{{Short description|none}} {{Use Indian English|date=February 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2026}}
The '''climate of Chhattisgarh''' is a tropical monsoon climate, consisting mainly of a tropical wet and dry climate (''Aw'') in the central plains and southern plateau, and a humid subtropical climate (''Cwa'') in the northern hilly regions. The state's landlocked position in Central India causes it to have a predominantly single climate pattern with regional variations influenced by its varied topography—from the edges of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the north to the Deccan Plateau fringes in the south.
With temperatures fluctuating from {{convert|0|°C|disp=or}} to {{convert|49|°C|disp=or}} in several parts of the state and seasonal monsoon rains, the summers are extremely hot, the winters are pleasant to cold, and the rainy season is generally very wet due to the influence of the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon.
==Classification== [[File:Koppen-Geiger Map IND present.svg|thumb|right|alt=A Köppen climate classification map of India showing Chhattisgarh predominantly under Tropical Savanna (Aw) and Humid Subtropical (Cwa) zones.|Köppen climate classification map of India]] The climate of Chhattisgarh is generally defined to be tropical monsoon.<ref name=IMD_Pune>{{cite web|title=Climate of Chhattisgarh|url=https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/CLIMATE%20OF%20CHHATTISGARH.pdf|publisher=India Meteorological Department|accessdate=16 February 2026|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723004742/http://www.imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climate%20of%20%20Chhattisgarh.pdf|archive-date=2022-07-23}}</ref> However, based on the Köppen climate classification, it can be classified mostly as tropical wet and dry (''Aw'') type with the northern hilly regions marked as humid subtropical with dry winter (''Cwa'').
Given significant geographical differences, Chhattisgarh is divided into three agro-climatic zones: the Bastar Plateau, the Chhattisgarh Plains, and the Northern Hilly Region.<ref name=Agro>{{cite web|title=Agro-Climatic Zones of Chhattisgarh|url=http://www.igau.edu.in/|publisher=Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya|accessdate=16 February 2026}}</ref>
==Seasons== According to the India Meteorological Department, Chhattisgarh has three predominant seasons.<ref name=IMD_Pune/>
The retreating monsoon season, occurring in October and November, marks the transition from the rainy season to winter, often accompanied by clear skies and decreasing humidity. Occasional mild showers are experienced in winter due to western disturbances.<ref name=WesDist>{{cite news|last=Sethi|first=Nitin|title=Met dept blames it on 'western disturbance'|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Met-dept-blames-it-on-western-disturbance/articleshow/1600979.cms|publisher=The Times of India|accessdate=16 February 2026}}</ref>
===Summer=== Summer lasts from March to May. It is hot and dry, and temperatures in the central plains rise to {{convert|45|°C|disp=or}}, with record highs reaching {{convert|48|or|49|°C|1|disp=or}} in districts like Bilaspur.<ref name=Heatwave>{{cite news|title=Bilaspur records 49.3 degrees|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/chhattisgarh-bilaspur-roasts-at-493-degrees/|publisher=ANI News|date=23 May 2017|accessdate=16 February 2026}}</ref> The relative humidity is low, and hot winds known as ''loo'' are common.
===Monsoon=== The monsoon season lasts from June to September. It accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the average annual rainfall. The arrival of the monsoon brings relief from the summer heat, though humidity levels rise significantly.
===Winter=== Winter lasts from November to February. Morning temperatures in the northern plateau (e.g., Mainpat) can drop to {{convert|0|to|2|°C|1|disp=or}}, and sometimes drop below freezing.<ref name=Winter_News>{{cite news|title=Mercury drops to zero in Mainpat|url=https://www.zee5.com/articles/chhattisgarh-weather-update-mercury-drops-in-mainpat/|publisher=Zee News|accessdate=16 February 2026}}</ref> The skies are generally clear with occasional foggy conditions in the morning.
==Temperature== Temperature varies from {{convert|0|to|49|°C|1}}.<ref name=Heatwave/> Such a wide range of temperature fluctuations leads to seasonal heat waves and cold waves.
===Heat waves=== The central plains, particularly Bilaspur and Raigarh, are prone to severe heat waves. In 2017, Bilaspur recorded an all-time high of {{convert|49.3|°C|1|disp=or}}.<ref name=Heatwave/> These waves often cause water shortages and health risks.
===Cold waves=== In recent years, northern districts like Surguja have experienced severe cold waves. In January 2026, temperatures as low as {{convert|3.5|°C|disp=or}} were recorded in Ambikapur.<ref name=Zee_Cold>{{cite news|title=Severe cold wave in Ambikapur|url=https://zeenews.india.com/hindi/india/madhya-pradesh-chhattisgarh/raipur/severe-cold-weather-returns-to-chhattisgarh/3093559|publisher=Zee News|date=3 February 2026|accessdate=16 February 2026}}</ref> Mainpat, often called the "Shimla of Chhattisgarh," frequently sees sub-zero temperatures.
==Precipitation== Chhattisgarh receives significant rainfall, predominantly from the southwest monsoon. The rainfall type is mainly orographic in the hilly regions and convectional in the plains.<ref name=IMD_Pune/>
===Rain=== The Bay of Bengal branch of the Indian Monsoon is the primary source of rain. The state receives an annual average rainfall of approximately 1,292{{nbsp}}mm. The southern Bastar region and the northern Abujmarh area receive the highest rainfall, sometimes exceeding 1,500{{nbsp}}mm.
===Floods=== Floods occur periodically due to the overflowing of major rivers like the Mahanadi, Indravati, and Hasdeo. Heavy monsoon spells in the catchment areas of these rivers can cause severe inundation in low-lying areas.
===Droughts=== Variability in monsoon arrival can lead to droughts, particularly in the rain-shadow areas of the Maikal Hills (e.g., Kawardha) and parts of the central plains.
==Wind== In summer, hot winds called ''loo'' blow across the central plains. These are dust-laden and can cause heatstroke. In winter, dry and cool northeasterly winds prevail across the state.
== Climate data == ===Raipur=== {{Excerpt|Raipur|Climate}} ===Ambikapur=== {{Excerpt|Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh|Climate}} ===Bilaspur=== {{Excerpt|Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh|Climate}} ===Jagdalpur=== {{Excerpt|Jagdalpur|Climate}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Districts of Chhattisgarh}}
Category:Geography of Chhattisgarh