Whether June is a good time to visit Kolkata, India depends on a variety of factors including personal preferences, budget, and interests. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Crowds: June is considered to be the off-season for tourism in Kolkata. As a result, there will be fewer crowds, shorter lines, and lower prices. This can be a great time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed and uncrowded experience.
- Weather: June is part of the monsoon season in Kolkata, which typically lasts from June to September. During this time, the city experiences heavy rainfall and high humidity. Temperatures can also be quite high, with average highs reaching 35°C (95°F). If you don’t mind the rain and humidity, June can be a great time to visit Kolkata. However, if you’re looking for dry and sunny weather, you may want to consider visiting during the winter months (November-February).
- Festivals and Events: June is a time for several festivals and events in Kolkata. The most notable is the Rath Yatra, which is a Hindu festival that celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival takes place over a period of several days and is accompanied by processions, music, and dancing. Other festivals and events held in June include the Kolkata Book Fair, the International Film Festival of Kolkata, and the Monsoon Music Festival.
- Hotel Rates: Hotel rates in Kolkata are typically lower during the off-season. This can be a great time to find good deals on accommodations.
- Transportation: Transportation in Kolkata is generally reliable and affordable. However, during the monsoon season, there may be some disruptions due to flooding and traffic congestion.
Overall, June can be a good time to visit Kolkata if you’re looking for a less crowded and more affordable experience. However, it’s important to be prepared for the rain and humidity.
Weather In Kolkata During June
The weather in Kolkata, India during June is typically characterized by high temperatures and humidity. The average daily temperature ranges from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius (77 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). During the day, temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher. Nights are usually warm and humid, with temperatures dropping to around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
Rainfall is common during this month, as Kolkata experiences its monsoon season. The city receives an average of 200 millimeters (8 inches) of rain in June. The monsoon rains can bring heavy downpours and thunderstorms, which can cause flooding and disrupt transportation.
The high humidity levels in Kolkata during June can make the weather feel even hotter and more uncomfortable. Humidity levels typically range from 70 to 90 percent.
Overall, the weather in Kolkata during June is hot, humid, and wet. It is important to stay hydrated and wear lightweight, breathable clothing during this time.
Things To Do In Kolkata In June
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Rath Yatra Festival: This annual festival celebrates the journey of Lord Jagannath from his temple in Puri to his birthplace in Gundicha Temple. The festival is marked by a grand procession, where devotees pull a chariot carrying the deity through the streets of Kolkata. (June 23, 2023)
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Birth Anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore: Celebrated on May 9th in remembrance of this literary giant from West Bengal. Various cultural programs, seminars, exhibitions, and music concerts are organized throughout the state.
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Kolkata Book Fair: Kolkata Book Fair is one of the largest book fairs in the world, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. There are hundreds of stalls featuring books in various languages and genres, as well as cultural events like music, dance, and theatre. (July 28-August 7, 2023)
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Taste of Kolkata Food Festival: A weeklong event showcasing the culinary delights of Bengal. Visitors can sample an array of traditional delicacies from different regions of the state, as well as learn about the history and culture of Bengali cuisine. (December 24-30, 2023)
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Calcutta Polo Club and Riding Academy: Visitors can watch polo matches and take riding lessons at the Calcutta Polo Club and Riding Academy, which has hosted polo matches since 1892.
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Kolkata International Film Festival: One of the most prestigious film festivals in India, showcasing films from various countries around the world. (November 10-17, 2023)
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Durga Puja Celebrations: After the monsoon season is over, Kolkata is at its very best. The city celebrates the ten-day-long Durga Puja festival. (Dates are based on the lunar calendar and vary every year.)
Tourism In Kolkata, India During June
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Cultural Festivals and Events:
- Kolkata Book Fair: Held in June each year, the Kolkata Book Fair is the largest book fair in India and one of the largest in the world. The fair attracts millions of visitors from across the country and features a wide variety of books, publishers, and authors.
- Kolkata Film Festival: Held in June, the Kolkata Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in India. The festival showcases a wide range of films from all over the world, including feature films, documentaries, and short films.
- Rath Yatra: Celebrated in June, Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival that commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath to his Gundicha Temple. The festival attracts thousands of devotees who come to witness the procession of the Lord Jagannath idol from the Puri Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple.
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Museums and Galleries:
- Indian Museum: Established in 1814, the Indian Museum is one of the oldest and largest museums in India. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from all over India, including sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and archaeological objects.
- Victoria Memorial: Built in 1921, the Victoria Memorial is a grand marble building that houses a museum dedicated to the life and reign of Queen Victoria. The museum has a collection of artifacts related to Queen Victoria, as well as exhibits on the history of Kolkata and India.
- Birla Planetarium: Located in the heart of Kolkata, the Birla Planetarium is a popular tourist attraction. The planetarium offers shows on astronomy and space science, and also has a small museum with exhibits on astronomy and space exploration.
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Historical Sites:
- Fort William: Built by the British in the 18th century, Fort William is a massive military fortress that once served as the headquarters of the British East India Company. Today, the fort is open to the public and offers a glimpse into Kolkata’s colonial history.
- Howrah Bridge: Completed in 1943, the Howrah Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans the Hooghly River. The bridge is a major landmark of Kolkata and is one of the busiest bridges in the world.
- Eden Gardens: Established in 1864, Eden Gardens is one of the oldest and most famous cricket grounds in India. The stadium has a capacity of over 66,000 spectators and hosts international cricket matches and other sporting events.
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Shopping:
- New Market: Located in the heart of Kolkata, New Market is a bustling market that sells a wide variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and electronics.
- Gariahat Market: Gariahat Market is another popular shopping destination in Kolkata. The market is known for its wide selection of traditional Bengali handicrafts and textiles.
- South City Mall: South City Mall is a modern shopping mall that houses a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The mall is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike.