While the weather in Kolkata in July is hot and humid, there are several reasons why it can be a good time to visit the city:
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Cultural Festivals: July is a month of cultural celebrations in Kolkata. The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF), one of the largest film festivals in Asia, is held in July. The festival showcases a diverse range of films from around the world, including independent and mainstream productions. Additionally, the Kolkata Book Fair, the largest book fair in India, is held in July. The fair attracts millions of visitors and features a wide variety of books, including literary works, academic texts, and children’s books.
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Cultural Events: July also sees a number of cultural events taking place in Kolkata. The Calcutta Art Festival is an annual event that showcases the works of local and international artists. The festival features a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art. Additionally, the Bangla Academy organizes a number of cultural events throughout the month, including music concerts, dance performances, and literary readings.
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Fewer Tourists: July is generally a less crowded time to visit Kolkata compared to other months of the year. This means that you will be able to explore the city’s attractions without having to deal with large crowds. You may also be able to find better deals on flights and accommodations during this time.
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History and Heritage: Kolkata has a rich history and heritage, and there are many historical and cultural landmarks to visit in the city. Some of the most popular tourist attractions include the Victoria Memorial, the Indian Museum, and the Kalighat Temple. You can also explore the city’s colonial architecture and visit the many museums and galleries that showcase the city’s art, culture, and history.
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Food and Cuisine: Kolkata is known for its delicious food and cuisine. The city is home to a variety of restaurants, from traditional Bengali restaurants to international cuisine. You can also find a variety of street food vendors selling local delicacies.
Overall, while the weather in Kolkata in July can be hot and humid, there are still many reasons why it can be a good time to visit the city. By planning your trip carefully and taking precautions to stay cool and hydrated, you can enjoy all that Kolkata has to offer during this time of year.
Weather In Kolkata During July
The weather in Kolkata, India during July is characterized by hot and humid conditions, with heavy rainfall. Here are the typical weather patterns you can expect in Kolkata during July:
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Temperature:
- Average Maximum Temperature: 34°C (93°F)
- Average Minimum Temperature: 27°C (81°F)
- Days are hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching above 35°C (95°F).
- Nights are warm and uncomfortable, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C (77°F).
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Humidity:
- Relative Humidity: 80-90%
- Kolkata experiences high humidity levels throughout the day, making the weather feel even hotter than it actually is.
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Rainfall:
- Average Rainfall: 370mm (14.6 inches)
- July is one of the wettest months in Kolkata, with frequent thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
- The monsoon season typically lasts from June to September, and July is often the peak of the rainy season.
- Expect heavy showers and occasional torrential rains during this time.
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Cloud Cover:
- Cloudy Days: 20-25 days
- The sky is often overcast with clouds, reducing the intensity of direct sunlight.
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Wind Speed:
- Average Wind Speed: 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph)
- Winds are generally moderate, providing some relief from the heat and humidity.
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Weather Advisories:
- During the monsoon season, be prepared for sudden downpours, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
- Keep an umbrella or raincoat handy when venturing outdoors.
- Stay informed about local weather forecasts and advisories.
Overall, the weather in Kolkata during July is hot, humid, and rainy. While the monsoon season brings much-needed respite from the scorching summer heat, it also makes the weather uncomfortable and challenging to navigate at times.
Things To Do In Kolkata In July
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Kolkata Rath Yatra: This is one of the most significant festivals in Kolkata, held during July. It involves a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. The idols of these deities are placed on beautifully decorated chariots and pulled through the streets of Kolkata by devotees. The festival is a sight to behold, and it attracts a large number of devotees and tourists alike.
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Durga Puja Preparations: While Durga Puja is celebrated in October, the preparations for the festival begin in July. Artisans start creating beautiful idols of Goddess Durga and her four children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh. These idols are made of clay, straw, and bamboo and are adorned with intricate details. The process of making these idols is a work of art and is a must-see for anyone visiting Kolkata during July.
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Folk Festivals: During July, several folk festivals are celebrated in Kolkata, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Some of the popular folk festivals include the Baul Mela, Poush Mela, and Magh Mela. These festivals feature traditional music, dance, and art performances, as well as a variety of traditional food and handicrafts.
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Monsoon Special Food: During the monsoon season, Kolkata offers a unique culinary experience. Street vendors sell a variety of monsoon special delicacies, such as jhal muri, fuchka, and ghugni. These snacks are best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
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Boat Rides: The monsoon brings heavy rainfall to Kolkata, resulting in waterlogging in many areas. During this time, boat rides become a popular way to get around the city. Tourists can enjoy a unique perspective of Kolkata from the water and witness the beauty of the city during the rainy season.
Tourism In Kolkata, India During July
- The Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) is held in July and is one of the largest film festivals in Asia. It showcases films from all over the world, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
- The Calcutta Book Fair is also held in July and is one of the largest book fairs in the world. It attracts millions of visitors each year and features books in a variety of languages, including Bengali, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit.
- The Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival that is celebrated in Kolkata in September. It is a time of great festivity and celebration, with streets lined with stalls selling food, clothes, and other items.
- The Kolkata Metro Railway is a rapid transit system that serves the city of Kolkata and its suburbs. It is the oldest metro railway system in India and the second oldest in Asia.
- The Victoria Memorial is a large marble building that was built in memory of Queen Victoria. It is now a museum that houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts.
- The Indian Museum is the largest and oldest museum in India. It houses a collection of over 10,000 artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and coins.
- The Birla Planetarium is a planetarium that offers shows about astronomy and space science.
- The Nicco Park is an amusement park that is located on the outskirts of Kolkata. It has a variety of rides, water slides, and other attractions.
- The Dakshineswar Kali Temple is a Hindu temple that is dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is one of the most popular temples in Kolkata and attracts millions of visitors each year.