Summer in Agra hits hard with intense heat, heavy rains, and skies that can change in a snap. Daytime highs often soar above 40°C (104°F) in May, then ease up a bit when the monsoon arrives in June. The monsoon cools things down, but it also brings sticky air and sudden, soaking downpours.
If you’re heading out to see the Taj Mahal this time of year, you’ll probably notice how quickly the weather flips from sunny to stormy. The monsoon doesn’t just drop the temperature, it also makes everything greener and the sky more dramatic.
It helps to know what you’re in for—Agra’s summer can be both challenging and beautiful. The dry heat of late spring feels totally different from the rain-soaked days of July and August. Each part of the season brings its own vibe, so it’s worth getting a feel for it before you go.
Overview of Summer Weather in Agra
Summer in Agra means scorching heat, higher humidity, and eventually, a shift toward heavy monsoon rains. Early in the season, hot days dominate, but as summer rolls on, you’ll see more clouds, frequent showers, and muggy evenings.
Typical Summer Climate Patterns
Late spring and early summer bring daytime highs of 100–105°F (38–41°C), especially in May and June. Nights don’t offer much relief, usually hovering around 80–84°F (27–29°C). Honestly, being outside in the middle of the day is tough unless you find some shade.
By July and August, the heat backs off a bit, averaging closer to 92°F (33°C). Humidity, though, ramps up fast, making the air feel heavy and thick. You’ll see more overcast skies and rainstorms popping up.
Rainfall really picks up as summer goes on. In June, average rainfall sits around 25–30 mm, but by July, it can top 150 mm. Some days, you’ll get hammered by heavy rain. While these showers offer relief from the heat, they also push humidity levels above 60%, so it gets sticky.
Daylight hours shrink as summer passes, dropping from nearly 14 hours in June to about 12.5 by late August. Winds usually stay light to moderate, around 7–8 mph early on, then slow down a bit later.
Key Weather Influences in Summer
The monsoon system drives Agra’s summer weather. Clear skies and brutal heat kick things off, but then moist air from the Indian Ocean sweeps in, bringing clouds and rain.
Humidity goes up steadily, with muggy conditions jumping from 35% in June to almost 100% by mid-August. Evenings feel just as damp as the daytime, which can be a little overwhelming.
Rainfall timing really matters. Showers usually come in bursts—one minute it’s pouring, the next it’s dry again. This can mess with travel plans, but it also cools things down compared to the pre-monsoon heat.
Winds shift during the summer. In June, they blow mostly from the west. By late July, they turn east, carrying even more moisture. This marks the peak of the rainy season, when clouds and rain hit their max.
Average Temperatures During Summer
Agra’s summer means blazing hot days and not much relief at night. The season starts dry and scorching, then slides into a humid monsoon period that still keeps things warm.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime highs in Agra usually stay between 38°C and 46°C (100°F to 115°F) during the summer peak. Sometimes, the temperature creeps close to 50°C (122°F), which makes being outside pretty unpleasant.
At night, it cools off a little, but not much. Minimum temperatures often sit between 27°C and 32°C (81°F to 90°F) in June and July. So, evenings stay warm and sticky, especially once the monsoon really gets going.
With high daytime heat and warm nights, you’ll feel the heat all day long. Most people rely on fans or air conditioning, and honestly, early mornings are the only good time for sightseeing outdoors.
Monthly Temperature Variations
May is usually Agra’s hottest month, with average highs around 42°C (108°F) and lows near 29°C (84°F). This is the peak of dry heat, right before the rains.
In June, the heat sticks around—highs near 40°C (104°F)—but you’ll notice humidity creeping up. Nights average about 28°C (82°F).
July and August bring the monsoon. Highs drop a bit to 33–36°C (91–97°F), but the humidity makes it feel heavier. Lows stay close to 27°C (81°F), so nights aren’t much cooler.
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| May | 42 | 29 |
| June | 40 | 28 |
| July | 34–36 | 27 |
| August | 33–35 | 27 |
So, even though the monsoon cools the afternoons a bit, Agra’s summer heat really sticks around.
Rainfall and Monsoon Season in Agra
Agra gets a long stretch of dry weather, then a short but intense rainy season. Most of the yearly rain comes during the summer monsoon.
Onset and Duration of Monsoon
The monsoon usually kicks off in late June and wraps up by mid-September. During this time, moist winds from the southwest bring heavy showers and crank up the humidity.
July and August tend to be the wettest months, accounting for most of the annual rainfall. During these weeks, Agra feels much more humid, with humidity levels often at 65–75%.
Unlike India’s coastal cities, Agra’s monsoon is shorter and less predictable. Some years, the rains show up early in June; other times, they’re late. The monsoon usually leaves by late September, and things dry up fast.
This seasonal shift matters a lot for both farming and travel. Heavy downpours can cause short-term flooding in low spots, while rural areas really depend on the rain for crops.
Average Summer Precipitation
Agra gets about 750 mm of rainfall a year, and almost all of it falls during the monsoon. August is usually the wettest month, with around 230 mm of rain over 10–12 days. July also brings a lot, usually above 180 mm.
May and June are much drier, with just a few light showers before the monsoon. Once the rain starts, daytime highs drop a little from extreme summer peaks, but the humidity makes the air feel heavier.
Here’s a quick look at average rainfall during summer:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~25–80 | 3–5 |
| July | ~180 | 9–10 |
| August | ~230 | 11–12 |
| September | ~120 | 6–8 |
So, expect dry heat before June, heavy rain in July and August, and a slow return to dry weather by October.
Humidity and Cloud Cover Trends
In summer, you’ll notice humidity in Agra ramp up fast as the monsoon period arrives. Cloud cover changes too, which affects both sunshine and how it feels to be outside.
Humidity Levels During Summer
Early summer, especially in May, feels bone dry. Relative humidity can drop to about 17%, which makes the heat feel even more intense.
By June, the monsoon starts to make its mark. Humidity jumps to 55%, and keeps climbing through July and August, peaking around 66–73%. The air turns heavy and sticky, especially in the afternoons.
The shift from late May to mid-July is wild. In just a few weeks, you go from dry, desert-like heat to muggy, humid air. If you’re planning to walk around places like the Taj Mahal, keep in mind the humidity makes everything more tiring.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover follows the seasons too. In May, you’ll mostly get clear skies and long days—up to 12.2 hours of sunshine. It’s bright, but the extreme heat can be brutal.
When the monsoon kicks in during July and August, skies turn gray more often. Sunshine drops to about 9–10 hours a day, though daylight itself is still long, close to 13–14 hours. So, you get more daylight but less direct sun.
Cloudy skies help with the sun, but sometimes they cut visibility. In August, you might only see about 9 km, compared to 10 km in drier months. This matters if you love photography or want those sweeping views of landmarks.
Wind Patterns and Air Quality in Summer
Hot, dry winds really shape Agra’s summer weather and have a big impact on air quality. Sometimes, strong gusts help with the heat, but they also stir up dust and move pollutants around the city.
Prevailing Winds and Speeds
From April to June, winds usually blow in from the west and northwest. They can get pretty gusty, especially in the afternoons when it’s hottest. Most days, wind speeds are moderate, but you’ll definitely notice sudden bursts that kick up dust.
These hot winds, known as loo, carry dry air and make the heat stress feel worse. Outdoor activities during peak hours are rough.
Wind direction matters for air quality. When winds keep moving, they help clear out pollution from the city center. But when air stalls, haze and smog build up fast.
If you’re traveling, keep in mind that dust can cut visibility on roads and at sights. Sunglasses, a light scarf, or a mask can make a big difference if you’re out for a while.
Summer Air Quality Factors
Agra’s summer air quality depends on both weather and local emissions. High temperatures speed up chemical reactions that produce ozone, which is a big part of smog. Ozone levels usually spike during the afternoon.
Studies have shown ozone can go over 100 ppb on the hottest days. Fine particles (PM2.5) are also a problem—traffic, factories, and dust all add to unhealthy air.
Humidity affects pollution, too. When it’s below 40%, pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide hang close to the ground. Low humidity and strong sun combine for bad air quality.
You might see clearer skies on windy days, but that doesn’t always mean the air is cleaner. Sometimes, the wind just moves pollution from one neighborhood to the next.
Travel Tips for Visiting Agra in Summer
Agra’s summer heat can be brutal, with daytime temperatures often shooting past 40°C. If you plan carefully, you can still enjoy the city’s famous sights and stay comfortable.
Best Practices for Sightseeing
Try to start your day early—right around sunrise works well. The air feels cooler then, and you’ll dodge most of the crowds.
If you visit the Taj Mahal or Agra Fort in the morning, you’ll beat the worst of the heat. Plus, the softer morning light just makes your photos look better.
Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to reduce sun exposure. Throw on some lightweight cotton or linen clothes, too. They let your skin breathe and help soak up sweat.
Stay flexible with your plans. Maybe leave room for indoor breaks at museums, shaded gardens, or a quick stop at an air-conditioned café during the hottest part of the day.
When evening rolls around and things cool off a bit, you might want to wander through markets like Kinari Bazaar.
If you’re desperate to cool down, you could hit up a local water park. Or, why not take a boat ride on the Yamuna River? You’ll get a different angle on the Taj Mahal, and it’s a nice way to escape the heat while still soaking in the city.
Health and Safety Considerations
Agra’s summer can be brutal, so staying hydrated matters a lot. Bring a reusable water bottle and sip often, even if you’re not really thirsty.
Skip the tap water—stick with sealed bottled water or refill at trusted hotel stations.
Heat exhaustion sneaks up on people fast. Look out for stuff like dizziness, heavy sweating, or feeling nauseous. If you start to feel off, find some shade or duck into an air-conditioned spot right away.
Street food might look irresistible, but it spoils quickly in the heat. Go for meals cooked fresh in front of you at busy stalls, or just eat at well-known restaurants.
Pack a basic medical kit with oral rehydration salts, electrolyte tablets, and your regular meds. Having these handy means you can deal with minor problems without ruining your trip.
Don’t forget sturdy shoes. The pavement and stones around Agra’s monuments heat up fast in the sun, and nobody wants burned feet or blisters.