Kolkata Weather in July

July: hot, wet monsoon days

Kolkata in July feels sticky from morning to night. Highs reach 32°C, humidity sits at 86%, and rain falls on 28 days, so you'll likely see heavy showers, grey skies and very little sun. Streets can flood, which means outdoor sightseeing may keep getting interrupted. That's why July scores just 0.5 out of 10 here, and why December and January are the better months to plan around.

Still, you can fill a wet day well. The Indian Museum and the galleries at Victoria Memorial are good indoor options when the clouds open up. If you do want to walk, keep it to the Maidan or the Hooghly and stay flexible, because a pleasant stroll can turn soggy within minutes. The upside is that July is calmer than the busy winter months, so if crowds wear you out, this is when you'll have more room to breathe.

Events and local plans

The ISKCON Kolkata Rath Yatra, a chariot festival, is held in July in some years, but its date shifts with the Hindu calendar. If it falls during your trip, expect crowds around the procession and Brigade Parade Ground, so check the date before you set out. Travelling with kids? A rainy afternoon at the Indian Museum is far easier than getting caught in a downpour around the Maidan.

Quieter streets, lower-season rates

July is low season compared with December and January, when the weather is more comfortable. You'll generally find fewer visitors and lower hotel rates, though rain can make getting across town slow. Keep in mind that August is also wet, so July isn't a short break from the monsoon.

When the rain sets in, the Metro is your best shortcut. Use it between Esplanade and Park Street rather than sitting in road traffic during a downpour. Keep your plans close to the station, too, since a short walk through wet, crowded streets can feel much longer than it looks.