Bombay weather is characteristically similar through out the year, with little and almost insignificant temperature fluctuations between seasons. Influenced as it is by the city’s proximity to the Indian Ocean as well as its geographical position in the tropical zone, Bombay weather is also defined by the large levels of humidity it observes through out the year. To best way to identify the little variations that punctuate patterns of the weather in Bombay –also known as Mumbai - is to divide the year in the three dominating seasons: namely winters (November-February), summers (March-May) and monsoons (June-September). Weather during these periods is hot, humid and very humid respectively.
June to September
The monsoon season in the Indian Ocean usually commences in June, running all the way through September. Although monsoons seasons are usually associated with ferocious rainfalls, the nature of Bombay weather is such that these outbursts do not possess any great levels of unremitting attributes. As a matter prolonged periods without any rain fall are to be expected, as the skies open up for approximately only seven days during the three month period. The monsoon season in Bombay is also tempered by heavy westerly winds, making the sea rough and choppy, therefore unsuitable for boats and sailing.
September and October
As mentioned earlier Bombay weather is divided in three distinctive periods. However there is also a short period of transition roughly set between September and October. During these two months weather in Bombay becomes increasingly uncomfortable, as high humidity levels influence the already high temperatures, making them even harder to bear. Interestingly, the term “Indian Summer” so often used - especially in literature - has its roots in this transitional period between the monsoon season and the prevailing conditions of the early summer period. As the ferocious monsoon winds are notable by their absence, the breezes return to the much more favourable conditions of the diurnal land and sea breeze pattern characteristic of coastal cities. At long last, sailing can commence freely.
November to February
The arrival of November also marks the begging of a drop in both temperatures and humidity levels alike, their low points reached somewhere between late December and early January. Understandably, this four month period is considered to be the most pleasant and Bombay weather is at its finest. Temperatures retain their pleasant attributes all the way through the end of February and the sea is at its calmest allowing competitive sailing to take place.
March to May
By March though, Bombay weather begins its quick descent to much higher temperatures and by April humidity levels are so high, they become discomforting. Towards the end of May monsoon season takes its first steps towards total dominance over the Bombay landscape, with the first drops of rain providing some much needed relief. By the end of the month monsoon season has well and truly arrived, its wind mudding the coast waters.
Now it’s a good time for boat owners to secure their boats and shield them from the monsoon onslaught that’s about to commence.
