Spring in Delhi really flips the weather switch and changes how you experience the city. Temperatures shoot up from mild to hot, the skies clear out, and every week you notice the days getting longer.
Expect average highs to rise from the upper 70s °F in early March to well over 100°F by late May. Spring’s easily the fastest warming season of the year.
You’ll see less cloud cover and more sunshine as the weeks pass. Humidity creeps up too, and you might get the odd short rain shower.
At first, the air feels dry, but by late spring, things can get muggy, especially in the evenings. Winds start to pick up a bit, sometimes carrying dust, which honestly just adds to Delhi’s spring vibe.
All these changes—the heat, the shifting skies, the swings in comfort—make Delhi’s spring both lively and a bit challenging. If you know what’s coming, you can plan your days better, whether you’re exploring cultural sites or just bracing for the summer heat.
Overview of Spring Weather in Delhi
Spring in Delhi means temperatures rise steadily, days get longer, and skies clear up. Afternoons turn warm, nights stay mild, and things only get hotter as the season rolls on.
Spring Season Duration
Spring usually runs from early March to late May in Delhi. Daily high temperatures start around 79°F (26°C) in early March and climb to about 103°F (39°C) by late May.
Nights warm up too, going from lows near 57°F (14°C) to about 82°F (28°C) by the end of spring.
March feels comfortable for being outside, while May is just plain hot and signals that summer’s almost here.
Daylight hours ramp up fast. In early March, you get about 11.5 hours of daylight. By late May, that stretches to nearly 14 hours.
Sunrises happen earlier, sunsets are later, so there’s more time for sightseeing or travel.
Humidity stays low at the start of spring but rises toward late May. That extra humidity makes the heat feel heavier as summer approaches.
Typical Weather Patterns
Skies in New Delhi get clearer as spring goes on. Cloud cover drops from about 23% in March to just 6% in late May, so most days are sunny or partly cloudy.
Rainfall stays low but ticks up a bit as the season moves forward. Monthly averages go from less than 1 inch in March to about 1.5 inches by May. Showers are usually quick and scattered.
Winds pick up during spring, averaging 7–8 mph, mostly from the west. Some days, gusts kick up dust and cut visibility, especially in late spring.
Humidity rises slowly. It starts off dry in March and reaches about 37% muggy days by May. That, along with the higher temps, makes late spring feel a lot more oppressive than the gentle start of the season.
Average Spring Temperatures
Spring in New Delhi means a steady climb in temperatures. Early March feels mild, but by late May, you’ll notice it’s hot.
Expect warm afternoons and cool nights at first, but as summer nears, the days just get hotter.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Range
During spring, daytime highs in New Delhi go from about 79°F (26°C) in early March up to around 103°F (39°C) by late May. Some days, it’ll even top 105°F near the end of the season.
Nights cool off more in March, with lows near 57°F (14°C). By May, nighttime temps climb to about 82°F (28°C), so evenings feel warm, not refreshing.
You’ll want light layers in March, but by May, only the thinnest, most breathable clothes will do. Early spring gives you that nice contrast between cool nights and hot afternoons, but by the end, it’s just hot all day and night.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Spring covers March, April, and May, and honestly, each month feels pretty different.
- March: Days hover around 79–88°F (26–31°C), nights dip to 57–64°F (14–18°C). This is the sweet spot for comfort.
- April: Highs hit 90–98°F (32–37°C), lows stay around 68–75°F (20–24°C). You’ll really start to notice the heat.
- May: Easily the hottest, with highs near 100–103°F (38–39°C) and lows around 80–82°F (27–28°C).
Each month just gets warmer. By late May, you know summer’s right around the corner.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Compared to winter, spring feels a lot warmer. January highs average 67°F (19°C), but by March, afternoons are already pushing 80°F (26°C). Nights warm up too, moving from mid-40s°F (7–9°C) in winter to upper 50s°F (14°C) in early spring.
Against summer, spring isn’t as brutal, though by late May, it’s getting close. June often goes over 104°F (40°C) every day, and humidity jumps with the monsoon. Spring heat is drier, which makes it a bit more bearable.
If you compare it to autumn, spring heats up much faster. Autumn cools off slowly after the monsoon, but spring shifts from pleasant to hot in just a few months. That quick change makes spring stand out as one of Delhi’s most noticeable seasonal transitions.
Rainfall and Humidity During Spring
Spring in Delhi is all about rising temperatures, barely-there rainfall, and moderate humidity. You’ll notice rain is rare as the season moves forward, and humidity stays manageable compared to the sticky summer.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall during Delhi’s spring is pretty light. March averages about 20–25 mm of precipitation, usually over just a handful of days. By April, that drops to 10 mm or less, and May is nearly dry until the monsoon rolls in.
Most rain comes from quick thunderstorms or short showers. They’re brief and not widespread, so your plans probably won’t get ruined. Spring rain is nothing like the summer downpours.
Delhi’s spring falls in the dry season, so long stretches of dry days are the norm, especially in April and May. If you’re traveling, you’ll find sightseeing easier since you’re unlikely to get stuck in a long rain spell.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days barely show up in spring. In March, you might get 1 to 2 days with measurable rain. April and May usually drop to zero or just one day each month.
So, most spring days will be sunny or partly cloudy. Even when it does rain, it’s often just a quick afternoon or evening shower.
With so little rain, you don’t really need to plan around wet weather. A small umbrella or light rain jacket could help in March, but by late spring, you probably won’t need it.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Delhi’s spring stays moderate, especially compared to the sticky monsoon. March averages around 35–40% relative humidity, which is comfortable for most people.
As April and May heat up, humidity drops during the day to 20–30%. The drier air makes the heat feel less suffocating, but it can dry out your skin or leave you feeling parched if you’re outside a lot.
Drink plenty of water and maybe use some moisturizer or lip balm. The low humidity also means clearer skies and those long sunny days that define Delhi’s spring.
Sunshine Hours and Cloud Cover
During spring in Delhi, days stretch out, sunshine ramps up, and clouds basically disappear. The season shifts away from winter’s mildness to brighter, drier weather that sets up for the incoming summer.
Average Daily Sunshine
Spring brings longer daylight hours. In March, you get about 11 hours of daylight, with the sun shining for nearly 10 to 11 hours most days. April bumps that up to 11.5 to 12 hours, and by May, you’re close to 13 hours of sunshine.
So, you spend more time under direct sunlight as the weeks pass. Climate records show monthly sunshine grows from about 277 hours in February to over 360 hours in May.
That extra daylight matters if you’re planning outdoor stuff. You’ll get reliable daylight for sightseeing, markets, or tours, but the sun’s intensity really cranks up in late spring. Sun protection becomes a must, especially at midday when UV levels peak.
Partly Cloudy and Clear Days
Cloud cover drops fast in spring. Early March sees partly cloudy skies about 15–20% of the time, but by May, that’s down to just 5–7%. Most days are just plain clear.
You can expect over 80% of March days to be mostly sunny. By April and May, clear days dominate, and overcast spells are rare. Rain is minimal, so clouds don’t stick around.
Spring is easily one of the brightest times of the year in Delhi. If you love consistent sunshine and barely any clouds, this season’s about as good as it gets for outdoor plans.
Wind Speed and Weather Comfort
In spring, wind speeds in Delhi stay moderate, but they do shift as the season goes. These changes can affect how comfortable you feel outside and how you plan your time.
Typical Wind Speeds in Spring
March and April usually bring average wind speeds of 4–6 miles per hour (mph). Conditions stay pretty calm, with light breezes that don’t really mess with daily life.
By late May, winds get stronger. The highest daily average hits about 8–9 mph at the end of the month. That’s the start of the windiest stretch of the year, which runs into June.
Early spring winds usually come from the northwest, but later on, they shift around more. These winds can bring hot, dry air as summer approaches. They’re not extreme, but you’ll feel the difference in comfort compared to earlier months.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Mild winds in March and April make it easy to enjoy sightseeing, walking tours, and eating outside. You get steady, gentle breezes that help balance out the daytime warmth.
By late May, stronger winds can make things less comfortable, especially in the afternoon heat. Dust in the air becomes more common, which might bother some travelers. If you’re planning to be outside late in the season, think about wearing light protective clothing and keeping water handy.
For sports or outdoor events, moderate winds usually don’t cause problems, but you might notice gusts here and there. Early spring is definitely the most comfortable time for spending long hours outside before it gets hotter and windier.
Best Time to Visit Delhi in Spring
Spring in Delhi gives you mild temperatures, longer days, and a comfortable mix of warm days and cool evenings. This time also lines up with cultural festivals and outdoor activities that make the city a lot more fun to explore.
Optimal Months for Travel
If you’re thinking about visiting Delhi in spring, February and March are honestly the sweet spot. Daytime temperatures usually sit between 20–25°C (68–77°F), so you can actually enjoy walking around and seeing the sights without feeling like you’re melting.
At night, it gets cooler, sometimes down to 12–15°C. You’ll probably want to toss a light jacket in your bag just in case.
By the time late March rolls around, you’ll notice the days heating up—sometimes over 30°C (86°F). That’s usually a sign summer’s coming in fast. So if you don’t like the heat, you might want to plan for earlier in the season.
Humidity? It stays pretty low, which feels like a relief. Rain’s not common, but you might get caught in a quick shower or even a hailstorm in February.
Air quality gets better after winter, so doing things outside feels a lot less taxing.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| February | 22–25°C | 10–12°C | Pleasant, occasional showers |
| March | 25–30°C | 12–15°C | Warmer, dry, ideal for travel |
Seasonal Events and Activities
Spring brings a bunch of cultural and recreational highlights to New Delhi. Holi, the festival of colors, usually pops up in March and turns the city into a lively, wild celebration.
You can join in or just watch, and either way, you’ll get a real taste of local culture.
During this time, gardens like Lodhi Garden and the Mughal Gardens burst into bloom. Wandering through these spots, you really get to soak up Delhi’s green spaces before the summer heat rolls in.
You’ll find it much easier to explore outdoor monuments like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, and India Gate when the temperatures aren’t soaring. Evening street food tours and markets, especially Chandni Chowk, feel way more inviting in the gentle spring air.
If you’re into photography, spring’s clear skies and soft light are just perfect for snapping cityscapes and heritage sites. For travelers chasing both comfort and a bit of culture, this season just feels right.