Howrah Weather in October

October: warm and damp

October is one of the harder months to visit Howrah, and the rain is the main reason. Expect heat, humid air and regular showers, with a fair amount of sunshine breaking through between them. The weather is a clear step down from September's heavier downpours, and November brings much drier days, so if you can wait, you'll have an easier time.

You can visit Belur Math or the Indian Botanical Garden when the skies are clear. Keep indoor stops, such as the Rail Museum, for a wet spell. Long walks across exposed areas can feel sticky, so don't pack too much into one afternoon.

Durga Puja crowds

Durga Puja often falls in October, though its dates shift each year. Kolkata's decorated pandals draw huge crowds, and festive processions and idol immersions can make roads and ferry crossings busy. Howrah is a handy base, but crossing the river may take longer during the celebrations.

If you hate crowds, visit popular pandals on quieter weekdays or spend a morning at Belur Math instead. Puja holidays bring more visitors and can push up hotel prices and transport fares. If the festival isn't the reason you're going, December and January are the best months for Howrah's weather, with November close behind as a drier alternative.

Getting around

For a practical local move, take a ferry between Howrah and Kolkata rather than relying on the Howrah Bridge when traffic is slow. It gives you river views too, though rain can disrupt the ride.

Travelling with kids? Keep the day flexible, since a sudden shower can make a long outing tiring, especially in the sticky air. Try a plate of jhal muri, a spicy puffed-rice snack, near the station after your sightseeing. Don't expect October to feel cool, because the evenings stay warm.