Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Asia › 🇮🇳 India › Delhi
Updated: March 2026
August is a fair time to visit Delhi (4/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 19 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 12th sunniest of the year in Delhi. August suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 19 potential rain days. September offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 19 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
August sits at a particular moment in Delhi's seasonal arc. Temperatures average 32°C during the day, placing this month in the warmer half of the year, when the city operates at full summer intensity. Against the seasonal backdrop, 19 rainy days and 9 sunshine hours per day help calibrate expectations for what actually awaits on the ground.
32°C
90°F
Avg High
26°C
79°F
Avg Low
19 days
165 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
70%
Moderate
Humidity
The 6°C day-night temperature range is typical for continental climates: a light jacket in the morning that you shed by midday and need again after sunset. Humidity averages 70%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 9 this month, classed as high to very high. SPF 30+ sunscreen, a brim hat, and sunglasses are not optional between 10am and 4pm. Winds are calm at an average 14 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 90°F average high, 79°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Delhi in August means dressing for 32°C days and 26°C evenings. A lightweight linen or cotton shirt with loose-fit trousers or a sundress handles the 32°C daytime heat. Evening temperatures settle at 26°C, a modest 6°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. For footwear, breathable walking sandals work for casual exploration, but closed-toe trainers are better for uneven surfaces in the historic centre. With 19 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region.
Local tip: Temple and religious site visits require covered shoulders and knees in most of Delhi's heritage areas. A lightweight scarf or sarong weighs almost nothing and solves the problem instantly.
August has no major festivals or public holidays in Delhi, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 32°C average highs and 19 rainy days
Delhi's August heat is driven by the Asian summer monsoon system, as the low-pressure cell that forms over the heated landmass draws warm, humid air from the oceans. The result is temperatures averaging 32°C with high moisture in the air. Overnight temperatures remain elevated at 26°C, as clouds and humidity prevent the earth from radiating heat away after sunset. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Delhi in August
August ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Delhi, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are November, December, and October. May is the hottest month (40°C avg high); January is the coolest (20°C). From here, temperatures fall 0°C into September. Compared to last month (July: 34°C high, 19 rain days), August is cooler and equally dry. August is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 7°C | 3 | 9h | View |
| February | 23°C | 10°C | 4 | 10h | View |
| March | 29°C | 15°C | 3 | 11h | View |
| April | 36°C | 21°C | 3 | 12h | View |
| May | 40°C | 25°C | 5 | 13h | View |
| June | 38°C | 28°C | 9 | 12h | View |
| July | 34°C | 27°C | 19 | 9h | View |
| August | 32°C | 26°C | 19 | 9h | View |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 10 | 10h | View |
| October | 32°C | 19°C | 2 | 11h | View |
| November | 27°C | 14°C | 1 | 10h | View |
| December | 22°C | 9°C | 1 | 10h | View |
January
3 rain days, 9h sun
February
4 rain days, 10h sun
March
3 rain days, 11h sun
April
3 rain days, 12h sun
May
5 rain days, 13h sun
June
9 rain days, 12h sun
July
19 rain days, 9h sun
August
19 rain days, 9h sun
September
10 rain days, 10h sun
October
2 rain days, 11h sun
November
1 rain days, 10h sun
December
1 rain days, 10h sun
Data Sources for Delhi
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.