Kolkata Weather in October

October weather in Kolkata

October feels hot, sticky and unsettled. The high reaches 30°C, humidity is 84%, and rain falls on 14 days. Showers can interrupt a day out, though the rain eases compared with September. November is much drier, so October isn't the easiest month for long walks.

You can still visit the Victoria Memorial, browse College Street or ride a boat on the Hooghly when skies are clear. Keep indoor stops handy for sudden rain, and don't count on a full beach-style day at nearby riverside spots. The weather score is poor, but the city's biggest celebration can make a visit worthwhile.

Durga Puja crowds

Durga Puja often falls in October, though its dates change each year. Kolkata's neighbourhoods fill with decorated pandals—temporary shrines—and people stay out late to see them. The festival is a special time to visit, but popular areas such as Kumartuli and North Kolkata can feel packed.

If you hate crowds, choose quieter days outside the main Puja period. Hotels and transport are usually in higher demand during the festival than in November, when visitor numbers ease and rain drops sharply. Check the calendar before choosing your dates, since Puja can shift between September and October.

Make your Puja visit easier

For a practical local tip, use the Kolkata Metro to reach central areas, then walk between nearby pandals. Roads often get closed or slow during Puja, so a taxi may take longer than expected. Around Kumartuli, the sculptors' quarter, you can see clay idols being made before they're carried to pandals.

Travelling with kids? Pick a few pandals in one area rather than crossing the city in the heat and crowds. Try a plate of kathi rolls on Park Street when you need a quick meal between visits. October has less sun and more cloud than a dry-season city break, so leave room in your plans for rain.