Kolkata
City in India
Located in India, Kolkata is home to about 4.5 million people according to 2011 data. The city, situated 1,305 km from New Delhi, features significant landmarks such as the Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge that attract visitors.
What to see
The city contains several notable structures and institutions. The Victoria Memorial and the Howrah Bridge represent key architectural landmarks. For those interested in history and local culture, the Indian Museum and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple are available to visit. Other sites of interest include the National Library of India, The Asiatic Society, and the Vidyasagar Setu.
When to go
The weather in Kolkata varies throughout the year. January and February offer cooler temperatures with highs between 25 °C and 28 °C and minimal rainfall. From March, temperatures rise, reaching up to 35 °C in April and May. The monsoon season occurs from June through September, characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity, with up to 29 rainy days in some months. October sees a reduction in rain, while November and December return to cooler, drier conditions.
Getting there
Travelers can reach the city via the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. This airport is located 12 km from Kolkata, providing direct access to the city.
Top sights in Kolkata
Weather by month
The warmest month is April, with an average high of 35 °C. The wettest is July, with about 368 mm of rain.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 25 | 28 | 33 | 35 | 35 | 33 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 26 |
| Average low, °C | 13 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 25 | 23 | 19 | 14 |
| Rainfall, mm | 15 | 23 | 37 | 57 | 153 | 292 | 368 | 361 | 303 | 164 | 36 | 11 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 19 | 23 | 29 | 29 | 25 | 16 | 2 | 2 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Kolkata (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- National Library of India
- The Asiatic Society
- Vidyasagar Setu