and most days are clear.
Sunshine hours don’t change much, though fog can make mornings a little dim.
Autumn and spring act as bridges between the extremes. By March, things heat up fast, and in October, you still feel some leftover warmth.
Winter really stands out as the best season for sightseeing and getting around New Delhi.
Average Temperatures During Winter
Delhi’s winter brings cooler days and nights than the rest of the year. Afternoons feel mild, but after sunset, temperatures drop off fast.
Daytime highs stay steady, mornings are chilly, and sometimes a cold wave makes it feel even colder than the numbers suggest.
Daily Highs and Lows
In winter, you’ll usually see daytime highs around 20–23 °C (68–73 °F). That’s pretty much perfect for spending time outside.
At night, things get a lot colder. Average lows sit between 7–9 °C (45–48 °F) in December and January.
Sometimes, it drops to 3–4 °C (37–39 °F), and during an occasional cold wave, it can get close to freezing.
January is the coldest month, with a mean temperature of about 14 °C (57 °F).
By February, things warm up a bit, with highs nudging 25 °C (77 °F) and lows around 11 °C (52 °F).
You’ll want to dress in layers, since mornings and evenings feel much colder than the afternoons.
Temperature Bands and Variations
New Delhi’s winter temperatures fall into clear bands.
- Cool nights: 5–10 °C (41–50 °F)
- Mild afternoons: 18–24 °C (64–75 °F)
- Occasional extremes: below 5 °C (41 °F) or above 26 °C (79 °F)
The daily range is wide, often 10–12 °C (18–22 °F). Clear skies and dry air let heat escape quickly at night, so you really feel the difference.
Cold waves from the Himalayas sometimes sweep in, dropping both the minimum and maximum temps. You might get a day in January where the high is just 10 °C (50 °F), which is pretty cold for Delhi.
By late February, nights start to warm up, and you’ll see lows above 12 °C (54 °F) more often. That’s your sign that spring is just around the corner.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
Delhi’s winter brings a sharp split between day and night. Afternoons are sunny and pleasant, with highs near 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). That makes it great for sightseeing or just being outside.
Nights can feel colder than you’d expect, especially when fog and haze trap cold air near the ground. Early mornings are damp and chilly, with minimum temps around 7–8 °C (45–46 °F), and the moisture makes it feel even colder.
This day-night difference stands out most in December and January. You might wake up to 8 °C (46 °F) and then bask in a mild afternoon at 21 °C (70 °F).
You’ll want to plan your outfit—light layers for the day, something warmer for the evening and early morning.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
In Delhi’s winter, you’ll barely notice any precipitation compared to the monsoon. Most days are dry, with only brief showers breaking the pattern here and there.
Here’s what to expect for rain, how often it happens, and how it changes through the season.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Low rainfall totals define Delhi’s winters. The city usually records 5–20 mm of precipitation per month between December and February.
That’s just a tiny slice of the annual average, which sits around 716–790 mm—most of it arrives during the summer monsoon.
You’ll probably only see 1–2 rainy days per month in winter. These showers usually come from western disturbances, which drift over from the Mediterranean.
They tend to bring light or moderate rain, not heavy downpours.
Because there’s so little rain, winter showers rarely mess up daily life. Streets dry quickly, and you can keep your outdoor plans with barely any interruptions.
Travelers might want to pack for cool air and a bit of dampness, but not for long, rainy spells.
Wet Day Probability
Your odds of getting a wet day in Delhi’s winter are very low. A wet day means
Average Humidity Levels
Delhi’s winter humidity feels pretty moderate. It’s nothing like the sticky monsoon. In January, you’ll usually see relative humidity hover between 50% and 70%. It really depends on the time of day and whatever weather system happens to be rolling through.
Early mornings tend to feel damp, but afternoons dry out.
You might run into fog and haze when humidity jumps overnight and the temperature drops. December and January bring this on the most, since cool air traps moisture close to the ground. Foggy mornings can really cut down visibility and make getting around a hassle.
Compared to summer, when humidity sometimes dips as low as 25% in April, winter gives you higher but still comfortable levels. The air stays cool, but it’s not oppressive. If you’re visiting, you’ll probably find the humidity makes being outside pretty pleasant, though mornings can feel extra chilly when it’s cold out.
Variation in Dew Point
Delhi’s winter dew point usually sits between 5°C and 10°C. That means the air is on the dry side, so mornings and evenings often feel crisp. When dew point drops, your skin might feel a bit drier, so you’ll want to stay hydrated.
On those foggy mornings, the dew point nearly matches the air temperature. That tiny gap causes condensation and dense fog to blanket the city. You’ll notice this most near open fields, rivers, or low-lying spots.
Once afternoon hits and temperatures climb, the gap between air temperature and dew point widens. Fog chances drop, but the air stays dry. If you’re wondering why mornings feel damp but afternoons clear up, dew point’s your answer.
Wind and Atmospheric Conditions
Most winter days in Delhi feel calm, with only gentle air movement. Wind speeds stay low, but when the direction shifts, it can really change how the season feels, especially if cold air blows in from the north.
Average Wind Speed
You’ll usually notice gentle winds throughout winter. The average speed sits around 1 to 2 meters per second (about 3.6 to 7.2 km/h), which weather folks call light air or a light breeze on the Beaufort scale.
Smoke rises almost straight up, and leaves barely rustle. You probably won’t feel much wind on your face. Calm air also lets fog and haze build up, which is why December and January mornings can get so murky.
The windiest days usually show up in late spring or early summer, not winter. Winter winds stick to a steady, mild pace, which keeps the weather pretty stable. If you’re out and about, it’s comfortable, though fog might still cut visibility in the mornings.
Wind Direction and Patterns
Winter winds in Delhi usually blow from the northwest and north. They carry in cooler, drier air from inland. These winds drop nighttime temperatures and sometimes bring cold waves with them.
Air masses drifting down from the Himalayas make things even chillier. With no strong winds from the south or east, you don’t get much moisture, so rain barely shows up.
Because of this, mornings feel colder than afternoons. Weak winds and a steady northern flow help set up the heavy fog that’s so typical of Delhi’s winter.
Sunlight, Day Length, and Solar Energy
Winter sunlight in Delhi changes a lot day to day. Short days, long nights, and a low sun angle all affect how warm it feels and how much sun actually hits the ground.
Length of the Day and Twilight
Around mid-winter, Delhi’s days last about 10 to 10.5 hours. The shortest day, near the winter solstice, gives you just over 10 hours of daylight. By late February, days stretch out to almost 11.5 hours, so you get a bit more sun.
Twilight adds about 25–30 minutes of usable light before sunrise and after sunset. Even with the sun down, there’s enough light to get stuff done outside.
Nautical and astronomical twilight stick around longer, but the light’s pretty faint. Stargazers and photographers might care about those times, since the sky still glows a bit even after dark.
Hours of Daylight
Daylight hours shift as winter rolls on. In December and early January, you’ll only get about 10.3 hours per day. By February, it’s up to 11.2 hours, so mornings and evenings feel a bit brighter.
On average, Delhi sees about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day in winter. But when fog or haze sets in, that can drop below 5 hours.
Late winter usually brings clearer skies, so you get longer stretches of direct sun. This helps balance out the cold that’s typical in January.
Solar Elevation and Shortwave Solar Energy
The sun sits pretty low in Delhi’s sky during winter. Around noon in December, it only climbs to about 45–50 degrees above the horizon. In summer, it’s way higher—over 80 degrees. Lower angles mean weaker sunlight and longer shadows all day.
Shortwave solar energy (basically, sunlight hitting the ground) also drops in winter. You’ll see daily averages of 3–4 kWh per square meter, about half of what summer brings. That’s why even sunny winter days don’t feel hot.
Clear skies in January and February can still bring strong midday sun, which is great if you’re using solar panels or want some passive heating. But with shorter days, there’s just less total energy to go around.
Moon Phases During Winter
The moon really stands out in Delhi’s winter nights. Each month, you cycle through new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter. These phases change how much moonlight you see after sunset.
A clear winter night with a full moon can be surprisingly bright, especially when haze is low. You might not even need streetlights for a late walk.
On new moon nights, it gets much darker, and fog or mist can feel even thicker. Stargazers love these darker nights, since you can spot more constellations and planets in the crisp air.
Geographical and Environmental Influences
Delhi’s winter climate really comes down to its flat land, moderate elevation, and how people use the land. Climate experts rely on global reanalysis datasets and satellite-based maps to explain these weather patterns in more detail.
Topography and Elevation
Delhi sits on the Indo-Gangetic Plains, which are broad and flat. There’s barely any change in elevation. Cold air from the Himalayas sweeps south without hitting any big barriers, so winter cold waves hit hard.
The city stands at about 215 meters (706 feet) above sea level. That’s not high enough for mountain weather, but it still affects how quickly things cool down at night. Cold air settles in the low spots, so fog tends to form there on winter mornings.
Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data shows Delhi’s surface is mostly flat, with just a few small bumps near the Delhi Ridge. Those little hills, leftovers from the old Aravalli range, nudge the wind a bit but don’t stop cold air from spreading across the city.
Land Cover: Artificial Surfaces and Cropland
Most of Delhi’s land is covered in artificial surfaces—concrete, asphalt, and tightly packed buildings. These soak up heat during the day and let it out slowly at night, causing the urban heat island effect. In winter, central neighborhoods stay a bit warmer than the countryside.
Step outside the city, and you’ll see a lot of cropland. After harvest, these fields are bare in winter and lose heat fast at night. So, you get sharp temperature differences between open fields and busy urban areas.
The Global Land Cover SHARE database points out this mix of city and farmland as a key part of Delhi’s environment. So, if you’re out in the fields on a winter morning, you’ll feel the cold more than you would in a dense city block.
Climate Data Sources and Reanalysis
To figure out Delhi’s winter weather, experts use both direct observations and global climate models. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) runs stations at places like Safdarjung and Palam, tracking daily temperature, rainfall, and fog.
Scientists also use MERRA-2 reanalysis datasets. These pull together satellite data, ground reports, and model simulations to piece together past weather. Reanalysis helps spot how big systems, like Western Disturbances, shape winter rain and fog.
Satellite products from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission make it easier to map out how the land affects climate. By blending these sources, you can see how geography and land use work with the atmosphere to create Delhi’s winter.
Winter Weather Impact on Local Activities
Cooler temperatures and hardly any rain shape how people use land and move around Delhi. Short days, fog, and lower humidity all change up farming and daily routines in their own ways.
Growing Season and Degree Days
Delhi’s winter stays dry, with daytime highs between 15°C and 23°C (59°F–73°F). Nights can drop below 10°C (50°F). These conditions shape the growing season, especially for crops that prefer milder weather.
Farmers track growing degree days (GDDs) to see how much heat crops get. Winter brings lower GDDs than summer, so crops grow slower. But this suits cool-season staples like wheat, mustard, and some veggies.
Since rain barely falls—usually less than 5 mm per month—farmers rely on irrigation. Most fields use groundwater or canals. The dry air helps keep fungal diseases away, which is a relief after the wet season.
Shorter days, with 10–11 hours of light, mean less time for photosynthesis. That can stretch out the harvest a bit. Still, winter works well for hardy crops that can handle cool nights and mild days.
Effects on Daily Life and Travel
Fog and smog really make daily life tricky, especially in December and January. These thick conditions can drop visibility below 200 meters, and that messes with airports, train schedules, and highways all over the place.
Expect travel to take longer, especially if you’re heading out in the early morning or after sunset. Sometimes public transport just doesn’t show up on time, and road accidents seem to spike when the fog rolls in. It’s honestly smart to give yourself extra time for everything right now.
Cold mornings make outdoor routines a hassle. Lots of folks wait for the sun to climb before they think about exercise or heading to the market. Most homes don’t have much indoor heating, so people just pile on layers or grab a portable heater if they have one.
Tourist spots stay open, but haze might hide some landmarks until the sun burns it off. If you catch a clear day, though, the mild weather is perfect for walking tours or browsing outdoor markets. Just keep those foggy mornings in mind when you’re making plans.